All posts by deelatWP

Basement Renovation Ideas and Tips

When the square footage of a house begins to feel inadequate, many homeowners take on a basement renovation project as a way to expand their living space.  A basement space can be transformed from a dusty, cluttered wasteland into office space, a play area for children, an in-law suite for visiting relatives, or just a nice bonus room for the family.

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However, it’s a costly and complicated procedure that requires the right know-how and the proper tools.  Below are some of our top tips for basement development or renovation:

ASSESS THE SITUATION

The first important step is to do proper measurements and checks to make sure you have the correct dimensions and that you are aware of any potential problems.  For example, you may need an infrared thermometer to detect temperature troubles with leaky pipes, etc.  You may also require a carbon monoxide meter, an insulation tester, or a humidity meter to truly assess the situation.

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basement 4SKU #D1151557 

FIND YOUR PURPOSE

If you are intending to use the basement for family members as living space, you’ll need a full or half bath to accommodate them.  Thus, plan to run the new PVC pipe behind a new wall before it is nailed into place.  If you are setting up a bonus room for your family to enjoy, forget plumbing and focus on a thick carpet and heat-resistant padding.  If your basement will become a playroom for the kids, carpet tiles or playground tiles might be all you need.

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GET THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB

You will most likely end up using almost every kind of tool imaginable, so stock up on the following to be fully prepared:  screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, socket sets, saws and blades, and vises.  Depending on how elaborate your renovation is, you may also require a demolition hammer to break up concrete or a drill and rotary hammer to drill through it.

basement 5 SKU #D1140505

STAY WARM

One of the main issues you can have with a basement conversion is that it can seem cooler than the rest of your house, so you need to make sure you have the right flooring or carpeting to help it feel more welcoming.  However, if you install an in-floor heating system to keep the basement warm, skip the thick carpeting and heat-resistant padding as they will impair the efficiency of the in-floor heating system.  Furthermore, you will most certainly need to insulate your basement walls; foam panel insulation is the easiest type to install for this application.

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Deelat Industrial offers a wide selection of essential basement renovation materials and items that will help complete your next project! We’ve got you covered with quality products at low, affordable prices. Shop with us today and save!  

Tips for Building a New Backyard Deck or Patio

There is a deck or patio to fit your home, lifestyle and budget whether you’re planning a modest retreat or an elaborate space built for outdoor entertaining.  The following are a few tips to think about before planning to build a deck or patio.

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Deck:

Invest in good screws.  Stainless steel or coated screws made for pressure treated wood will resist corrosion.

Your primary material options are wood, vinyl or composite.  Wood is the most attractive aesthetically, but it must be treated periodically or it will rot.  Vinyl decking will last forever without maintenance, but it looks like plastic.  Composite decking offers the look of real wood with the longevity of a completely synthetic material.  Vinyl and composite decking costs more than wood.

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You don’t have to go with the commonplace railing and spindles that accompany most decks.  Deck railings can be made from vinyl, composites, glass, metal and cabling.

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According to your building codes and depending on the height of your deck, you may not need a railing at all.

Incorporate advanced features into your deck, like lighting, planters, a fan and/or a built-in bench and even a sound system.  Deelat sells a wide range of solar lighting products for deck structures, including post cap, wall and pedestal-mounted accent, and step lights.

deck 1 SKU #D1151543

Patio:

Construct a base for the patio from sand and gravel, or concrete.  Generally speaking, the base should be from 6 to 8 inches deep.

A patio should have edging to keep weeds and overgrown grass at bay.  Edging can be made of bricks, gravel, cement blocks or stones.  Furthermore, a patio can be edged with flower beds.

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Lights should be used to make the patio an inviting place.  Solar landscape lights can be used to demarcate the path to the patio as well as its perimeter.

deck 6  SKU #D1173516

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In addition to solar powered lights, Deelat offers BBQ grills and picnic tables that can be used on either decks or patios.  If you need to cook skewered foods such as meats and vegetables in large numbers, the BBQ Grill with rotary skewers (D1774580) is designed to ensure even cooking.  Deelat’s synthetic wood picnic table may be the perfect match to your deck’s stain color.

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Deelat.com has a wide selection of outdoor deck and patio accessories to help you plan your next project.  We’ve got you covered with great prices.  Shop with us today and save!

Tips to Prepare for a Camping Trip

The great outdoors beckons many families when vacation time comes around.  Without access to television and computers, camping provides a great environment for families to spend some quality time together.

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Perhaps this is your first time camping.  Maybe you aren’t camping but roughing it away from the comfort of your own home, in a cottage or RV.  If so, you’ll want to prepare for your next trip to get the most enjoyment out of your vacation.

Here are some great tips to help make your next camping trip more enjoyable:

Sleeping

If you’re using a tent, make sure you have everything needed for assembly.  This includes tent stakes and a hammer.  You will also need a tarp for added protection during the rainy season.  Bring your sleeping bags and comfortable pillows, too.

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camping2SKU# D1065744

Eating

For your travels, pack food that you will prepare for meals, as well as snacks and plenty of water.  Insulated transport bags, food storage boxes, cooler boxes and film wrappers will all help you make sure you have the freshest food available.

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Pack cooking equipment and utensils such as a camping stove, pots, pans, dishes, cups, silverware, spatulas, tongs, can openers and oven mitts.  Remember to include trash bags, dish towels and dish washing liquid for clean-up.

Lighting

If you’re going somewhere with reliable sunshine during the day, a good idea would be to bring solar powered lights so you don’t need to think about powering them.  Also, bring handheld flashlights and extra batteries.

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Pest Control

Insect repelent, fly swatters and a bug zapper can help keep your camp insect-free.

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Emergencies

When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s not easy to get medical attention quickly.  Thus, a first aid kit is absolutely essential to have everything you need for most injuries.

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Don’t Forget the Fun!

If you like mountain biking just pick up a bike carrier and you’re all set.  Grab a heavy duty raft for the entire family if everyone is in for some white water rafting.  Just because you’re roughing it outdoors, doesn’t mean you have to leave all your toys at home!

 

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When it comes to outdoor essentials, Deelat.com is the place to look! We’ve got you covered with quality products at low, affordable prices. Shop with us today and save!

Hiking Safety Tips and Essential Items to Take on Your Trip

When the weather is nice, a hike into the countryside is a perfect way to find peace, relaxation and a taste of the natural world.  It’s also excellent exercise, and burns lots of calories while filling your lungs with fresh air.

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When preparing for a hike, it can be tempting to pack lots of supplies.  Remember though, that you’ll have to carry everything on your back, which can weigh you down and tire you out quickly.  Also, you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, which can make it more of a physical challenge.  Thus, it is important to pack the essentials before choosing to bring any optional equipment.

Essential Items

Water:  Get the largest water bottle you can find.  Lugging it up a mountain is hard, but struggling through a hike while dehydrated is dangerous.

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First Aid:  Hiking done right shouldn’t be a dangerous activity, but things can go wrong for anyone at any time.  Have a first aid kit on hand, and add anything to it that you require (e.g. epinephrine, medications, etc.)

hiking2     SKU# D1150858

GPS:  Deelat offers GPS watches that can pinpoint your location. The watches are waterproof and are powered using a rechargeable battery.  Having a physical map is also a good idea.

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Food:  If you are going on an all-day hike, you’ll need to eat to help replenish your energy.  Film-wrapped sandwiches, granola bars, veggies and fruit are a good choice. You can also fill storage containers and insulated transport bags with food as well.

hiking4SKU# D1166447

Optional Equipment

-Pocket knife

-Firestarter

-Sunscreen

-Insect spray/repellant

-Guidebook

-Waterproof backpack

-Waterproof boots or shoes

-Waterproof socks

-A lightweight jacket

-Waterproof poncho

-Head coverings, hat, and/or sunglasses (for protection from the sun)

-Canvas Water Resistant Tarp with stakes and rope/bungee cords (for shelter)

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Other Tips:

Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.

Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip and make sure everyone in your party knows what to do if there is a medical emergency.

An all-day hike is not suitable for the first time hiker or someone who is not in the greatest of shape.

To minimize your chance of injury or problems such as leg cramps, drink water and stretch before beginning your hike.

Once your hike is complete, be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate and stretch as soon as possible to speed up your recovery.

 

Deelat Industrial has plenty of essential items to help you prepare for your next summer hiking trip. We’ve got you covered with quality products at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!

Kitchen Renovation Project Tips

Kitchens need to serve the dual purpose of both food production and comfort, particularly in smaller homes where there may not be many other communal rooms.

If you happen to be thinking of renovating your kitchen, integrate these thoughtful tips to create a space that is functional and easy to work and live in.

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Give Yourself Some Room

The kitchen is a high traffic area, so get the layout right.  Paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide.  Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration.  Keep the stovetop out of busy areas so that people don’t bump into boiling pots.  Conversely, put the refrigerator in a place where both the cooks and the bystanders can reach for a cold one.

Another thing that needs the right layout is your sink.  Do you want a single or a double?  Make sure you set it at an appropriate height based on what is comfortable for you.

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Arrange the Range

With a shelf placed behind or beside the range, you can keep all of your cooking oils, utensils, and spices nearby and organized.  Place hooks on the side of the range hood to hang frequently used pots and pans.

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Clear a Space

Do you really want your microwave on the counter top, taking up space and requiring you to bend over to look inside?  Free up that space with a dedicated shelf for the microwave.  Consider the appliances you want on the counter top and give them plenty of room so that they may be used appropriately.  Now is the time to set up a proper place for that steam espresso machine, if that’s your thing.

kitchen 2  SKU #D1158932

Match Colors

Make it look like you put some thought into the details.  If red accent walls are popular, why not tie that in with your appliances?  You might be able to find a blender, a juicer, a toaster, a swift chopper and a meat grinder all in the same shade of red!

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Get the Experts In!

Kitchens are too important to get wrong.  If you end up with a kitchen renovation disaster because you haven’t consulted any planners or designers or have attempted to do it all yourself without the right expertise or tools, you’ll get bored of take-out very quickly. So make sure you at least run your ideas past someone who knows what they’re talking about.

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For kitchen building materials and food service items, check out everything there is to offer at Deelat.com.  We’ve got you covered with quality products at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!