ASK THE
experts
Our team of experts answers your home-improvement questions
Q
I’m getting a puppy soon, but I’m a bit worried about the suitability of my garden. How can I dog-proof it? Denise Temperton, York
lily of the valley. But there are hazardous plants and bulbs that appear throughout the seasons, so it’s worth doing your homework to make sure your borders and plots are free from these. Many pesticides can be toxic to pets too, so try switching to a natural pest-control before your puppy arrives home. Puppies love to investigate Nina Downing, Vet Nurse ponds, so make sure any water at PDSA, says… You’re features have a secure covering that wise to be thinking about the safety they can’t slip under, and ensure of your garden for your new fourthey are supervised when playing legged friend. Our gardens may in the garden. Secure the garden look beautiful, but they can be full perimeter with a strong fence to of potential hazards. Plants to avoid keep your pet safely enclosed. during the summer include elder, Ideally, it needs to be tall and stable foxglove, geraniums, hydrangeas, enough that your dog can’t jump nightshade, rhubarb, tulips and over it or dig under it.
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Any tips for laying a porcelain tile floor? I’ve done a wall in ceramic tiles before, but I’ve heard porcelain is trickier! Joanna Marshall, Teesside Abbas Youssefi, Co-Founder at Porcelain Superstore, says… When it comes to laying tiles, porcelain can be a little more challenging than ceramic, so if you can afford to, hire a professional for a seamless result. If you want to do it yourself, preparation is key. Ensure your sub-floor – the timber or concrete you’re tiling onto – is completely stable and flat. Hire a dedicated tile cutter if you don’t already have one. A dry cutter is perfect for quick, straight cuts with no mess, while a wet cutter is suited for trickier cuts. Buy diamond-tipped blades for flawless cuts. Start tiling in the centre of the room and work out towards the walls. Check each tile with a spirit level and use a rubber mallet to level. Opt for a slow-setting adhesive to give you more working time and refit any tiles you’re unhappy with. And make sure to wear knee-pads – you’ll thank us later!
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I’d like to get a fireplace installed for winter, but I’m worried about the kids’ safety. What do you recommend? Jenny Paxton, Poole Vicky Naylor, General Manager at ACR Stoves, says… We always recommend that a child-guard is fitted in any installation where children are present. Stoves, like any heat source, will get hot, so care should be taken to ensure that little fingers can’t touch the hot surfaces. It’s worth considering an electric stove as these don’t get E-NE03C hot to the touch, so are less of a hazard in that electric stove, respect, but care must still be taken to ensure £1,135, that children can’t get close to the blower heater ACR and that they don’t stick anything into the heater, Stoves such as crayons. Always make sure your child is supervised when around the fireplace. At ACR, our electric stoves have been equipped with advanced technology, including a realistic LED 3D holographic flame projection. These stoves come with thermostatic control and the convenience of a seven-day timer, all adjustable from the programmable remote control. The stove can also be set for the flame effect only, with no heat when children are around.
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