Cheap Coffee Table Ideas

A coffee table is often the centerpiece of a living room. It usually anchors the entire room by providing a place for the rest of the furniture to be centered around. Because of this, coffee tables are often expensive. When you're looking for a new coffee table, you may be discouraged when you see the price tags. However, you can find ways to get a coffee table on the cheap, whether it's from using materials you already have or being creative about some garage sale finds.

Glass Topped Table

With a thick piece of beveled glass, you can find many ways to make a cheap coffee table. You may want to use a large piece of driftwood that has been sanded so that it will lay flat on the floor and provide a solid anchor for the glass top. Or you could use pieces of log as the legs for a more rustic look. For the book lover, why not stack antique books that you've picked up at garage and estate sales and lay the piece of glass across them? Remember to buy a few rubber stoppers to secure the glass to whatever you decide to use as the base. You can change and customise the base as often as you like to change the look and feel of the room.

Crate Table

When you are out looking in antique shops ans specialty stores, you may come across old crates, some with advertisements or company names on them. These can make interesting coffee tables. Depending on the size, you can buy two or three, or just one if it is large and rectangular. Take it home and put a coat of varnish on it to seal the great writing on the sides, and then use it as a coffee table. One is easy to place, but you could put two or three together to create a large coffee table, This is a great idea if you are into antiques and your home already has an eclectic flair to it.

Toy Trunk Table

Do you kids have a toy trunk that they don't use or that could be repurposed? A brightly colored toy trunk is an ideal coffee table when it's refinished. The advantage of using an old toy trunk as a coffee table is that it's a great place to store things like magazines, remotes and even toys that you allow in the living room. Repainting a toy trunk is cheap to do, and it can add storage to a cramped living space.

How to Paint Cafe Chairs

Cafe chairs offer functional seating with a quaint, stylish aesthetic. These small chairs are usually made out of wood or metal for lasting durability. However, wood and metal surfaces require some specialized preparation before you can paint over them. If you want to paint cafe chairs, you'll need to approach the task with the right background knowledge. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Sand sleek surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper. While some cafe chairs have a matte finish, many are glossy and smooth. Sandpaper helps rough-up the surface a little bit before better paint adhesion.

2

Scrub off any rust with a wire brush and scouring pad.

3

Clean the cafe chairs with a trisodium phosphate cleanser. If you're painting a new chair, cleaning isn't necessary. Old cafe chairs, on the other hand, likely contain a layer of dirt, even if this grime isn't easily visible.

4

Spray metal cafe chairs with rust-inhibitive primer, and spray wood chairs with stain-blocking primer. Rust can quickly discolor paint if you don't seal the chairs in rust-inhibitive primer. Many types of wood, including cedar, cypress, redwood and maple, gradually stain unprimed paint over time. Wait for the primer to dry before proceeding.

5

Spray the chairs with oil-based paint. Use any sheen you want, but glossy finishes are easier to keep clean, making high-gloss a good choice for heavily used and abused chair surfaces. Hold the spray can about 12-to-14 inches away from the chair. Spray back and forth, and keep the nozzle moving to ensure a finer misting. It's better to have two thin coats than one thick coat. Allow 50-percent overlap with each pass of the spray nozzle.

6

Apply extras coat of paint if you notice any bare patches after the first coat dries. Don't sit on the chairs until the final coat has dried for at least 24 hours.

How to Set a Restaurant Table

There are as many ways to set a restaurant table as there are restaurants. Individual restaurants and restaurant chains have their own specific dictates of what they deem as "right" for their clientele. There are some general rules that most follow, however.

Instructions

1

Set the charger (if applicable) in the center of the place setting, about two inches from the edge of the table.

2

Place the appropriately folded napkin on the charger.

3

Arrange the forks on the left. The dinner fork should be closest to the plate. Work your way outward so that the smallest fork--and first to be used during the meal--will be on the outside. Place the knife blade inward; put it on the right hand side of the plate. The spoons should be placed next to it, again in order of their intended usage during the meal.

4

Put the bread plate on the left; it should be above the fork. The butter knife should be placed on the plate at an angle, and the salad plate should be placed on the left by the fork's side.

5

Place the water glass on the right. Place it above the dinner knife. The wine glass (or glasses) should be placed to the right of the water glass, once again with the intention that the first to be used for consumption being on the outer edge of the place setting. If the restaurant specializes in pairings, the servers will likely bring the glasses with each entre.

6

Bring the dessert plate, coffee cup and saucer at the meal's conclusion.

Picnic Table Design Tips

A picnic table can be a fun and functional addition to your backyard. Even if you are a novice woodworker, you can build a basic picnic table in one weekend. If you are more advanced, you can design a table that is custom built to fit your space. Whether you stick with the basics or choose a more elaborate style, you should keep a few things in mind when designing your picnic table. Does this Spark an idea?

Supplies Needed

You need wood, screws and carriage bolts to make a basic picnic table. Choose a type of wood that is resistant to rot, such as cedar, redwood or treated wood. For a larger table, use 2-by-6's for the legs and supports. Use 2-by-6's or 2-by-4's for the top and seats. The screws and carriage bolts should be resistant to rust. If you are using treated lumber, you will need screws and carriage bolts that are also resistant to the chemicals used to treat the wood.

Tools Needed

You can use a variety of tools to cut the wood. Use a chop saw or table saw to make straight cuts. Use a radial arm saw, compound miter saw, circular saw or hand saw and miter box to make both straight and angled cuts. Drill holes with a drill and an appropriately sized drill bit. Use a screwdriver or drill and driver bit to drive in the screws. You also need a sander to remove rough edges, and a square and level to align the boards correctly.

Styles

The easiest picnic table to build is the basic rectangle with attached bench seats. Make the bench seats separate from the table if you want to be able to move them. You can add a picnic table between the legs of your child's wooden play fort or make one with an attached roof for protection from the rain. You can even build a circular, hexagonal or octagonal shaped table. These types of tables require complex measurements and cuts, however, so you should only attempt them if you are confident in your woodworking skills. You can make your picnic table any size you choose, but a typical adult table is 30 to 32 inches tall with a seat height of 16 to 18 inches.

Putting it Together

For a basic picnic table, cut four legs to the desired height and miter cut each end in the same direction. Cut four table supports the width of the table top and four seat supports long enough to go from the outer edge of one seat to the outer edge of the other seat. Miter cut the bottom edges of each support. Use two legs, two table supports and two seat supports to make an A-frame, with a set of supports on each side of the legs. Line up the top of the table supports with the top of the legs. Make sure the table supports and seat supports are centered and level. Attach them with screws and carriage bolts. Lay 2-by-6 or 2-by-4 boards across the top of the A-frame legs and line up the edges. Position the legs about 8 inches from each end of the table, square them and screw in place. Use four screws per board, with one screw in each support. If you want more stability, add angled braces extending from the bottom of the table top to each leg.

How to Remove the Stand From a Panasonic TV

Panasonic flat panel televisions are packaged with a small television stand that users can attach to place the television on a flat surface. Some users, after attaching the stand, would prefer to hang the television on a wall instead. If the stand is still attached to the Panasonic TV, you cannot hang the television on the wall. Remove the stand from the TV to hang it on a wall.

Instructions

1

Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet and lay the television, screen down, on a towel. The towel helps prevent damage to the screen.

2

Remove the four retaining screws that secure the stand from the bottom of the television using the Phillips screwdriver.

3

Slide the stand out of the television. Place the stand and the screws in a safe place in the event you change your mind and decide to set up the television on the stand again. The television is now ready for hanging on a wall.

How to Greet the Customer at the Table

Greeting your customers is the first chance you get to make a good impression. You need to convey that you're happy to serve them and that they're in competent hands. Follow these steps to greet the customer at the table.

Instructions

1

Wait until your customers are seated by the host or hostess. Give them a few minutes to get settled and open their menus.

2

Approach the table once your customers are settled. Make sure they're not in the middle of a deep conversation. If they are, wait until they seem to be ready to look over the menu.

3

Greet the table by introducing yourself. Say that you'll be their server tonight.

4

Ask your customers if they'd like to hear the specials. Some people know right away what they're going to eat. Maybe they order the same thing every time they come to the restaurant and don't need to hear the list of specials.

5

Inquire about whether or not your customers would like to start off with something to drink. Some customers will automatically assume this means an alcoholic drink, but make it clear that this includes soda, juice and other beverages, too.

6

Give the customers time to look over the menu and return promptly, even if you're busy. It's very annoying to people to have to wait to place their order.

How to Buy Used Coffee Tables

A coffee table is a nice addition to most living and family rooms as well as dens and offices. Coffee tables come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit virtually any decor. Like most furniture pieces, coffee tables can be quite expensive when purchased new, but you can save money by buying used coffee tables. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide on the size and style of coffee table you'd like. If you have a rough idea of measurements, it will help to narrow your search. Likewise, if you know you want certain style specifics such as a glass top, you'll be able to focus your search.

2

Look on Craigslist for used coffee tables in your area. You can narrow your results by searching for the specific features and dimensions you want. Most postings will feature photographs of the used coffee tables for sale. You can then contact the seller with questions regarding the coffee table's condition.

3

Visit The Salvation Army and Goodwill second-hand stores in your area. Both places sell used furniture, including coffee tables. You will be able to find some seriously discounted prices at both locations.

4

Browse smaller, boutique thrift stores in your area. Even though some smaller thrift stores don't have full furniture inventories, most resell coffee tables simply due to their manageable size.

5

Keep an eye out for yard and garage sales in your neighborhood. You can often find used coffee tables at these sales. Since sellers usually want to get rid of everything at the sale you can sometimes find amazing sales, particularly toward the end of the day.

6

Look on eBay and other online auctions sites, provided you don't mind paying shipping charges. These sites all feature sellers with used coffee tables, but be careful that shipping costs aren't too high. You don't want to offset the great price with hefty shipping charges.

7

Check out local flea markets. You can often find used furniture at these markets, including used coffee tables.

Cheap Easy DIY Pool Edging Ideas

Pool edging is the lip or coping that surrounds the shape of the pool. Pool edging can vary in profile but generally follows the outline of the pool shape. The end result is an edge detail that looks similar to the edge details on a kitchen counter top---a flat surface that drops and forms an edge profile. Edge details can be plain concrete designs, concrete covered in tile or decorative stone slabs. Homeowners can decorate plain concrete pool edges after installing a pool.

Stencil the Edging

Design a stencil and apply it to the horizontal surface of the pool edge. Find pool and water images by searching coloring books and clip art. Enlarge the designs for pool side use and print them on stiff paper or card stock. Cut the shape out of the card stock and tape to clean, dry, dirt-free concrete. Apply the stencil first with a concrete paint primer and allow it to dry before applying the top coat of color. Use an indoor/outdoor concrete paint and a round stenciling brush or a sponge to apply the paint. Dab the brush or sponge on a piece of scrap cardboard to remove excess paint and then apply to the concrete. Work with no more than three colors for best visual results. Consider painting details on the stenciled image using concrete paint and an artist's paint brush over a solid color background

Build a Curve

Apply a curved tile to flat edges to create a rounder profile. This idea works best on flat, cantilevered pool edges. Use a rectangular or square tile with an arched-convex profile and a flat back. Apply to the edge using grout, just like any other ceramic tile installation. Choose a tile with a height that matches the height of the vertical pool edge for a flat, smooth grout line and transition from the pool deck. Empty the pool before beginning the process. Use a plastic drop cloth attached from the bottom of the pool edge detail, hanging down the wall and out into the pool floor to collect dropped grout easily.

Etch the Concrete

Use a Dremel tool and masonry (concrete) bit to etch designs into the concrete pool edge. Choose images that can be grouted with colored tiles and stones, and paint the interior of the etched image or leave the image as a decorative indention in the concrete. Use a stencil to outline the image onto the concrete before etching. Make sure the depth of the image allows items being placed inside to produce a flat, stumble-free surface. Practice on a concrete sample that matches what is already installed for best results. Start small---the whole edge of the pool shape does not need to be etched.

How to Install a Stand on a Sony Kdl 32L4000

The Sony Bravia KDL-32L4000 LCD digital television comes with a stand that can be attached to allow the TV to stand on a flat surface. The stand is not attached to the TV out of the box. For shipping convenience, and because some people will opt to use a wall mount for their television, the stand must be attached by the consumer. The Sony Bravis KDL-2L4000 comes with all of the hardware needed to attached the included stand.

Instructions

1

Place the stand on a surface that is level and stable.

2

Lift the TV and slide it onto the TV stand neck. The stand will hold the TV in place.

3

Align the arrow on the back of the TV to the arrow on the top of the stand.

4

Slide the television up or down until the three screw holes align on both the television and the stand.

5

Insert the three screws that came with the stand into the screw holes with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Cafe Kitchen Ideas

If you are hoping to spruce up your kitchen, then consider giving it the look and feel of a cafe. The "cafe theme" is an easy one to carry out. You may find that you already have many of the items you need to transform your kitchen space into a whimsical, sidewalk cafe. Take note of cafes that you have enjoyed visiting in the past, and use those images and memories to interpret your own version of a cafe in your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Cafe Bistro Table

Purchase a cafe bistro table, which often is made of metal and has a delicate wire look. Cafe tables are small and charming. Place solid red or gingham cushions on the bistro chairs and cover it with a white tablecloth. Place a vase full of fresh red roses or other fresh flowers on the table.

Fringed Cafe Curtains

Make your own cafe curtains, and hang them on rods above your kitchen windows. For an "old world" cafe look, consider fringed cafe curtains. According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, to achieve the look, install swing-arm rods at the top and bottom of the window frame. Measure the distance between the rods; add 12 inches to that number to get the length dimensions for the fringed panel. Add 2 inches to the length of the rod to get the number for how wide the fringed panel should be. Cut out the panels. Create fringe on the top and bottom of the panels by marking 6 inches from the top and bottom of the panel and pulling out "the threads running across the width." Hem the long sides for a more finished look, or leave them unfinished. Place the fringe in clusters and use the clusters to tie the panels to the rods.

Cafe Art

Cover your walls in cafe-themed art. Visit an online art poster dealer to select a replica of famous cafe scenes that will complement your cafe kitchen decor. Some ideas include Renoir's "The Luncheon of the Boating Party" and Van Gogh's "The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night."

Vintage Glass Bottles

Use vintage glass bottles and old wine bottles as vases and decorations in your cafe-themed kitchen. Place them on shelves to create a charming cafe feel. Create a candle holder using slim candlesticks in wine bottles; this can be the centerpiece for your bistro table instead of flowers in a vase.

How to Prioritize Tables As a Restaurant Server

Serving tables in a restaurant can be a stressful and challenging job. Maintaining a cheerful disposition while prioritizing tables is a balancing act that can take some time to master. Servers must come up with their own personal system of serving. Efficiency and organization are key in the restaurant industry for keeping customers happy. Learning how to prioritize tables is a technique that requires experience and paying attention to detail.

Instructions

1

Familiarize yourself with your designated section. At the beginning of your shift you will typically be assigned one section of the restaurant to serve. Do a walk-through of your area and anticipate any problems you may have with timing.

2

Maintain constant communication with hosts and support staff. Most restaurants will have a host seat your tables for you rotating between the other servers. Request that certain tables be seated first to help you prioritize your tables and ensure a constant flow of service.

3

Communicate with your customers as they are seated. Ask your guests questions that will determine their level of priority. For example, if one of your tables needs to be finished their meal at a certain time, you will need to accommodate them accordingly. Recommend menu items that will take less time to cook and communicate the needs of the table to kitchen staff. Tables with time restraints are first priority.

4

Serve tables with young children prior to those with only adults. Because children have less patience and can become disruptive, it is important to serve them first. Bringing food to kids first will not only keep the kids happy but will score points with the parents.

5

Read the tolerance level of your tables. Gauge the patience level of your guests and serve the ones who are relaxed last. Look for body language, interact casually with the table and determine the mood of the guests.

6

Prioritize your tables as they are seated. As much as possible, adhere to the first come, first served rule. If your tables have no other pressing needs attend to the tables in order of seating.

Sand & Water Table Ideas

Sand and water tables stimulate a variety of senses and address various skills for young children. The hands-on educational tool allows children to manipulate and explore a variety of materials placed in the table. The sensory experience increases fine motor skills, use of imagination, scientific understanding and the ability to cooperate with their peers. Sand and water tables require constant supervision, particularly with young children, as many objects placed in the table could become a choking hazard.

Container Ideas

Commercially produced sand and water tables offer a sturdy base for sensory exploration activities. These tables offer a free-standing play area with sections for the sand or other materials. Commercial sand and water tables vary in size, with most allowing at least three or four children to gather around the table at the same time. Other container options save on the budget and space. Plastic totes, bowls, baby bath tubs or dish pans work well for holding the sensory materials. These ideas provide an option for individual sand and water tables for the kids and stack easily when play time is complete.

Accessory Ideas

Accessories in the sand and water table provide tools for manipulating the materials in the table. Toy cars and trucks allow the kids to create roads and move the material around the table. Household items provide inexpensive sand table tools that encourage exploration and discovery. Ideas for household items include slotted spoons, plastic cups, empty yogurt containers, sponges, colanders, measuring cups, funnels, sponges, kitchen utensils and cookie cutters. A storage container for the sand table accessories keep all of the tools together.

Food Filler Ideas

Sand and water typically fill a sensory table for kids. Expanding the options for sensory table fillers allows for more learning opportunities in the classroom. Dry food items offer a reusable option for sensory exploration. Dry food ideas include rice, dry beans, uncooked pasta, popcorn, seeds, salt, coffee beans and cereal. Wet food items provide a different texture but should only be used for a short time to avoid mold and other contamination. Options include cooked pasta, gelatin, pudding, cooked oatmeal, mashed potatoes and the inside of a pumpkin. Young children may find themselves tempted to taste the food items, making close supervision key when food is used.

Household Filler Ideas

Household items offer an inexpensive filler for the sensory table while expanding the opportunity for learning. Items to recycle into a filler or base material include fabric scraps, shredded paper, sand paper, newspaper, straws, pebbles, balls, buttons and foil. The sensory table takes on a holiday theme by gathering related household items as fillers. Wrapping paper, bows, confetti, Easter eggs, Easter grass and holiday ornaments work well for holiday-themed sensory tables. Nature items, such as pine cones, acorns, leaves, dirt and snow, fill the table with items that allow for scientific exploration.

Water Ideas

Water combined with cups and other objects allows kids to explore its properties. Other items added to the water enhance the experience and educational value of the activity. Ice cubes, bath toys, plastic fish and boats allow kids to explore the idea of floating and sinking. A doll and washcloth provides your kids the chance to practice washing. Toy cars turn a water table into a car wash. Adding dirt to the water to create mud provides a messy and educational twist to the water table. Homemade bubble mix can be made for the water table by combining a cup of water, one-third cup of liquid dish soap and two tbsp of light corn syrup. Straws, fly swatters, pipe cleaners and hangers work well as homemade bubble blowers.

Table Settings for a Gourmet Pizza Party

Pizza is still pizza, and even gourmet pies have a casual aspect to them. Unlike college parties where even plates are shunned, gourmet pizza parties require utensils and plates for serving and eating the pie. Forget perfectly formal place settings for a gourmet pizza party. Even with gourmet ingredients, pizza is still a slightly informal food. To give a gourmet pizza party atmosphere, set up your table to resemble a corner Italian pizzeria. The table arrangement with intimate candlelight and semi-formal place settings will pair well with the semi-casual gourmet pizza served. Does this Spark an idea?

Table Covering

Instead of the white tablecloth you would use for a formal party, opt for a red checkered tablecloth, which will give the table the appearance of an Italian restaurant table. An added benefit to using a red and white table covering is that tomato sauce and wine stains will be less visible on the tablecloth than they would be on a white covering.

Place Settings

For a gourmet pizza party, your guests will not require four forks, but you should give your guests the courtesy of real plates and flatware instead of plastic or paper. Provide a salad fork and a dinner fork if you are serving salad before the pizza course. The forks are on the left side of the plate, with the salad fork on the outside and the dinner fork next to the plate. On the right side of the plate, set a dinner knife for cutting the pizza with the blade facing the plate. A wine glass and water goblet or drinking glass should be placed at the two o'clock position with respect to the plate. Place a menu card with the guest's name on it at each place setting to double as a menu and place card.

Lighting

Dim overhead lights for the party. Set taper candles inside empty Chiati bottles, or use pillar candles set on heat-proof bases. Use candles so they will burn above or below the eye level of the seated diners, and avoid scented candles to keep your pizza from tasting like a cinnamon candle. If candlelight is still too dark, set a small table lamp on a side board to provide offset lighting for the dining table without being too harsh.

Table Decorations

Table decorations are just as important for the visual enjoyment of the meal as the plate and fork are for the eating enjoyment of the pizza dinner. Set small pots of fresh Italian herbs on the table, such as basil and oregano, for a twist on more traditional flower arrangements. You can also hang travel posters or maps of Italy on your walls for an added atmospheric effect.

How to Stabilize a Dining Table

There are few things at dinner that are as annoying as a wobbly table, where there are three legs touching the ground. Luckily, this is a problem that is easily fixed. It only takes a few minutes of time and this method makes it possible to fix the table for very low cost, if any. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Make the table level

1

Lift the table off the ground slightly, so that the shorter table leg or legs are not touching the ground.

2

Push up on the underside of the table, or lift the faulty corner, with your helper holding the level on top of the table. Move the table up and down until your helper tells you that the surface of the table is completely level.

3

Continue to hold up the table once it is level, and have your helper measure the distance between the faulty leg or legs and the ground.

4

Cut cardboard inserts the same diameter and shape as that of the leg and glue those inserts together until they fill the distance between the bad leg(s) and the floor.

5

When done, measure with the level one more time to make sure your table is perfectly level and does not wobble.

How to Decorate Cafeteria Style Tables Elegantly

Decorating fold-up cafeteria-style tables for events can be an exceptional challenge, since adding elegance to seating arrangements that most people associate with seventh grade may require a bit of foresight. Even with a low budget, however, a creative touch can go a long way into livening up your tables. Keep some basic tips in mind but let your own artistic flair shine through; your guests will spend the evening far too busy discussing your stunning table arrangement to even think about junior high. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Adding Elegance to Cafeteria-Style Tables

1

Cover the stools or benches. The round plastic stools or long benches on cafeteria-style tables are an immediate reminder of a less elegant past. For stools, drape a square of cloth (3 feet by 3 feet works nicely) over the seat, and loosely tie with a piece of ribbon or silk rope to create a draped effect. A simple but clean bow makes the best statement for your tieback here. For bench-type seating, the same method may be employed, but use a long rectangle of cloth. For added flair, cut slits up both the front and back of the fabric once it has been draped, every 14 inches. Gather the segments (front and back) and tie with ribbon or rope.

2

Layer your table. Start with the tablecloth and choose colors that will complement your event's theme. Creamy white and champagne tones are timelessly elegant and go with almost any occasion or color scheme. Adding a table runner over the top of the tablecloth provides depth and texture.

3

Use multiple centerpieces. A single large centerpiece on a long cafeteria table can look clunky and off-balance, in addition to obstructing the view of guests at the middle. Employing numerous smaller focal points helps to break up the vastness of the long table and adds points of interest for guests all along its length. Every 3 to 4 feet makes for good spacing.

4

Set the table. Proper place-setting etiquette for an elegant meal dictates that silverware be layered from outside to in, in the order it will be used. Dessert utensils rest horizontally above the plates, and glasses are located on the right, just above the knives. Making sure that each place is set correctly and identically can immediately lend an air of grace to your design.

5

Add detail. Flourishes like candles, napkin rings, and chargers (plates used just for decoration beneath serving plates) enhance character and go a long way toward making a simple cafeteria table look striking and bold. Try to include multiple textures and subtle differences in color. Ribbons, glassware, flowers and even found items like stones, leaves and sticks can all be used to great effect.

How to Make a Television Stand

As televisions get larger and larger, so do the stands that hold them. Many manufacturers know this and will charge you a premium for a television stand. If you are looking for an alternative to spending a large amount on a stand, you can build one yourself for less. In fact, you can build a television stand to perfectly fit the size and shape of your house. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place a piece of the 2- by 2-feet, 11 1/4-inch wood on a flat surface so it is standing on its 2 feet, 11 1/4-inch edge. Place the piece of 2- by 4-feet piece of plywood against the outside edge to form a right angle. You should now have an "L" shape that is 3 feet by 4 feet. Make sure the angle is square and screw the pieces together.

2

Attach the other piece of 2- by 2-feet, 11 1/4-inch wood to the opposite side of the 2- by 4-feet piece. Make sure the 2- by 4-feet piece is on the outside edge of the 2- by 2-feet, 11 1/4-inch piece. Square the angle and screw the pieces together. This will form the top of the stand and the two sides.

3

Measure 1 inch from the bottom edge of the side pieces toward the center and make a mark. This is the location of the bottom of the bottom shelf. Place a piece of 3-feet, 10 1/2-inch by 2-feet plywood so the bottom of the board is at the mark you made. Screw this piece into the side. You should now have a rectangular frame.

4

Measure 1 foot, 10 7/8-inches from the edge of the other 3-feet, 10 1/2-inch board. Make a mark. Place the 2- by 2-feet 1/2 inch board at this location. This should make a "T" shape with the smaller board at the center of the longer board. Square the angle and screw the pieces together.

5

Place the "T" into the frame so the vertical part of the "T" is attached to the bottom and the horizontal parts are attached to the sides. Screw the "T" into the frame.

Olhausen Vs. Brunswick Pool Tables

The quality and expert craftsmanship is evident in every Olhausen and Brunswick billiard table built. An investment in either brand of table is usually a quality investment, and lifetime warranties on every table are provided by both companies. There are obvious differences in styles but only subtle differences in overall composition from both manufacturers.

Commercial Tables

Commercial grade competition tables, traditionally used in pool halls, are increasingly popular and are usually a company's best seller. Brunswick's Centurion, Gold Crown V and Metro are very popular and feature sturdy designs making them ideal for heavy usage. The prices of these tables range from $4,400 to $9,000 in 2009.

Olhausen's versions of competition tables include Champion Pro 2 & 3, Grand Champion 2 & 3 and the Grand Champion Waterfall. These tables are can be found in competition settings across the globe and are priced between $1,500 and $3,500.

Home Use

Both companies offer a wide variety of styles for the consumer to choose from. Tables designed for home-use are where the manufacturer really gets a chance to put mastery into their designs. Both companies offer several series of designs with prices ranging from $2,000 all the way up to $40,000 for some of Brunswick's most exclusive models. Brunswick's Traditional and Transitional Series are quite popular and relatively inexpensive with price tags ranging from $2,500 to $6,500. Olhausen's comparable Signature and Portland Series are their more popular and similarly priced series.

In terms of exclusive, top-of the-line billiards tables, Brunswick offers their European line and Olhausen offers their Select line, where prices range from upwards of $5,000.

Size

Both Brunswick and Olhausen create many types of billiards tables accessible to all. There are several sizes of tables available that customers can choose from. There are 7-foot, 8-foot, 8.5-foot and 9 foot tables that are more popular, but both companies create custom tables, if possible, specific to whatever the customer requests.

Features

Olhausen is noted for using some cloth from Hainsworth, a reputable pool table cloth company from England. Olhausen uses Accu-Fast (100% gum rubber) cushions, which are arguably some of the best cushions to have on a billiards table. In 2009, Brunswick tables are just beginning to use cushions made of 100% gum rubber, but they can also be fitted with Accu-Fast.

Both manufacturers are noted for using premium choices of wood for their tables. Both companies use woods from across the globe, but Olhausen uses wood from North America almost exclusively.

History

The J.M. Brunswick Company's version of a billiard table was born in 1845. Within ten years, John Moses Brunswick built a reputation for creating the finest tables in the world. Currently, Brunswick Billiards is headquartered in Bristol, Wisconsin, but most of the production process for Brunswick tables is handled overseas. Materials are also mostly manufactured overseas.

In 1972, Butch and Don Olhausen started their own company in San Diego, California, moving pool tables. Soon after, Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing Inc. was born. The family-owned company now operates out of Portland, Tennessee and sells around 30,000 billiards tables annually. They produce every table out of their facility in Tennessee.

How to Buy Patio Furniture

Imagine relaxing in the comfort of your own backyard, sitting pretty in a classic lawn chair or sprawling on a garden chaise. Shop smart for patio furniture, and you'll be ready for casual entertaining and spur of the moment patio picnics. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Look at the empty space on your patio, deck or out in the garden. Begin to develop a vision of chairs, benches and tables with your lifestyle in mind.

2

Measure the space and consider who will use it and for what purposes. A quiet reading nook needs different furniture than a place to host your son's baseball team.

3

Survey what's available in quality patio furniture: Surf the Internet, check decorating magazines and visit local shops. Make notes about materials, colors and styles you like.

4

Check warranties, care instructions and necessary maintenance of materials. Be sure the furniture you choose is durable and that parts will be available when you need them.

5

Decide what works for you; that's simply a combination of your wants and needs. And don't forget accessories such as side tables to hold cool drinks or a baker's rack for potted plants.

6

Know that materials convey style: Wrought iron seems Victorian, but other metals lend a 1950s retro mood. Wicker is romantic, wood feels warmly rustic and resin plastic speaks of a no-nonsense practicality.

7

Choose fabrics treated with water and stain repellants or treat them yourself before using. Plan to clean and retreat fabrics annually.

8

Keep budget in mind, but shop for value over price. Flimsy materials, complicated assemblies and delivery hassles can be costly in the long run.

9

Look for bargains in floor models, discontinued styles and pieces with minor scratches or dents at reduced prices. Consider sets that are missing a piece that you don't need or can supply, such as chair cushions.

10

Try before you buy; check out the styles you like to be sure you'll be comfortable in them. Sit on benches, loll on the chaise lounge and pull chairs up to their table to make sure you'll be comfortable all summer long.

Poolside Bar Ideas

A bar near your pool can help you create an atmosphere of playful relaxation. Whether you serve adult beverages or simply want a way to cool down inside as well as out, an outdoor bar will keep family and guests from tracking water and poolside dirt indoors when they get thirsty. If you keep alcoholic beverages in your poolside bar, always serve and drink responsibly and have at least one sober adult nearby. Does this Spark an idea?

Bamboo

Bamboo is resilient and strong -- a natural choice for the outdoors, especially near water due to its inherent water resistance. If you can't find a bamboo bar available commercially, purchase or build a basic bar frame, and create a fence of thin bamboo poles or sheets of bamboo laminate around the outside. Use thicker bamboo poles to support a lightweight awning over the bar for shade, and complete the look with bamboo cutlery, coasters, cutting boards and serving utensils. For glassware, choose tall, irregular styles reminiscent of the bamboo plant, and look for thick glass for sturdiness since the bar will be in a recreational area.

Modern Metal

Create a sleek, modern outdoor bar by using copper pipes and fittings for a frame. Top the bar with brushed aluminum or steel, bolted in place with large steel carriage bolts that fit through the copper pipe. Supply your bar with stainless steel, including brushed steel shot glasses, utensils and tumblers. Add more copper piping along the bottom of the bar frame to support a small stainless steel refrigerator. If your plumbing skills are up to it, fit the bar top with a small stainless steel sink or a copper bowl-type sink with a removable connection to your garden hose. For storage, create another copper and brushed steel frame that stands behind the bar unit with shelves for drinks and glasses. Connect the two with copper pipes for added sturdiness. The all-metal construction will weather well in most climates.

Cabana Lounge

Create a shady social space, and protect your poolside bar by setting up a large cabana near the pool. Inside, place a commercially-available fold-out bar unit that includes glass racks, bottle storage and drink preparation supplies. Set up several indoor/outdoor chaise lounges along the edges of the cabana, and add two or three metal bar stools with weather-resistant cushions in front of the bar. Stash a mini-fridge behind the bar area as well as a coffee maker or hot water kettle for warm mixed drinks to take the chill of the pool away. Line the cabana roof, inside and out, with decorative string lights for a festive atmosphere. Keep your bar well stocked with bottled water unless plumbing is available.

How High Should You Install an LCD TV & Stand?

Purchasing or upgrading to a new LCD TV can add a new dimension to your entertainment system. However, if you do not plan ahead for your new television, your viewing experience may not be up to your entertainment standards. One of the considerations before your purchase of an LCD TV and stand is your preferred height for the setup.

Deciding the Ideal Height

The perfect height for your LCD TV is subjective, so spend some time on the front end getting it right. If your TV is not at the ideal height, you may experience discomfort while watching it. For most people, the ideal height of the center of the TV will be about eye level when you are sitting and watching the television. You may prefer it a little higher or lower, but eye level is a good starting point.

Sit on your favorite chair or couch and pick a point on the wall that is about eye level. Be sure it's your typical watching position. So if you sit in a recliner, recline it if that is how you usually sit. Also consider where other people may sit while you watch TV. Mark the point on the wall and measure how far it is from the floor. This is where you want the center of the LCD TV to be.

Choosing and Adjusting a TV Stand

There are many styles of TV stands, such as hutches, credenzas and pedestals. The important consideration is whether the TV stand is adjustable. If not, make sure it will place your TV at the proper height. Be aware that the size of the TV will affect the viewing height when it is placed on the stand. TV sizes are measured diagonally, so a 42-inch LCD TV is measured from one corner to the opposite corner. The actual height of a 42-inch LCD TV screen is about 20 inches. For example, the center of a 20-inch LCD TV is about 5 inches above where the screens start, whereas the center of a 50-inch LCD TV is about 12 inches high. If the stand is adjustable, make sure it will adjust to the height you need.

When you get the stand home, place it where you want your TV. Place your TV on the stand and sit on your chair or couch to see if the viewing position is comfortable. If you have an adjustable stand, adjust it until you reach the ideal height.

How to Design a Cafe Restaurant

How to Place Food on a Restaurant Table

When serving dishes to a restaurant customer, the method of service is almost as important as the quality of the food. A guest does not wish to have the server's elbows in his face. Nor does he want fingers on his plate or around the rim of his glass. Proper table service is clean, efficient and elegant. A server should be of little note to guests unless additional assistance is needed. Practicing proper service etiquette is also good hygiene.

Instructions

Appetizers

1

Bring small appetizer plates to the table before the appetizer arrives. Bring as many plates as there are guests at the table.

2

Carry the appetizer out to the table without making contact with the top of the dish.

3

Place the appetizer in front of the guest who ordered it. Serve from the left, using the left hand.

4

Clear the appetizer plates and dishes when guests are finished eating. Avoid starting entre service before guests are finished with the appetizer.

5

Inspect glasses. If they are half empty, refill them.

Entres

6

Carry the plate to the table with your left hand with your palms and fingers underneath the plate. Your fingers should not rest on the top of plate. If you're carrying multiple plates, carry the first plate to be served with your left hand.

7

Hook the left thumb under toward the side of the bottom of the plate for balance before serving the guest. The palm should remain as close to the center of the plate as possible, with the other fingers spread wide.

8

Place the plate in front of the guest who ordered it using an open approach. Serve from the left, using the left hand.

9

Withdraw the hand from underneath the plate. Hold the plate steady and straight to prevent the food from sliding on the plate.

10

Repeat the procedures for serving entres to all remaining guests.

11

Refill guests' beverages.

How to Move a Pool Table

Whether you need to move a pool table five feet or five blocks away--it's not going to be a stroll through the park. If you're up for the challenge of moving your pool table yourself, there are several things that you can do to get the job done effectively. Nevertheless, there's always the option of hiring a professional. Weigh the options of cost, labor and convenience to find out which method will suit your needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Options for Moving Your Pool Table

1

Purchase or build a four wheeled, flat dolly. Carpet the ends, so as not to scratch your pool table. Hold the dolly steady, while a few friends guide the (assembled) pool table on its side--on top of the dolly. Use the dolly to move the table to the desired location.

2

Disassemble your pool table carefully. Move all of the pieces to the location where you wish to set it up. Assemble the table and level it.

3

Hire a reputable moving company or pool table mechanic. Since they are professionals, they can move the pool table properly--eliminating the fear that the slates will crack, the rails will break, or the pool table will become unlevel.

How to Make a Buffet Into an Entertainment Center

Converting a buffet into an entertainment center adds not only a functional piece of furniture but also an eye-catching conversation starter or focal point to your living or family room. Because buffets come in many different styles, there are several different approaches you can take. For a simpler buffet that is not topped with a hutch and has cabinets or drawers, the project requires access holes for cords to your electronics and the possibility of removing a few cabinet doors or drawers to open up the piece.

Instructions

1

Open the doors of the buffet and take internal measurements. Measure width, depth and height of each cabinet and also the height between and shelves inside the cabinet doors. Write down the measurements on a piece of paper, making sure to label each measurement with the correct location on the buffet.

2

Measure your electronics that will go into the buffet. Write down these measurements as well.

3

Compare the measurements of your electronics and the interior space of each cabinet or compartment. Decide which electronics go into each of the cabinets.

4

Remove or move any shelves within the cabinets that need to be removed or moved due to the size of your electronics. Some shelves might be set on pegs within the buffet, others might be set with dowels or by other means. You might need a saw if the shelves do not come out easy.

5

Use a jigsaw or hole saw to create 1- to 2 1/2-inch holes in the back of your cabinets for cord access. If you will be placing electronics on shelves within the cabinets, you will need to cut a hole near each of the shelves for the cords. You can also cut holes into the interior of the buffet so that cords will gather inside the buffet. For this method, cut the holes on the interior by each shelf. Place one hole in the back of the buffet for a surge protector's cord to plug into the wall.

6

Use the hole saw to create a small hole in the top of the buffet for the cords to connect to the television. This step is optional if you don't wish to damage the outer appearance of your buffet. If not doing this option, make sure all cords and connectors reach from the electronics, through the holes and up to the television.

7

Place your electronics into the cabinets and follow all manufacturer's instructions regarding plugging in and hooking up to your television.

8

Remove any drawers of your buffet if you so choose. The space where a drawer is might hold a cable or dish receiver box, DVD player or other thin electronic device. This is optional, as drawers can become hiding places for manuals, remotes or other objects.

9

Place remotes and accessories in drawers or on cabinet shelves if your buffet is so equipped.

How to Make a Cafe & Bar Room Out of a Family Room

The casual feeling of many family rooms makes them ideal spaces for cafe or bar furniture and accessories. Spend the weekend transforming a forgotten corner into a small bistro or invest more time and money into a full family room conversion. Either way, you should personalize your family room cafe or bar by displaying a collection of glassware or teapots and hanging favorite artwork. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the family room a bright, refreshing color. A cheerful yellow or pale cornflower blue evokes a sidewalk cafe in a small French town. Devote an accent wall to chalkboard paint so people can doodle as they drink or you can write a bar or cafe menu on the wall.

2

Invest in comfortable, flexible seating arrangements. Bars and cafes have furnishings conducive to conversations and games. Scatter wooden folding chairs around a metal bistro-style table. A few floor cushions around a circular upholstered ottoman offers the look of a hip hookah lounge. Set up a bar with stools along one side, or improvise with a set of tall chairs beside a long, tall table or sideboard.

3

Soften surfaces with textiles. Cushions on folding chairs and bar stools increase your guests' comfort. A small runner or bright swatch of fabric on a table offers the look of an eclectic cafe. Add coasters to polished wooden or metal tabletops for a classic pub aesthetic.

4

Outfit your cafe or bar with appropriate dishware. For the frilly, feminine look of an English Victorian cafe, flowered teapots and mismatched teacups fit the bill. For a sophisticated, urban cafe, go for small espresso cups in sleek shapes. A bar area may feature cocktail shakers, shot glasses, wine glasses, swizzle sticks and an ice bucket and tongs.

5

Illuminate your family room conversion with club style. Pendant lamps with red glass shades evoke a bar. Small table lamps and floor lamps provide light for reading at cafe-style tables. Bring in ambient light with tea lights in glass cups.

6

Hang art and accessories in your bar or cafe decor. A large formal painting in a rococo frame creates a focal point and sparks conversation. For a sleeker look, use large mirrors in wood or metal frames. Use a floating shelf to display a collection or souvenirs.

How to Float a TV Stand

Installing a TV in your home is a matter of providing room for comfortable viewing while also maximizing space around the TV stand. Wall mounts place TVs out of the way but fail to offer any form of media storage. As an alternative, you can float your TV stand with cantilever wall brackets. This will provide a wall-mounted shelf for storing media or installing devices, such as video game systems, DVD players and cable boxes, that doubles as a stand for your TV. The only limitation to this type of stand is the collective weight of the devices that will use it for support. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Check the owner's manual for your TV to determine its weight, which will be listed in the specifications section.

2

Place any media or electronic devices that you plan to store in the TV stand on the stand's shelves or in its drawers.

3

Stand on a bathroom scale and note your weight. Lift the TV stand and its contents carefully and note the weight displayed on the scale. Subtract your own weight to determine the weight of the stand and its contents.

4

Place a stud finder against the wall near the location where you want to float the TV stand. Mark the stud locations with a pencil and measure the distance between the studs. Measure the width of the TV stand and divide it by the space between the studs to determine how many brackets you will need. For example, if the wall studs are spaced 16 inches apart and the TV stand is 35 inches wide, you'll be able to use three brackets. However, if the TV stand is just 30 inches wide, you'll only be able to use two.

5

Select the necessary number of cantilever wall brackets with ratings that add up to the total weight of the TV and the fully-loaded TV stand. For example, if the TV weighs 40 pounds and the full TV stand weighs 20 pounds, you can use two brackets rated for at least 30 pounds apiece.

6

Screw the brackets into the wall directly over the stud locations. Measure the height of each bracket from the floor to make sure you install them all at the same height. Place a carpenter's level on each bracket to ensure it's even before attaching it to the wall. Use the screws provided with the brackets and an electric drill with a screwdriver bit to sink the screws until their heads are tightly against the brackets.

7

Empty out the TV stand and place it on top of the brackets, with a 1-inch space between the stand and the wall. Check the position of the stand with a tape measure and adjust it until it's centered over the brackets.

8

Screw the TV stand into the brackets from below with the smaller screws provided with the brackets.

How to Remove the Stand From a Samsung Flat Screen TV

Samsung flat-screen televisions are becoming a popular choice for home theater entertainment. The wide variety of different size flat screens makes this television the ideal choice for any room. The Samsung flat-screen TV comes with a standard pedestal stand attached, which can make mounting on a wall difficult. The pedestal stand is designed so the television will rest on a flat surface and angle toward the room. However, when a homeowner chooses to mount the television on the wall to give the feeling of a true theater experience, the stand can be bothersome.

Instructions

1

Spread the comforter out on a flat surface such as the floor.

2

Lay the Samsung flat-screen television face down on the comforter.

3

Use the magnetized screwdriver to gently unscrew the four to six screws securing the stand to the television.

4

Remove the screws with the magnetized screwdriver. If you do not have a magnetized screwdriver, cover the end of a normal screwdriver with masking tape with the adhesive side out so that it will catch the screw and pull it from the hole.

5

Pull the stand from the back of the television.

6

Mount the television to the wall with wall-mounting hardware you can purchase from any home entertainment store.

How to Clean Billiard Balls

So your buddies are starting to use how gross your billiard balls look as an excuse to why they keep losing. So to stop their whining, here are a few time tested techniques to clean up your billiard balls. They will look like new in no time.

Instructions

1

Look at some professional ways to clean your billiard balls. There are plenty of waxes and cleaners out on the market specifically for this purpose. Two of the most popular would be "Aramith Billiard Ball Cleaner" or "Ball Restorer."

2

Take a dry clean cloth and wipe down the ball. If the ball looks especially grimey, you may want to use some soap and water to clean off some of the excess dirt before applying the commercial cleaner. Next, just follow the directions and apply the cleaner to the ball. Let the balls completely dry before using. If you are using a wax make sure it is made specifically for billiard balls. Other types of waxes can leave a residue on your pool cues and on your pool table fabric.

3

Try putting them in your dishwasher. Stick them in on a gentle cycle (without a steam dry) and once the cycle is done just run them under some tap water, buff them up, and they are as good as new.

How to Display Your Television on an Easel

A TV easel is a rolling TV stand on which you mount your flat-screen TV. TV easels are ideal for moving your TV around and are most often used by organizations who share a TV, like schools. Mounting your TV to the easel is less complicated than mounting it to the wall or a TV stand. The installation process does not require any special tools or knowledge and can be completed in minutes.

Instructions

1

Turn the TV so you can easily see and reach the back. Locate the VESA holes on the back of the television for mounting the TV.

2

Hold the mounting bracket of the easel to the back of the TV so the VESA holes are aligned. Place the VESA screws through the mounting bracket and tighten it against the TV using a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Position the TV so the mounting bracket fits into the connections on the easel stand. Tighten the security screws.

How to Set Up a Table for an Italian Dinner

In Italy, dining is a formal event. Focus is placed on a visually appealing spread with complete settings and patterned or colorful dinnerware. Italian cooking, especially country cooking, places an emphasis on using fresh ingredients in simple combinations. Fresh foods are incorporated into the table setting. Centerpieces and place settings commonly feature fresh fruits, vegetables and garden greenery. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place a linen tablecloth on your dining table. The color should coordinate with your dinnerware and your centerpiece. For a classic elegant look, white or bone is appropriate, and it allows you to make a fruit, vegetable or greenery centerpiece the focal point, a mainstay at Italian dinner tables. It also lets more colorful place settings and table decor take center stage. If you have an attractive marble-top table, you can do without the tablecloth, as in some Italian bistros, especially if the dinner is less formal.

2

Create a centerpiece for your table. For an Italian table setting, centerpieces made with fresh fruit and greens entice the guest, giving her a glimpse of the fresh food to come. Choose fruits based on the season and the color scheme. Lemons and limes over a straw or branch wreath add a spot of color and elegant shape. Tuck garden leaves in-between the fruit to fill the arrangement, and place an artichoke in the center. You can also use apples, oranges, pineapple, pumpkin, squash or bananas.

3

Light candles for your dinner guests. Small clear votive holders with white candles create a white light and are commonly used in Italian dining. Place them one or two rows deep around the centerpiece, staggering them to create more visual depth.

4

Create a place setting for each guest. An Italian dinner table often uses fresh fruits, vegetables or plants. Place a tiny potted succulent just outside the votive candles, on each setting. You can also cut a few layers off the bottom of an artichoke and lay it on the table. It resembles a large green blossom.

5

Set out the dinnerware. If you have a choice for your dinnerware, look for patterns with an embellished pattern in several colors. These can evoke an Italian countryside feel. For a formal setting, each guest will have a large charger plate (this is larger than a dinner plate and typically used for decorative purposes only). A dinner plate sits atop the charger plate and a salad plate above that. If you prefer, you can stack a saucer and cup on top or place it in front of the guest's plate, on the right-hand side.

6

Place silverware on either side of the setting. On the guest's left, place a salad fork on the outside, and a dinner fork on the inside. On the right, place a dinner spoon on the outside, a butter knife in the center, and a dinner knife directly next to the plate. Alternatively, place the dinner fork and spoon in front of the guest's plate stack (closest to the center of the table). Lay them horizontally, the fork below the spoon. The ends should be facing opposite directions.

7

Set out the glasses. Each guest should have at least one water glass and wine goblet. You may offer two wine goblets so the guest can sample a red and white wine without using the same glass. Place these right in front of the plates to the guest's right.

8

Fold and set out the napkins. Napkins should be linen, never paper. The Italian dinner table should not have paperware. Roll them lengthwise and place them atop the plate stack. You might also use a napkin ring, tie the napkin in a knot or simply fold it into a triangle and place it on the very left, next to the utensils.

How to Hang a Television Stand

Hanging a television on a TV stand is a relatively quick and easy process, requiring just a few basic tools. A television stand that hangs can save considerable space in your room by eliminating a bulky media center. TV stands are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $40 to $200 depending on the size of your television. TVs on these stands can also be moved or rotated in a way that allows more visibility throughout the room.

Instructions

1

Determine the weight and dimensions of your television. While you may not be able to "weigh" the television, you can look up the specs from the manufacturer. Measure with a tape measure the dimensions of the TV width, height and depth.

If hanging a flat screen or LCD TV, you will need to purchase a TV stand specifically for the dimensions of your TV. If you are hanging a tube (traditional) television, purchase one specific to those needs as well. Keep in mind that tube televisions tend to weigh much more, and these TVs are much deeper and will stick out much further from the wall.

2

Determine where you would like to hang the TV. Choose a place in the room that the TV can be easily seen and a place on the wall that can be easily accessed for hanging. The dimensions of your TV must also fit in this area as well.

3

Locate a stud in the area that you want to hang the TV. The stud will be the best area to hold the weight of the television. To find a stud, you can use an electronic stud finder found at most hardware stores.

4

Drill holes in the wall where the TV stand will be hung. Then place the TV stand over the holes so that the holes line up with the stand.

5

Screw the TV stand into place on the wall. Then place the TV on the stand. Typically, you will need two people for this step to be sure that the TV does not fall out of the stand while you are placing it.

6

Screw or tighten the brackets used to hold the TV in place. These typically are located on the TV stand. In addition, there are usually straps to hold the top of the TV in place, to keep it from becoming too top heavy.

The Best Rec Room Flooring Ideas

"Rec rooms" (short for recreational rooms) are fun, relaxing game rooms in a house or apartment. Often equipped with a pool or ping-pong table, foosball table and some type of entertainment system, rec rooms are places to entertain or unwind after a long day or week. Because rec rooms encourage high-energy and lots of activity, the best rec room flooring ideas are surfaces that can take some wear and tear. However, just having a concrete floor could be dangerous; if people dance or play rowdy games in your rec room, concrete flooring is an unsafe---and unattractive---choice. Does this Spark an idea?

Pre-Finished Wood

Wood is an ideal rec room flooring idea for families. While wood is not resistant to marring or cracking, you can install a "pre-finished" wood floor, a more durable option. Pre-finished floors have planks that are carefully pieced together with staggered joints and are power nailed to keep them sturdily in place and resistant to moisture leaks. You can also coat the wood floor with protective wax periodically to prevent scratching and general wear-and-tear. The floors are easy to clean and some wood types---such as cedar and bamboo---are water resistant, meaning you do not have to fret about a soggy, buckling floor. Rec rooms that have pool tables will benefit from wood flooring, too; if a ball hops off the table, it could crack a tile, but it will not damage wood.

Ceramic Tile

For a classy style, terracotta tiles are an ideal rec room flooring option. Terracotta tiles, mostly kept in their natural, clay-red coloring, add a Spanish or Mexican look to the rec room. Terracotta flooring is ideal for a rec room that opens out to a patio or deck for a fluid indoor-outdoor space. The tiles are easy to clean and simple enough to install with grouting. If a tile cracks, you can replace the tiles individually without tearing up the floor. Because terracotta tiles can be cut to any shape, you can choose whether to have round tiles, octagonal tiles or squares. If you choose to go with terracotta flooring, make sure to select a one especially resistant to cracking, often those that are baked longer in a kiln. You can also speak with a flooring specialist about the advantages and disadvantages of using a outdoor flooring material inside.

Carpeting

Choosing patterned, colorful carpeting options adds a cheerful look.

If you have young children, or are worried about falling or slipping on a hard floor, carpeting a rec room may be the best option. While you do not want to pick a thick carpet type for game playing purposes, thin, wall-to-wall carpeting will provide a protective layer of cushioning. You can get creative with carpeting color choices and patterns. You can arrange cut carpet pieces in patterns or mock-tiling with carpet squares. Dark reds, blues and green carpets look attractive in downstairs spaces; for upstairs, or more well-lit rec rooms, a cream color carpet or light blue may look nice, if you are not too anxious about spills and stains.

How to Use Folding Bistro Tables Indoors

Evoke the look of Paris bistros or Italian street side cafes by using folding bistro tables in your interior decor. Folding bistro tables provide an ideal small-space solution that simply flatten to a few inches when not in use. You can also use them year-round as permanent fixtures in your home. Decorating with bistro tables can invigorate a forgotten corner with a signature style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select a style of folding bistro table that suits your needs. Classic French bistro tables feature solid steel construction, round tops and skinny legs. Many designers have modified the traditional look, so you can choose from rectangular, square or oval tables. Pedestal-style supports, teak surfaces and wrought iron frames are other options.

2

Study your floor plan to determine which spaces benefit most from folding French bistro tables. Space is required for the table and for people to comfortably sit around it and slide their chairs in and out. A nearby window or other source of light makes the space more charming for sitting, eating and drinking, but avoid placing the table in strong, direct sunlight.

3

Protect your floor. Metal bistro supports are unkind to soft wood floors, hand-painted tile and plush rugs. Protect the area where you set your bistro table and chairs by covering it with floor finishes like a bamboo mat, modular carpet tile or sturdy tile flooring. You can also place rubber tips directly on the metal feet of tables and chairs.

4

Create atmospheric surroundings for your French bistro decor. Simple wooden or metal cafe-style chairs keep the look casual. You can add cushions with fleur de lis symbols, stripes, faded florals or toile for a charming French country look. Hang a large chalkboard nearby for posting specials of the day or grocery lists. Paint a wall in a bistro-inspired shade such as stone gray or jaunty royal blue. Decorate your table or a nearby cart with espresso cups, a French press, bags of coffee beans, wine glasses and wine bottles. Keep a stack of French linens nearby, rolled in baskets or buckets.

5

Illuminate the area around your folding bistro table. A chandelier or a pendant light adds sculptural style overhead, while wrought iron holders with pillar candles provide mood lighting.

How to Make a Pool Table Into a Ping-Pong Table

Many homeowners have room for a pool table in their homes. However, it is often not possible to have room both a pool table and a ping-pong table. Because both tables are rectangular in shape and a similar size, you can easily convert your pool table into a ping-pong table with the right tools and few easy steps.

Instructions

1

Apply two coats of green paint to your MDF board. You should do this outside and let it dry overnight.

2

Tape all of the edges of the MDF board with your white electrical tape.

3

Measure and mark the halfway point for the length and width of the board. You will need these marks to know where to apply the white electrical tape.

4

Apply white electrical tape across the middle of the MDF board both length wise and across the width of the table. The tape across the width will mark where the net will go.

5

Place the MDF board on top of your pool table.

6

Attach the net. The net will come with c-clamps, so there will be no need to drill holes to attach the net. You have now successfully converted your pool table into a ping-pong table.

How to Pour Resin Table Tops

Resins are the consistency of honey and create smooth and durable table tops. They are poured in two stages. The seal coat is a thin layer that fills any pores to prevent air bubbles and the flood coat self-levels to build up the surface. An air temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 21 degrees Celsius) and humidity of below 60 percent is preferred when using resins. Resin table tops take three days to cure to full hardness.

Instructions

1

Level the table surface before using resins.

2

Place duct tape on the bottom of the table top over any cracks. This will keep the resin from flowing out of these areas.

3

Measure the two parts of the resin mix in separate small measuring buckets. One part resin to one part hardener is the standard ratio. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

4

Scrape the sides of your measuring containers with a paint stirring paddle to assure accurate measurements. Precise measurements safeguard against a tacky surface that never cures correctly.

5

Stir for three to four minutes to thoroughly mix the two parts of the resin together in a disposable plastic bucket. Scrape the sides of the bucket to ensure complete mixing. Only mix the amount of resin that you can use in 20 minutes of working time.

6

Apply the first light seal coat with a brush. Wait 12 hours for it to dry before proceeding.

7

Glue any items you wish to embed in the table top in place with white glue. This bond is only to hold the items in place while the resin is poured.

8

Mix another batch of resin to use in the flood coats.

9

Pour the resin over your table top and spread with the paint stirrer. Use a brush to move the resin into hard-to-reach corners.

10

Apply flood coats in 1/8-inch layers and allow to dry for six hours between applications. One to three coats is average for most table or bar coatings, but if you have thick embedded items, you may need more coats.

11

Eliminate little bubbles that come to the surface after the resin is poured using a propane torch. This will get rid of cloudiness caused by these bubbles. Hold the torch six inches from the surface and move quickly back and forth. Permanent waves may be created on the table top if this is done too close to the final curing time.

12

Clean up with acetone.

How to Make a Children's Game Table

You can make children's game tables at home and customize them to suit the preferences of any child. You can paint it pink and cover it with stenciled flowers, coat it in a magnetic whiteboard or chalkboard paint, or make the tabletop into the shape of a hockey puck and paint it black.

Instructions

1

Trace a 36-inch square onto a piece of 3/4-inch plywood. Cut out the square with a jigsaw or handsaw. Use sandpaper or a hand sander to smooth the top and bottom surface of the square.

2

Trace a rectangle that measures 2 inches by 19-and-1/4 inches onto the sheet of plywood. Cut out the rectangle with a jigsaw or handsaw. Use the rectangle as a template to cut out seven more rectangles.

3

Lay four of the rectangles on a flat surface and apply wood glue to the entire 2-inch face of each of the four rectangles. Align another rectangle on top of the glue, press firmly and hold the pieces together for at least 30 seconds. Repeat this step with the other three sets of rectangles. Clamp the attached rectangles and leave them for 24 hours while you assemble the tabletop.

4

Cut four 36-inch long pieces of baseboard or casing with a miter saw at a 45-degree angle, so that the four pieces look like they would make a picture frame. Prime and paint the baseboard in a color you choose and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

5

Apply wood glue to the outer edges of the face of the 36-inch square. Place the four pieces of mitered baseboard on top of the glue and line them up evenly with the edges. Use clamps to keep the baseboard in place while the glue dries. The tabletop should now look like a picture frame. The baseboard edges will keep dice, beads and other small objects from rolling off the table.

6

Apply a coat of primer to the tabletop. Cover the inner edges of the baseboard with green painter's tape so that you don't cover it with primer. Allow the tabletop to dry for 24 hours. Apply a coat of chalkboard paint to the tabletop and allow it to dry for 24 hours. You can then assemble the table, but do not use the chalkboard for three days.

7

Turn the tabletop upside down and apply wood glue to the joined rectangular table legs. Attach them to the underside of the tabletop, one inch away from the edge. Press firmly and then allow the glue to dry for 24 hours. Turn the table right-side-up and hammer a nail through the baseboard and into the table leg. Repeat this step for each of the table legs. Fill the nail hole with a wood filler and apply a bit of paint to cover it.

8

Use a hand sander or sandpaper to round the hard edges of the tabletop to help prevent injuries.

How to Make Small Tables

Tables are something everyone needs. From the architect to the child still in school, tables help people get through their daily routines. The most difficult part of building a table is the legs. It is recommended that these be purchased: Legs that vary only slightly will cause a table to wobble. The tops of the tables can still have your personality. (Remember, the top of the table gets the most attention.) Designs can vary from the handcrafted and carved to the simple checkerboard. Whatever design you create will be certain to show your handiwork. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Drill holes in the edges of the 1"x 2" oak, 3" from the ends. with the 1/8" drill bit. Then drill the countersink holes with the 3/8" drill bit. Do not drill more than halfway through. Do this on all four 1"x 2" oak pieces.

2

Turn the 18"x18" piece of oak plywood so that the bottom side is up. Draw a line 1"from the edge around the perimeter of the 18"x18" oak plywood.

3

Run a bead of wood glue to the long edge of the 1"x2" oak and secure it to the bottom side of the 18"x18" oak plywood. Be certain to line it up with the 1" mark around the perimeter of the 18"x18" oak plywood. Repeat this until all four pieces of the 1"x2" oak have been installed.

4

Measure and cut the flat mold to make a picture frame that will cover the edge of the 18"x18" oak plywood. Secure these pieces with the brads and set the nail heads with the nail set.

5

Apply glue to the end of the leg that secures to the bottom of the 18"x18" oak plywood. Place it in the corners created by the 1"x2" oak. Secure the leg by driving 1-" drywall screws through the 1"x2" oak and into the leg. Repeat this until all four legs are installed. Turn the table upright, sand lightly and finish as desired.

How to Make Your Own Ping Pong Tabletop

Ping pong is a paddle sport that nearly everyone can play. Ping pong tables are large, and you may not have the space in your home to permanently dedicate to one. Solve this by building your own ping pong tabletop that can instantly convert an old table or pool table into a ping pong table.

Instructions

1

Paint the top of your plywood forest green. Make sure the surface is flat and even so the ball bounces true and straight. Do not use glossy paint, It doesn't have enough of a grip for the ball to bounce properly.

2

Tape edges for white lines. Stretch the masking tape around the perimeter of the table to create a white line of an inch wide approximately half an inch in from the edge of the table. Tape a line running down the vertical center of the table. This line should be 1/8 of an inch wide. This line separates each half into two sides to use when playing doubles.

3

Paint the taped off lines white. After the paint is dry, remove the tape.

4

Install the net across the center of the table. Regulation ping pong nets are 6 inches high. Most ping pong nets come with c-clamps that attach to the table without nails or screws.

5

Position your ping pong tabletop over an old table, a pool table or on two sawhorses.