Home Improvement Guide 2013

2013 SUMNER COUNTY

Home Improvement Guide An exclusive publication of the Gallatin News Examiner and the Hendersonville Star News

Old furniture can give new look Repurposed, restored pieces offer quality, character and stories

By Dessislava Yankova Sumner County Publications

If vintage furniture could speak, there is no knowing the stories it would tell.

That’s something to keep in mind as spring unfolds and the time is right to rejuvenate the house with a piece of aged or repurposed furniture that will resonate quality and give the home a new look, local experts say.

“Furniture from the past has so much history, character, style and a story,” said Gina Gann, owner of Junk 'N' The Trunk in Gallatin, which offers vintage and repurposed furniture and décor in addition to custom work. “Remember that bed you

slept in, or that table you ate on as a child in your grandparents’ house?”

Perhaps such a piece was passed down through generations of family but doesn’t quite fit with what’s currently in the home. That’s not a problem but rather an opportunity for a creative project, which is exactly what Gann’s husband, Jeff, sees in an old bed. The skilled carpenter took an old bed and transformed it into a bench with a distressed look in one of the store’s most popular colors: kiwi-kissed green.

“You can use it for extra seating in your living room or at the entrance of your house to sit and put shoes on, and you can store seasonal items un-

derneath it such as hats, gloves, scarves, shoes and the dog’s leash,” Gina Gann said.

In late March, Clift Slaughter bought the bench for his 10-year-old daughter Molly, who saw the piece and liked that it had been repurposed.

Molly plans to place the bench at the end of her bed.

“She’s trying to revamp her room, which has had the same furniture since she was 4 years old, so it’s time for a change,” Slaughter said.

‘From trash to treasure’ An old table still usable but worn by time can find new life with a little elbow grease. Jeff Gann found one such table in a barn and though it looked be-

» NEW LOOK, 2C

Gallatin historian Kenneth Thomson stands next to his 1835 Tennessee bench-made cherry wood sideboard. DESSISLAVA YANKOVA/SUMNER COUNTY PUBLICATIONS

GUEST COLUMN

Spring cleaning a task that really matters

THERESA ALLAN

My grandmother was always about spring cleaning and that was a major, major deal, which many years meant repainting a room or wallpapering.

I remember how she managed to paper ceilings with homemade paste and a broom. All the rugs were aired outside and beaten. Curtains were

taken down and washed.

Spring cleaning was a big deal and a lot of work. But remember, back then homes were heated with coal, oil and/or wood.

Thank goodness today’s centrally heated homes don’t collect that intensity of dirt, but still somehow the winter dingies seem to creep inside.

Spring instinctually

makes us want everything to look fresh and bright again. Here are some suggestions for your 2013 cleaning process.

Clear it out: Start by getting rid of the things that are needlessly filling up your home. » Recycle. Many people still prefer print newss over the online ver-

sion. Gather up any newspapers and toss them in the recycle center. Donate magazines to senior living centers, and some schools use them for art projects. » Sell. Having a garage/yard sale or taking items to consignment shops is a great way to rid items in excellent condition that you no longer

need. » Donate. Give to community organizations such as Neighborhood Help Centers, Home Safe or Good Will. Many churches also have a clothes closet to help others. Many times you can receive a receipt for your tax purposes.

» ALLAN, 4C

2013 Spring Home Improvement Guide The 2013 Spring Home Improvement Guide is published by The Tennessean and Sumner County Publications as a team effort involving the staffs of the Gallatin News Examiner, Hendersonville Star News and Sumner A.M.

General Manager/Editor: Mike Towle Editors: Sarah Kingsbury, Alexander Quinones Reporters: Jennifer Easton, Tena Lee, Sherry Mitchell,

Dessislava Yankova, Josh Cross, Ken Atkinson Guest columnists: Theresa Allan, Bob Ary Retail ad manager: Robyn Williams

Advertising sales: David Ford, Jenn Peden, Christopher Ladd, Lindsey Patton, Emily Anderson, David Ford Office manager: Kimberly Blount

Set up full home entertainment center for family use

By Alexander Quinones Sumner County Publications

Setting up a home entertainment center is serious business. After the kitchen, families probably spend most of their time in the living room watching TV. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a spare room that you can convert into a dedicated entertainment room.

Bruce Boling, from Hendersonville-based The Home Pros, which specializes in preventative maintenance and renovations, was recently creating a bonus room for a family in Cross Plains.

He said whether your setup will be large or small, it helps to plan it out.

LCD versus plasma The biggest cost will probably be the TV. Truth

be told, gone are the days of the “tube.” Modern TVs are sleek and thin. The prices have also come down in recent years.

There are still a lot of terms flying around that might not be clear.

The most popular types of TVs are LCD and plasma sets. Briefly, LCD displays use liquid crystals made up of three smaller color dots (red, green, blue) to create color at each point. Plasma sets use electrically charged gas plasma cells to display the image. Plasma TVs are usually more expensive than LCD TVs, but it’s not a simple case of one is better than the other because it’s more expensive.

LCD TVs work better in rooms with lots of lighting and windows, while plasma screens work better in dimly lit rooms.

Plasma TVs do offer more

Bruce Boling stands in the bonus room he was setting up for his client. SUBMITTED

of a cinema feel because of their fluid motion and true-to-life colors.

Mounting the set, cables The idea of hanging your TV, which cost hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands, on the wall can seem worrisome. While the task may be daunting, the results will give you a cleaner, more profession-

al look than just putting the set on a table.

The simplest solution is to buy a mounting kit (and follow the directions). You’ll want to find the studs behind the wall and anchor the brackets to them.

As you add pieces to your entertainment system, you’ll start noticing that cables start adding up. Use cable ties to give the setup a clean look, or a professional can help you run wires behind the wall for the cleanest look possible.

Turn up the sound For a truly immersive experience, you’ll want to add a surround sound system.

“It does make a big difference if you’re watching a movie and you have the sounds coming from behind you, as opposed to

having it come from behind the TV set,” Boling said. “It does give it that movie theater effect.”

If you want to avoid having cables running all around you, there are wireless speaker sets you can buy.

about what they might like in an entertainment center. Reach a compromise between what they want and what you think is acceptable. Some gaming systems like Wii even have games the whole family can enjoy.

Cater to the kids

Family fun

If you have children, an inclination might be to ban video games from the house. Boling said, however, a lot of parents are now seeing the benefits of setting up an entertainment system that includes a gaming system.

“I’ve heard a couple of people saying that they would rather have their kids playing, and their neighbor’s kids playing, at their house than wonder where their children are,” he said.

Boling recommends talking with your children

The cost of setting up an entertainment system may at times seem high — depending on what you get — but a good entertainment center will bring the family together. Boling, a family man himself, said he treasures moments like watching a movie together with his two daughters.

“For me personally, anything I can do to get a chance to spend time (with my daughters), it’s probably worth,” he said.

Contact Bruce Boling at 590-7991.

Gallatin historian restores most of his antique Tennessee wooden furniture »NEW LOOK FROM 1C yond repair at the time, it is now a unique piece of furniture. Gann replaced the top with an antique white door creating a table that offers a whole new dining experience.

“The only thing that’s new on it is the skirt and the screws; that’s it,” he said. “Everything else is repurposed. We take trash and make treasures.”

The table’s new top could also be custom

styled and personalized.

“It can be painted or have glass put on the top,” Gina Gann said. “We suggest under the glass people put black and white photos of the family members who passed it on, or Christmas cards or postcards of places you’ve been. Keep those memories alive and with you always. There’s no telling how many people have gone through this door.”

A vintage furniture piece, however, doesn’t

2 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • April 12, 2013

have to be repurposed with the skills of a carpenter. With a few simple instructions and materials sold at most hardware stores, restoration can be a viable solution for any enthusiast.

Gallatin historian Kenneth Thomson Jr. has restored 95 percent of his antique furniture. One of his favorite pieces is an 1835 bench-made cherry wood sideboard custom made for his family in Gallatin.

“You store your china, silver, linens and wine in it,” Thomson said. “The servants served the table from the sideboard.”

Antique furniture, Thomson said, is usually of better quality than modern-day furniture, which in turns gives a higher-quality look to a home. Older furniture, particularly pre-1900s pieces, were made out of wood from trees 15 to 18 feet in diameter growing in forests that were cut

down in the 1890s and early 1900s.

“When you made a small table or a chest, you made it out of one board,” Thomson said. “Now, they take four or five boards to make one piece of furniture, which is not desirable.”

Investing in vintage furniture can be a good investment, too. In Tennessee, and Sumner County particularly, cherry and walnut trees were considered the most valuable be-

cause of their colorful red and brown tones. Poplar was also considered valuable but was secondary and mostly used for linings of drawers and kitchen furniture.

“If you compare the prices of new furniture to the antique, you can find antique quality furniture for a lesser price,” Thomson said. “Also, while new furniture depreciates, old furniture appreciates because of its quality.”

April 12, 2013 • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 3

GUEST COLUMN

Grow your own veggies at home with ease

BOB ARY

Each spring I receive more calls than ever from people interested in growing vegetables in a home garden.

Homeowners want to experience the joy of growing and eating fresh vegetables they grew themselves.

Vegetable gardens should be placed in an

area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day – eight or more hours of sunlight is even better.

A 1,000-square-foot garden can produce most of the vegetables for two people for one year.

For homeowners with limited space, growing vegetables in raised beds or in containers might be best. Gardeners should plan ahead to be prepared for planting desired vegetables at the correct time.

Different vegetables also have different space requirements, and enough space should be provided for plants to achieve maximum production.

Select varieties recommended for our area.

Many people are growing heirloom varieties as well

as hybrid varieties. Gardeners enjoy the flavor of many heirloom vegetables, even though heirloom varieties might not have the disease resistance of hybrid varieties.

Always purchase healthy transplants.

Tennessee’s long growing season provides three periods for producing a variety of vegetables.

Many cool-season crops such as salad greens, Irish potatoes, broccoli, and several other vegetables may be planted in February and March. Warmseason vegetables – including tomatoes, peppers, beans, and squash – may be planted when the danger of frost is past.

Warm-season vegetables do best when planted in

May and June.

Vegetable gardeners may continue production with additional plantings in July, August and September for a fall garden.

A complete fertilizer, such as 6-12-12 or 10-10-10, is required for vegetable gardens for healthy growth and development of plants. Gardeners should have the soil tested to determine the amount of fertilizer and lime needed before planting begins. UT Extension provides the service for a fee of $10 per sample. Organic fertilizers are also available.

Vegetable crops need one to one and one-half inches of water per week.

Gardeners should be prepared to water vegetables

as needed during extended dry periods for plants to remain healthy and productive. Watering with soaker hoses works well.

Vegetables may need insect, disease and weed control. Weeds compete with vegetables for water, nutrients and sunlight. Insects and diseases reduce the amount and the quality of vegetables produced.

Want more information? Everyone is invited to attend a “From the Garden to the Table” program provided by UT Extension in Sumner County on April 20. Call 452-1423 to register.

Bob Ary is an extension agent at UT Extension, Sumner County.

Don’t hesitate to enlist help for cleaning chores »ALLAN FROM 1C Inventory your supplies: Before you start cleaning, be sure you have all the necessary supplies onhand. The basics should include an all-purpose powder or liquid cleaner, an abrasive cleaner (to remove heavy amounts of soil in small areas), a nonabrasive cleaner (for gentle cleaning on easily

scratched surfaces, including porcelain sinks and ceramic tile), chlorine bleach, glass cleaner, furniture-dusting product (such as spray and a clean cloth, or a microfiber cloth, mitt or duster) and toilet bowl cleaner.

Check your supply of vacuum cleaner bags and trash bags. You may also need to add cleaners specific to your surfaces,

such as metal polishes and granite cleaners.

Make a plan: Some people find it more effective to clean one room at a time. Others prefer to group tasks, such as cleaning all the windows at once or leaving all the vacuuming until the end. » Prioritize. If one room at a time is your style, decide on the order.

If time is limited first do

the rooms that need the most work. » Consider the big stuff. Do the curtains need to be laundered?

What about comforters, blankets, bed skirts, slipcovers, shower curtains, draperies and area rugs?

Once these items are removed, it’s easier to tackle the rest of the space.

Recruit help: It’s not necessary to do everything yourself. » Enlist family members. You have to ask, and don’t assume they are going to volunteer. But assign tasks according to age and ability. Establish a Spring Cleaning Day and make it fun. » Invite friends. » Call in professionals, if your budget allows.

Theresa Allan is family & consumer sciences educator with the University of Tennessee, Sumner County Extension. Contact her at tallan@utk.edu.

4 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • April 12, 2013

April 12, 2013 • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 5

Tips to help storm-proof your home year-round

By Josh Cross Sumner County Publications

When it comes to severe weather, one of the most important things in being prepared is to know about a possible severe weather event before it happens.

While the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is on the lookout for severe weather events throughout the year, spokesman Dean Flener said the agency begins talking about severe weather preparedness in February.

“You can’t wait until the flood is in your yard to get ready for it,” Flener said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that

6 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • April 12, 2013

FEMA BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT » Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation » Food, at least a threeday supply of non-perishable food » Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both » Flashlight and extra batteries

each household have a basic emergency supply kit in their home in case of severe weather.

One important item to have in order to be ready for an emergency is a battery-powered National Oceanic Atmospheric Ad-

» First aid kit » Whistle to signal for help » Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place » Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation » Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities » Can opener for food » Local maps

ministration (NOAA) weather radio in case power goes out and you cannot access the radio or television, Flener said.

“When you think about being prepared, the most

» STORMS, 7C

Family planning is a must »STORMS FROM 6C important thing is to be able to access and have access to information,” he said.

In addition to having extra water and food supplies, Flener also suggests making sure you have enough medication to last three to five days as well as extra cash or traveler’s checks in case local ATMs are down.

“One of the things we also advise families to do is sit down and talk with each other about what you need to do in case of severe weather,” he said.

“Talk about where you would go in your house if something were to happen and you needed to take shelter.”

Severe weather events can also occur when a family is separated or not at home. Flener suggests having a designated family friend or someone out of town that everyone can check in with and relay messages between. It is good to agree on a location to meet in case you get separated during a disaster.

TEMA also has a free smartphone application called “ReadyTN” that is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The location-based app not only can give users current weather information, road conditions and shelter locations, but it includes a checklist to help build your own disaster kit. “(The app) is just another information point for people to use to have situational information about the weather around them, road conditions and also to know what to do to be ready for the next disaster,” Flener said.

Home owners are increasingly turning to storm shelters and safe rooms for their homes. Pictured is one by Providence Safe Rooms installed in a home being built.

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Additional measures For additional protection in case of a tornado or severe weather, a storm shelter or safe room provides additional security.

Cindy Anderson, coowner of Providence Safe Rooms, said she has seen heightened interest in safe rooms in the past two-and-a-half years that

the Old Hickory business has been open.

The solid steel enclosure is mounted to concrete and can withstand an EF-5 tornado. While the safe room can be placed anywhere in a house under construction, existing homes can typically have one added in the garage.

“Many people are still not aware that there is another option outside of go-

ing into a hole in the floor or going out into the weather to escape a weather event,” she said.

“Therefore, you’re more likely to use it instead of waiting until the last minute.”

The most commonly sold safe room sizes are 4 feet by 6 feet, which can hold four to six people, and 4 feet by 8 feet, which can hold six to eight people. Anderson said the safe room is wheelchair and walker accessible, with no steps or ladders involved for entry/exit.

Homeowners should also inspect trees on their property . When tornadoes ripped through Sumner County on Jan. 30, Jeff Herder, owner of Herder Tree Service, said he got his first call at 3:30 a.m. and the phone continued ringing all day.

The best pre-emptive measure a homeowner can take when it comes to trees, Herder said, is to have them pruned instead of topped, which is not

healthy for the tree.

“A tree is not dangerous because of the height; it’s dangerous because it gets so full of foliage and everything that it can catch wind,” he said. “It’s like a kite; if you punch a bunch of holes in it, it’s not going to fly.”

Herder also said that even if a tree is not close to your house it can still cause damage.

“I’ve seen them spear into roofs from a faraway tree ,” he said.

While having a tree pruned does not guarantee it from falling, Herder said he wishes more people would take steps to help their chances of not having a tree fall in severe weather.

“Anything can happen, of course, but on the other side of it you’re still going to get a much better appearance, better yard growth from letting more sunlight in and you’re not going to be picking sticks up every weekend,” he said.

April 12, 2013 • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 7

When updating, a little money can go a long way

By Tena Lee Sumner County Publications

Thinking about putting that tax refund check back into your home? Local interior design and home improvement experts say a little extra money might go further than you think when it comes to updating an older home.

“Of course a fresh coat of paint can go a long way,” said Natalie Burdette, who has owned her Ms. Fixit home repair business since 2011.

Burdette says there are several things a home owner can do both inside and out to update or freshen the look of an older home without turning it into an expensive remodeling project.

For example, one can replace carpeting in a room or two relatively in-

expensively. Wall paper is also making a comeback, she said.

In newer homes, many of the amenities are up higher, according to Burdette. As a way of updating, a lot of people are replacing things such as vanities and even toilets with higher or taller fixtures. Burdette said one can replace a toilet, for example, for around $175.

Even changing the knobs on cabinets, a relatively inexpensive endeavor, can help change the look of a room, she says. So, too, can updating light fixtures throughout the home.

If your older home has the recessed lights once popular 20 years ago, Karen Snyder, an interior design consultant and owner of Metal and Petals in Hendersonville, suggests removing the lights and

8 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • April 12, 2013

Karen Snyder of Metal and Petals in Hendersonville showcases an antique piece she painted with Annie Sloan chalk paint. TENA LEE/SUMNER COUNTY PUBLICATIONS

covering the holes with ceiling medallions readily available at a home improvement store such as Lowe’s. Snyder would then paint the medallions with a base color that matches the room.

Snyder also suggests painting the ceiling of a room in a shade lighter than the walls to freshen it

up.

For those thinking about a color make-over in general, Snyder says many are painting the interior of their homes with some variation of gold.

Her favorite is Blonde by Sherwin Williams, a warm versatile color.

Snyder also suggests a trick for creating the illu-

sion of expensive crown molding. Install two-inch molding, leave a gap of several inches, and then install a smaller size molding. Paint the whole area one color and it looks like one thick area of molding, she said.

Furniture can be updated with a fresh coat of paint as well. Snyder showcases several antique pieces in her store that have been painted with one of the latest crazes in home decorating -- Annie Sloan chalk paint. While the paint itself might seem pricey, a little bit goes a long way.

And when you subtract the headaches of stripping and sanding once associated with such an endeavor, it turns out to be a trendy and even economical way to update tired, older pieces.

Painting isn’t the only

way furniture can be transformed, she notes.

She also suggests turning older dressers into, say, a vanity by placing a vessel sink in it. Or turning a door into a table. She has even taken a dresser and turned it into a bench.

Burdette, who has been in the home construction business for over 20 years, adds that several things can be done outside of the home as well to update and freshen up an older home.

From sealing or pressure washing a driveway to adding fresh mulch and trimming up trees and bushes, Burdette suggests several projects that might take a little time and energy, but prove to be fruitful when updating one’s home on a tight budget.

Police offer inexpensive ways to improve security

By Sarah Kingsbury Sumner County Publications

Every year hundreds of Sumner County homes are burglarized, but police say there are simple changes many residents can make to avoid becoming the next victim.

Gallatin Police Department Officer Bill Storment recommends starting a security assessment with the outside of the home: look for trees, bushes or any type of object or landscaping around windows or doors that would offer cover for a would-be burglar. When planting shrubs, keep in mind how high they will grow and either keep them trimmed or go with something smaller.

“Someone that wants to break into your house can hide behind bushes and wait for it to be clear to

break a window and get in,” he said.

Lighting is also important. Make sure the perimeter of the home is adequately lit. Hendersonville Police Department Detective Sgt. Jim Vaughn recommends motion lights as a theft deterrent.

“If someone is prowling around outside your house and a light comes on, typically they’ll run away,” Vaughn said.

Make sure windows don’t easily display valuable items like televisions, jewelry or computers that might lure criminals. Take a walk around the outside of the house to get an idea of what can be viewed from the outside looking in.

Home security doesn’t have to be expensive – sometimes the best way to prevent burglary is also

Police recommend a home security system that makes a noise loud enough for neighbors to hear.

NEWSUSA PHOTO

one of the easiest.

“I would think today most people could lock their front door, but believe it or not some people still don’t,” Storment said.

Vacation If no one will be home for an extended period of time, consider setting

lights to a timer to give the appearance that there are people inside. And before vacation, don’t forget to have a neighbor pick up the mail, or have the post office hold it until your return. Close drapes and blinds before leaving, especially in rooms with extensive electronics.

Be mindful of social media posts. Unless your account is set to private, your message to friends and family about your amazing beach getaway can also be an easy way for thieves to target an empty home.

For longer bouts of vacancy, such as the time it takes for an estate to be settled after the death of a homeowner, don’t cut off utilities.

Keep the lights on, prevent mail from piling up, trim back landscaping, and make sure the lawn

doesn’t become overgrown.

“Anything that gives an appearance that someone’s not there is an invitation for someone to victimize that house,” Storment said.

If you’re considering a home security system, consider your budget first. Not every alarm has to be capable of summoning police to be effective.

“Sometimes a better option is getting an alarm with an outdoor bell or alarm on it that makes a lot of noise and scares the thief off,” Storment said.

Vaughn, who called himself a “firm believer in cameras and burglar alarm systems,” agreed that at a minimum such equipment should be able to make a “very loud audible” noise when activated.

“In other words, you need something that,

when it sounds off, it alerts the neighbors and anyone inside the house,” he said.

There were 806 burglaries reported by law enforcement agencies in Sumner County to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in 2011, according to the most recent data from the state’s Statistical Analysis Center.

(Those numbers include cities that straddle two counties.)

Not included in that category are thefts from homes of outdoor property such as lawnmowers, trailers or bicycles. Avoid leaving these items in the yard or unlocked in plain view, Storment warns.

“If somebody loses their lawnmower, it’s not a burglary, it’s a larceny, but that’s as big a problem as burglary sometimes,” he said.

April 12, 2013 • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 9

Backyard pools offer cooling summer entertainment

By Sherry Mitchell Sumner County Publications

For adults, an outdoor pool is a nice getaway from the daily grind, and for the kids it’s pretty much non-stop summer fun. Whether looking to build or update an existing pool, homeowners have several options.

“We do new construction on custom gunite and vinyl liner pools, both commercial and residential,” Brian Belser, owner of CastleRock Pools in Hendersonville, said. “We also do renovations on existing pools, vinyl liner replacements and pool openings.”

Residents wanting to hit the water soon need to allow several weeks for installation, Belser said.

“The average length of time for a new pool instal-

lation is usually four to six weeks for a vinyl liner pool and six to eight weeks for a gunite pool,” Belser said.

Standard pool sizes are 14 feet by 28 feet, 16 feet by 32 feet, 18 feet by 36 feet, and 20 feet by 40 feet, Belser said.

“The sizes and shapes can be customized to each homeowner’s individual taste and preference,” Belser said. “We offer 3-D designs so that you can see your pool in real time before we even break ground for construction.”

Today’s backyard pools aren’t just rectangularshaped water holes.

Homeowners are wanting all kinds of extras, Belser said.

“Some of the more popular trends in swimming pools right now are tanning shelves – an area in-

10 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • April 12, 2013

Gunite pools like this one installed by CastleRock Pools are a popular choice, adding ambiance and serenity to any backyard space. SUBMITTED

side the perimeter of the pool that allows you to place a lawn chair in the pool and only be sitting in about 4 inches of water,” Belser said. “Other things that are popular now are benches, water features such as sheer descents or deck jets, salt systems, and LED colored lighting.”

Benefits of owning a

swimming pool are the exercise venue that it provides and the tranquility of having your own personal backyard escape.

Plus, it’s less expensive than other activities, Belser said.

“Being in the same price range as a boat or RV, there is no expense of having to buy gasoline every time you use it,” Bel-

ser said.

Each new pool comes with a salt chlorination system, a cartridge filter and a robotic automatic cleaner for vacuuming and cleaning.

“We also have automation systems which allow you to control anything on your pool from your phone or iPad,” Belser said.

CastleRock offers plans for weekly cleaning and maintenance. They also install outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and living areas.

Plants and colorful flowers can also add an inviting appeal to an outdoor pool space.

“A lot of people do containers of flowers or live plants,” said Hartley Scott, landscape architect with Long Hollow Gardens and Nursery in Gal-

latin. “We do lots of custom containers with a lot of sun-loving plants and flowers, even some tropical plants. The key is a good potting soil and fertilizer and making your different plants match with sun and water requirements.”

Scott said the main thing customers ask for in an outdoor pool is privacy.

“We do a lot of Japanese cedars and the Green Giant Arborvitae, which are pretty neat plants and grow up to 5 feet tall,” Scott said.

For more information, visit CastleRock at 242 W. Main St., Ste. 304 in Hendersonville, call 615-983-0790, or visit www.castlerockpool.com.

Visit Long Hollow Gardens at 2064 Long Hollow Pike, call 452-2666, or longhollowgardens.com.

Replacing carpet with hardwoods easier than it sounds

By Ken Atkinson For Sumner County Publications

Thinking of getting rid of your drab old carpet?

Why not a fresh new look for your living space?

With many new flooring options on the market today, brothers Mark and Scott Cain have several products to match customer needs as well as some words of wisdom for do-it-yourselfers.

“Were selling a lot of the hardwood products with the distressed look right now,” said Mark Cain, who along with his brother, Scott , owns Carpet Sales and Service Inc. in Goodlettsville.

“The disadvantage of hardwood is if you slide a piece of furniture across it, you’re gonna scratch it.

Distressed hardwood is

gonna camouflage wear and tear better. I’ve got this in my house.” Mark Cain said.

Mark Cain said one option for people with pets or floors in high-traffic areas of your home is laminate flooring, which retains the look of hardwood while offering more durability.

“I sell laminate to people who have animals because this won’t scratch,” Mark Cain said. “If you’ve got a 100-pound lab running around on this stuff, it’s not gonna bother it.

Now a real wood floor, it’s going to ruin it.”

Scott said he once had hardwood in his home but has since made the switch to laminate to accommodate his animals.

“Big dogs are gonna scratch a wood floor,”

Mark Cain demonstrates how easily laminate pieces snap together. KEN ATKINSON/FOR SUMNER COUNTY PUBLICATIONS

Scott Cain said. “I have a boxer and a Jack Russell.”

Scott and Mark both said the installation process was a lot less time consuming with laminate than with hardwood. They

also had some cautionary words for customers who decide to do it themselves.

Scott said starting a project is easy. But finishing the project, he said, might be a bit tougher

than customers think.

“Once they start it, it’s easy,” Scott said, “but once they get to a back wall or a hallway or a doorjamb, they tend to not know what to do. And a lot of times they’ll end up cutting around the doorjambs and calking it, which is a no-no.

“When you do that you’re pinning a laminate floor that’s supposed to float down. Then it has no room to expand. And when that happens your floor will buckle. So you have to leave space for it to actually expand and contract.”

Mark also had some advice for anyone starting a new flooring project in their home.

“If you’ve got halfway decent skills, you can lay most of the products we

sell,” Mark said. “ If you’re halfway decent with a knife or a saw, then you might do alright.”

Mark said one benefit of having your floor professionally installed is that most self-installers don’t have the right tools.

“When you’re in the industry you’re constantly being shown new tools,” Mark said. “If you wwnt to do it yourself, you might not have half the tools you need.”

Scott said one other benefit of having it installed verses doing it alone is the warranty.

“We’re not going to do anything that’s gonna void your warranty,” Scott Cain said. “If you install it and you have an issue, then the company won’t warranty the material.”

April 12, 2013 • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 11

12 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE • April 12, 2013