How to Build a Ping-Pong Table for Under $100

Ping-pong, or table tennis, is believed to have originated in England in the 1800s, using dining rooms tables and balls made of cork. Around 1900, the game evolved, with a celluloid ball and pimpled rubber put on a wooden paddle. While ping-pong tables and equipment are available at many sporting goods stores, a simple table can be made cheaply at home.

Instructions

1

Set the saw horses and place them about six feet apart. Place the plywood on top.

2

Measure from one end and draw a line across the center of the table. Tape along the center line so that one edge of the tape runs along the pencil line. Paint the side opposite the tape in one color. Don't forget to paint the edges of the plywood.

3

Let the first side dry and slowly pull up the blue tape. This should leave a perfect line in the center of the plywood. Re-tape along the line to paint. Paint the second color on the other half.

4

Let the pain dry and slowly pull off the tape.

5

Run a tape border around the table so that there is a gap of about three-quarters of an inch between the edge of the tape and the edge of the table. Make sure your corners are square. Paint the edge with white paint.

6

Let the paint dry and remove the tape.

7

Attach the net according to the instructions provided.

How to Convert a Pool Table to a Table Tennis Court

Table tennis is a fun family game as well as an Olympic sport. It was once known as Ping Pong, before the name was trademarked in 1901 by J. Jacques and Sons, Limited, and later sold to Parker Brothers Games. The game can take a lot of space, especially if your recreation room already contains a pool table. With a sheet of plywood, a sander, and some green and white paint, you can easily convert your pool table into a table tennis court. Simply remove the board and store it along a wall when you wish to use the pool table again.

Instructions

1

Lay a 4' by 8' sheet of plywood across two saw horses. Sand the plywood with coarse grain, medium grain, and finally with fine grain sandpaper, using a belt or disk sander. Paint entire board with two to three coats of flat latex dark green paint. Let dry 24 to 48 hours between each coat.

2

Using painter's tape, tape 1/2 inch in from the edge on all four sides of the board. Paint the entire perimeter of the board with white semi gloss latex paint. Let dry, then remove painter's tape. Now you will have a nice, crisp white edge.

3

Cover your pool table with a plastic tarp at least 3 millimeters thick, to protect the felt cover from damage. Lay your newly painted plywood table tennis court on top of your pool table. Clamp your table tennis net in place and tighten according to game directions. Store your table tennis board upright against a wall when you wish to use the pool table.

4

Read the rules of the game and practice serving and returning the ball. Watch the game being played at the Olympics for additional tips on game play.

5

Get together with family and friends for a table tennis party.

How to Make a Back for Your TV Stand

Some TV stands come with a thin backing to cover the space behind the television, and others are completely open. An open back against a wall might be acceptable, but a back provides a more finished look and enables the TV stand to be placed in the middle of a room without access to all the cords and cables. If your TV stand didn't come with a back, you can make one and attach it yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the perimeter of the back of the TV stand. Mark the dimensions on a sheet of paper.

2

Purchase a piece of thin plywood or particle board big enough to cover the entire back of the unit. Purchase a package of wood nails long enough to penetrate the plywood or particle board and at least 3/4 inches into the wood on the back of the unit.

3

Measure and mark the perimeter to be cut on one side of the plywood or particle board.

4

Cut the plywood or particle board to the correct size with a circular saw.

5

Paint or stain the backing an appropriate color. Allow the paint or stain to fully dry.

6

Ask a helper to hold the backing up to the back of the TV stand. Hammer several nails through the backing and into the TV stand to secure the backing.

How to Clean a Dining Table

A dining table spotted with food stains and dirt smudges creates a less appetizing atmosphere than a clean, gleaming table. If you want the talk of the town to be your food and not your table, you need to spend a little time washing the surface you want your guests to eat on. Cleaning glass and wooden tables requires the same basic techniques, and is fast enough that it can be done in the last few minutes before your friends arrive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Wipe the table with a clean, soft cloth to remove any surface dirt and dust.

2

Combine 1/4-cup mild soap with 4 cups of warm water in a bucket. Mix the soapy water thoroughly. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, then wring it out to remove most of the water.

3

Apply a small amount of the soapy water to an out-of-the-way spot on wood tables to ensure that it won't damage the finish. Stop cleaning the table and find a commercial cleaning alternative if the soapy water damages the finish.

4

Clean the top of the table first, wiping in the same direction as the grain if cleaning a wood table, or in gentle circles if cleaning a glass table. Wipe the sides and bottom of the table next, followed by the table legs.

5

Dampen a second soft cloth in clean, warm water. Wipe the dining table down to remove any excess suds and dirt. Follow the same top-to-bottom cleaning pattern used in the initial cleaning.

6

Dry the table using a third soft, clean cloth. Again, start on the top surface of the table and work your way down to the legs last. Move in the direction of the grain on wooden tables.

7

Spot-clean any leftover blemishes as necessary.

How to Buy a TV Stand

TV stands are required to hold the televisions that you have in your home. There are many choices when it comes to size, material and style. Your TV stand purchase should be based around preference and practicality. Take some time to research different types of stands before you set out to buy one.

Instructions

1

Visit an electronics retailer to purchase a TV stand. A home furnishings store will also have a supply of TV stands.

2

Browse the TV stands that are available online. If you are unhappy with the selections found at the local stores, go online to buy the TV stand. Sites to check out include TV Stand Showcase and Racks & Stands.

3

Pick the material that you want for the TV stand. The three main types that you are going to find are wood, metal and glass.

4

Consider the dimensions of the TV stand. The TV stand must be large enough to accommodate the set that is going to be placed on it. Many TV stands state on the packaging the TV sizes that are ideal for the stand.

5

Decide on how much storage you need for the TV stand. Some TV stands can hold DVDs, VCRs, gaming systems and more. More simplistic stands will only hold a TV and its main components.

6

Get a TV stand that is easy to assemble. Since most stands require assembly, find a stand that does not require extensive assembly.

Ideas for Pool Areas

Just like the deck, patio and garden are treated like outdoor rooms of the home, pool areas can be decorated, furnished and landscaped to make them more attractive and useful. Pools are extensions of the home and yard used for leisure and entertaining. The area around a pool presents opportunities for creative landscape enhancement. Potted palms, solar lanterns, flagstone patios, fireplaces and patio furniture are a few of the decor items used around pools. Does this Spark an idea?

Save the Soil

When excavating during pool installation, save the soil dug from the pool location and use it to landscape the pool area. Build berms around or on each side of the pool, and plant flowering perennials and shrubs. Put decorative mulch on the dirt and around plants. Use the soil around the outside of the newly installed pool to plant grass seed.

Build a Cabana

Complete a swimming pool or spa installation with an attractive, inexpensive pool cabana. Build a small 4-by-6-foot cabana with 2-by-4-foot pieces of lumber covered with heavy canvas stapled onto the frame, or grommetted and tied onto the frame with nylon or cotton rope. Add a couple of chaise lounge chairs and a patio table in front of the cabana, and a short bench inside for guests to sit on while changing into bathing suits or drying off after swimming. Finish the scene with a couple of large potted palms and hanging baskets filled with flowering plants on shepherd's hooks.

Oriental Scene

Keep the pool area uncluttered, but make it stylish with an Oriental scene. Plant hardy bamboo and ornamental grass as a backdrop, add a couple of cement Japanese lanterns and introduce some color with two or three flowering plants in patio containers. A stone Buddha and outdoor gong in a small Zen garden can enhance the peaceful mood.

Fire and Water

Add a stylish fire table or chiminea to a patio area for evening fires by the pool. Set up a firewood-and-tinder box, and set out a deck box with everything needed to start and tend a fire. Set tiki torches at corners of the pool for evening get-togethers.

Natural Stone

Use natural stone around the pool area for an earthy, undeveloped look for borders, corners and gardens. Use natural stone and rock to surround spas and whirlpools next to large pools. Build a descending grade and place natural stones to make a waterfall. Build a bubbling bird bath or fountain with natural stone mortared together around a solar-powered pump.

How to Make Money With Coin-Operated Pool Tables

Coin-operated pool tables are a great way to earn some extra money for your business, working best in areas such as bars, pubs, game rooms, community centers, hotels and other places where people gather and want to be entertained. According to Pool Tables Direct, bringing a pool table into your business will not only make money in its own right, but also will give customers a reason to stay longer, increasing revenue on food and drinks you sell.

Instructions

1

Buy the type of coin-operated pool table that is right for your business. Choose between a coin-operated pool table where customers pay for each game and a pool table where customers pay to play a certain amount of time.

2

Calculate the number of games that will need to be played to earn back the money you spent on a coin-operated pool table. This is fairly easy, since pool tables don't come with a lot of hidden costs, such as high spikes in your electric bill. Once you have your table paid off, however, you will still need to calculate for pool table maintenance.

3

Set the price for playing. This could be anywhere from 50 cents a game on coin-operated tables to a few dollars per hour to rent a table, depending on your business strategy. If you are using a pool table to attract customers for other purchases, a cheap price for pool could help increase the size of the crowd.

4

Write out a maintenance schedule for basic cleaning procedures. You will probably have to pay a professional to come in every month or so for general upkeep. You will also need to account for the replacement of chalk, pool sticks and balls.

5

Place your coin-operated pool table in a location that maximizes the sales of other products that you are trying to sell. For example, if you are bringing a pool table into your bar, you are going to want your customers to be able to purchases drinks without having to stray too far from their game. You should also place your pool table in an area that can be monitored. Making sure the table is being handled the right way will save you from extra maintenance costs in the future.

Steam Table Components

When setting up a restaurant, a steam table is a common item on the equipment list. Some restaurants use steam tables in buffet lines, to keep the food warm while serving, while other restaurants confine their steam tables to kitchen areas. The steam table operates somewhat like a giant double boiler, as hot water in a lower pan warms food placed in an upper pan.

Water Pans

While steam tables vary in design, they are similar in appearance. Typically made of stainless steel and counter height, the top of the table has one or more wells or sink-like indentations where the heating elements are located. Food or water does not go directly into these openings. Water pans fit snugly into the openings, covering the heating elements. When using the steam table, add water to the water pans. An insert pan will fit over the water pan; therefore, keep the water level below the bottom of the insert pan you are using. Control knobs, typically located on the front of the steam table, turn on or regulate the heat.

Steam Table Adapter Plates and Bars

Steam table adapter plates are lid-like plates that fit over the water pans. They aren't solid lids, but have holes in which you can place insert pans. They allow you to organize your steam table according to the type of insert pans you need, rather than having to place certain insert pans in particular areas because of their shape or size. Bars work in a similar fashion, fitting on top of the water pan. The insert pans sit on top of the bars. Like the plates, bars allow you to organize your steam table and use different combination of insert pans.

Insert Pans

Insert pans come in varying shapes and sizes. These pans sit on top of the water pans and hold the food. When discussing rectangular pans, a full pan fits over then entire water pan, while it would take two half-pans to fit entirely over the water pan, or four quarter-pans. Some inserts are deeper than other inserts and some are round. Some pans come perforated, allowing the steam direct access to the food. Inserts have lids, which may or may not have a slot for a spoon. Some lids are domed, and some lids come hinged. Restaurant supply stores often sell the parts separately.

Shelves

Depending on the steam table design, it may have a shelf below the heating elements, used for storage. For additional storage, add a stainless steel over-shelf to the steam table. This accessory fits on the top of the steam table.

DIY Pop Up TV

Having a TV pop out of a cabinet is not only thrilling to watch but allows for whatever is behind to be viewed without obstruction when the TV isn't being used. You can make your own pop-up TV from a few hardware parts and an actuator lift motor purchased from an electronics supply store. You will also have to cut into the cabinet so expertise with power tools is a requirement.

Instructions

1

Put a drop cloth on the floor. Put the cabinet that the TV will pop out of on the drop cloth. Remove everything from the top of the cabinet and all of the drawers from the inside of the cabinet by pulling them straight out with your hands.

2

Put the TV onto the top of the cabinet. Draw around the base of the TV with the grease pencil. Remove the TV from the top of the cabinet.

3

Cut out the drawing on the top of the cabinet with a power saw. Sand the sides of the cut-out top of the cabinet with rough sandpaper. Sand the sides of the cut-out top of the cabinet with fine sandpaper.

4

Paint the cut-out top of the cabinet the same color as the top of the cabinet. Let the paint dry overnight.

5

Place the actuator lift that is rated for the weight of the TV inside the cabinet. Cut a hole in the back side of the cabinet near the actuator lift with the power drill. Pull the actuator lift's power cord through the hole.

6

Plug the actuator lift's power plug into the wall socket for power. Activate the actuator lift's remote control. Press the remote control button again when the actuator lift exits the top of the cabinet to stop its ascent.

7

Place the TV on top of the actuator lift. Verify that the TV is centered to the top of the cabinet and the base of the TV is just above the top of the cabinet. Remove the TV.

8

Cut a vertical slot in the back of the cabinet with the power saw that is wide enough for the TV's cord to go through easily. Sand the sides of the cut-out with rough sandpaper.

9

Tighten the lift screw on the side of the actuator lift with the Phillips screwdriver.

10

Insert wood screws into the holes in the actuator lift's bottom. Screw the wood screws to the cabinet with the electric screwdriver.

11

Press the remote control to lower the actuator lift into the cabinet. Remove the actuator lift's power cord from the wall socket.

12

Move the cabinet back to its original location. Plug the actuator lift's power cord into the wall socket for power.

13

Press the remote control button to raise the actuator lift.

14

Stand a guide rail inside of the cabinet. Mark the top of the guide rail one inch past the top of the cabinet with the grease pencil. Cut off the end of the guide rail at the one-inch mark with the power saw. Repeat this entire step with the other guide rail.

15

Put the TV onto the actuator lift. Place the groove of a guide rail against the bottom left side of the TV. Repeat this on the right side with another guide rail.

16

Line up the bottom ends of the two guide rails with the bottom of the cabinet. Put wood screws into the holes in the bottom ends of the two guide rails. Screw the wood screws into the bottom of the cabinet with the electric screwdriver.

17

Put bonding glue on the four edges of the top of the TV. Center the cut-out piece of cabinet on the top of the TV with the painted side facing up. Let the bonding glue set overnight.

18

Press the remote control button to lower the TV into the cabinet. Plug the TV's power cord into the wall socket for power. Close the cabinet doors.

Restaurant Seating Requirements

Owning a restaurant is a great way to provide a needed service as well as earn a profit. The more customers you can serve, the greater is your income. You must comply with the laws that regulate the food service industry, while designing a seating layout that permits maximum occupancy for your business.

Permits and Licenses

Restaurant permits and licenses are granted locally by each city and state. You must contact your local city clerk for information pertaining to your location.

Seating Regulations

Seating regulations vary according to the location of your food service establishment. The health department and fire marshall will provide you with maximum occupancy information. You must provide wheelchair access and seating.

Outdoor Seating

Local city ordinances determine the amount of space and number of tables you can provide on an outdoor patio or sidewalk. It may be associated with the number of parking spaces you own.

How to Make an Easy TV Stand

A TV stand can be a convenient and decorative addition to any family room or bedroom. With all the varieties and sizes of TVs on the market, a custom-made stand may best fit your needs. If you're on a tight budget or don't have much experience with woodworking, a trip to the hardware store will provide everything you need to make a simple yet elegant stand for your television.

Instructions

1

Place the concrete blocks on the floor where you would like to place your TV stand. The widest side of the blocks should sit flat on the floor.

2

Space out the blocks to be flush with the width and length of your wood. Note: The wood should be as long or, ideally, longer than the base of the television.

3

Place the wood on top of the blocks. At this point one block should be even with each corner of the wood.

4

Place the TV on the center of the platform. If you have a heavier television, you'll want to stack another equal-sized piece of plywood on top of the base and attach the two pieces together (either by screwing in all four corners or gluing them together, using a wood glue).

How to Decorate for a Pool Party

You may be hosting so many pool parties in the summer that you're feeling like the community pool. Don't stop the fun, though. Continue to throw the soires without breaking the bank by festively decorating your patio with items and accents that you already have on hand. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Create signs to hang from the patio awning or fences by printing outline-style letters onto pieces of cardstock or construction paper and cutting them out with sharp scissors. Connect the letters with lengths of ribbon, string or pipe cleaners and attach them with ribbon or double-stick tape.

2

Add sparkle to the area by draping Christmas tree lights on trees, chairs and buffet tables, and from doorways and awnings.

3

Turn old wrapping paper or tissue paper into streamers. When the pieces are sliced into thin strips and curled (just wrap them around a pencil overnight), the guests will only notice their colors, not the specific prints.

4

Gather the sea shells you've collected at the beach and use them to adorn the tables. Create simple centerpieces by wrapping a piece of raffia or jute around white pillar candles (or whatever color you have on hand) and affixing a shell to the front.

5

Decorate the pool when the swimmers have vacated it by floating tub toys like boats and rubber duckies or floating candles along the water. You can also clip flowers such as gardenias from your trees to embellish the area.

Creative Ways to Cover a Table

Setting the table does not need to be boring. With some creativity and the inspiration from good ideas, create a table covering that is entertaining, exotic and even fun for the kids. Creating unique and expressive table coverings could become a regular family project, or they may be a fun thing you can use to keep the kids occupied on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?

A Clubhouse

When you look at your table you may only see a table, but there is a good chance that your kids see a clubhouse. Find a dark table cloth that covers the entire table on all sides, and then begin using your imagination to bring the clubhouse to life. Make It And Love It, listed below, is a website that offers some very creative ideas on clubhouse table coverings. Start by cutting a door and a window in your clubhouse, then continue by adding window trimmings and a variety of other designs.

It does not have to stop at a clubhouse. Use a red tablecloth and make a fire station. A green tablecloth can become an Army tent. Get a black tablecloth and create a dark cave. Expand on the clubhouse idea to create a world under the table.

Make Dinner Interesting

CBS News suggests some placesettings that would make any table interesting. Cut an old chalkboard or whiteboard into multiple rectangular pieces and use them as placesettings for the table. While everyone is waiting for dinner, they have something to draw on.

Use fresh fruit to accent your table when guests are over for dinner. Get a large clear bowl, fill it with water and apples and you have an apple-dunking contest as a centerpiece. Use various size containers but stick with the same color apples to create a theme. It does not always need to be apples. Use a clear vase filled with bananas as a centerpiece, or perhaps you could melt chocolate into a bowl and float strawberries in it as an appetizer. Unique place settings and centerpieces can make dinner more interesting for everyone.

Creative Materials

Consider using floor coverings as creative accents to your tables. Studio Well Spring suggests that some of the more exotic-looking floor coverings can also make interesting table coverings. Vinyl floor sections designed to look like expensive marble or stone can make effective tabletops. Use floor tiles made of stone attached to a mesh backing to make your table look as though it were covered in sparkling white pebbles. The next time you are walking through the flooring section of a home improvement store, start thinking about covering your tables as well.

How to Decoupage Kitchen Tables With Take-Out Menus

Take recycling to a new level. Transform your dining room table's surface from a boring blank slate into a collage of old takeout menus with a few supplies from the craft store and a couple days' time. Rescue an old beat up table from the thrift store to use for this project for an inexpensive decoration.

Instructions

1

Sand the top and edges of the tabletop. Brush or blow away any dust from the sanding.

2

Paint an area large enough for the first takeout menu in the center of the table with decoupage medium using a foam brush. Place the menu in the coated area of the tabletop. Smooth the menu with your hands to get out any air bubbles trapped between the menu and the tabletop.

3

Paint another layer of decoupage medium over the top of the menu. Paint the medium past the edges of the menu to thoroughly seal it to the tabletop.

4

Paint an area large enough for the next menu with the decoupage medium. Make the area slightly overlap the first menu so the tabletop is completely covered when you are done. Place the menu on the table, smooth it out and paint over it with more medium. Continue to cover the top of the table in this manner.

5

Paint the edge of the tabletop and the outside edge of the bottom with decoupage medium and wrap the take out menus over the edge to the underside of the tabletop when you get to that point. Paint over the top of these menus the same as the rest, including on the underside of the table, so they're sealed in place.

6

Let the table dry for 24 hours. Paint another layer of decoupage medium over the entire top, edge and underside once the table is dry. Let this coat dry for 24 hours before using the table.

Design Ideas for Coffee Shops in a Church

A church coffee shop helps extend the church community beyond weekly sermons, provide a meeting space for church groups and offer employment to the local churchgoers. The design of the space will play a role in how the coffee shop engages church members, so it should be well planned. After that, most important things are that the coffee is fresh and the service is gracious.

Overview of Design

Consider how the cafe will work in conjunction with the church. What are the hours of operation? Will it hold small functions? What is the expected demographic? Answering questions like these will help direct you to the most appropriate layout and interior-design scheme. Take some inspiration from the rest of the church building. In what era was it built? Look at the art and design concepts used in the original building and think about how can they be used in the cafe to create a natural flow throughout the church.

Furniture

Furniture should be comfortable, functional and tied together with a cohesive look.

Select furniture to accommodate several needs. The church community will be using the coffee shop for meetings, social events, a private chat and some quiet reading time. A mix of straight-backed chairs, arm chairs, low side tables and larger tables will allow all of these activities to take place simultaneously and comfortably. Lighting fixtures should be cohesive with the overall design and keep the entire space well-lit. Use overhead lights as much as possible to cut down on obstacles in the cafe area, although some floor or table lamps can be included in corners with arm chairs.

Details

Add details like dishware and floral arrangement dontaed by the church community.

To give the coffee shop space its distinct personality, turn to a few details that will reflect the values of the church and individuality of its community. Ask members of the church to contribute ideas or items, such as hand crafts made by church members, floral arrangements to match the seasons or a sanctuary lamp that has been retired from church services. Details can also manifest themselves as activities for patrons, such as a chess set, board games, a few decks of cards or a bookshelf that stocks inspiring books and religious resources.

Outdoors

When the weather is right, extend the coffee shop experience to the outdoors.

When the weather is right, outdoor seating will open the cafe area and give a whole new feel to the coffee shop. If you can, prop open windows and doors to help connect the outdoor seating with the activity inside. This will help servers and patrons move in between the two spaces freely. Choose outdoor furniture that accentuates the indoor decor and has weather-resistant properties.

Art

The coffee shop is an excellent venue for local artists to show their work. Choose pieces that are appropriate to the church setting and reflect the values of the community. Photography, hand crafts, woodwork and paintings make beautiful additions to the coffee-shop space.

How to Build a Cheap Swimming Pool

Having a swimming pool in the yard is a great way to cool off in the summer and entertain friends, but not everyone is able to afford the expense of a pool bought from and installed by professionals. Going the do-it-yourself route can save you a lot of money and leave you with a more original and interesting pool. Also, a pool that you've designed and built yourself will be customized to your exact specifications, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself.

Instructions

Build a Conventional Pool

1

Dig a hole in the ground to the size that you want the pool to be. Remember that the larger you make the hole, the more the pool is going to cost in terms of materials and labor. You can save a lot of money by digging the pool by hand, but this will take a lot of time and labor.

2

Build a framework of steel rebar to set off the dimensions of your pool. Make a crisscross pattern of rebar spaced at 12 inches, and wire the vertical and horizontal pieces of rebar together where they cross each other.

3

Cover the rebar with gunite, or spray concrete. This is a concrete material that is applied to a framework by a high-pressure hose and hardens after it has been applied. Spray on several coats of gunite to create the profile of pool that you want.

4

Save a lot of money by forgoing a built-in drain. You can drain your pool for the winter using an exterior pump and pipe.

5

Use a portable filter installed in a corner of the pool to keep the water aerated and clean.

Build a Natural Pool

6

Dig a hole that mimics the natural contours of a pond. Leave one end of the hole relatively shallow, between 4 and 18 inches, and plant aquatic plants in this end of the pool to serve as a natural filter for impurities and excess nutrients in the water.

7

Be sure that the edges of the pool don't get too steep. By making them with a gradual slope, you avoid the risk of wall collapse, and remove the need for expensive steel frameworks and concrete to support the edges of the pool.

8

Cover the bottom and sloping walls of the pool with gravel and sand. This will allow you to swim in it without stirring up mud every time you use the pool.

How to Build a Solid Wood TV Stand

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to build a simple wood TV stand, 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall, that is able to hold 3 to 4 electronic components in addition to a TV.

Instructions

Measuring and Cutting The Sections for Your TV Stand

1

First, lay out each piece of plywood and draw out the panels making up your TV stand. Start by drawing a section 3 feet long and 16 inches wide on your plywood. Two of these sections are needed for the top and bottom of the stand.

2

Draw another section measuring 2 feet 10 1/2 inches long and 16 inches wide for the middle shelf.

3

Measure out two more sections on your plywood 2 feet long and 16 inches wide for the sides of your shelf.

4

Draw out the back of your rack. This piece requires two individual sections measuring 2 feet 8 inches long and 2 feet wide, providing a space for cords to pass through.

5

Take your circular saw and cut all 6 pieces from the plywood. Sand any rough edges and stain with wood finish. Allow to dry.

Constructing Your TV Stand

6

Start by taking one of the 3-foot-long and 16-inch-wide pieces and attach both side panels to it on each end. Screw the sides so they are sitting on top of the bottom section. Use 4 screws on each end.

7

Determine the level of the middle shelf based on your preference. Take the piece for this shelf and screw it into place between the side panels. Screw from the outside of the side panels inward and use 4 screws on each side.

8

Screw the top panel onto your shelf. Drive 4 screws downward through the top on each side into the side panels.

9

Attatch the 2 panels making up the back of the rack. Take each 2-feet-8-inch wide panel and screw to each side in the back so that there is an 8-inch opening in the middle.

10

Your TV stand is now complete. The TV goes on top and the stand and any other components go on the two shelves.

How to Install Stands on Toshiba Panel TVs

Televisions are packaged to take up as little space as possible, which is why they come with the stands disassembled. Assembling the stand for your Toshiba TV is a fairly straightforward task. Using common household tools, the process of connecting the stand to your Toshiba TV only takes a couple of minutes.

Instructions

1

Place a blanket over the TV screen and lay the TV face down. The blanket helps keep the screen from becoming scratched.

2

Slide the post of the TV stand up into the television through the slot located at the bottom. Push firmly on the bottom of the TV stand to make sure it is all the way in the TV; ensure the stand is completely in the TV so that the screw holes of the stand and television are aligned.

3

Insert the screws through the back of the TV and tighten them into the stand using a Phillips screwdriver. Stand the television up and remove the blanket.

Cheap Cabins With a Game Room in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular tourist town by the Great Smoky Mountains. The entire town is based upon the numerous visitors the area receives each year and is full of shopping, dining and entertainment choices. One popular choice of accommodations in the area are cabins. Many of the cabins include a game room. If you're looking for discounted prices, consider going in the winter when rates are usually cheaper.

Wallaby Cabin

Outback Rentals & Resort's Wallaby Cabin includes a game room with a pool table and a bar. Off-season rates are run about half the price of prime tourist season. The three-bedroom cabin has three king-size beds to accommodate up to six people. Other amenities include a hot tub, covered deck, two gas fireplaces, five televisions, DVD players, washer, dryer, full kitchen, wireless Internet access and a grill. Swimming pool access is available to guests of the cabin. Pets are welcome with a refundable deposit. All towels and linens are provided.

Outback Rentals & Resort
902 Street of Dreams Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
800-513-9001
outbackrentals.com

On Solid Ground

The On Solid Ground cabin rented through Gatlinburg Cabins Online comes with a large, lofted game room that includes a pool table, air hockey table, board games, puzzles and basketball hoop. The company offers discounts and specials throughout the year. Other amenities include a porch swing, gas fireplace, large porch, rocking chairs, horseshoe pit, washer, dryer, six TVs, Internet access, hot tub, five DVD players and badminton and volleyball equipment. Up to 13 people can be accommodated in this 2,800 square-foot cabin. Guests have access to a resort swimming pool.

Gatlinburg Cabins Online
333 Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-9068
Gatlinburgcabinsonline.com

Bearadise 2

Bearadise 2 is close to downtown Gatlinburg and includes a lofted game room with pool table, arcade game, dart board and stereo. The one-bedroom cabin accommodates two people, making it a good location for a honeymoon or kid-free weekend. Prices for the cabin only fluctuate slightly during the year, making it a good deal in all seasons. Other amenities include cable TV, wireless Internet access, heart-shaped Jacuzzi, DVD player, washer and dryer and a gas grill. The property is non-smoking and pets are not allowed.

The Alpine Group
103 Silverbell Lane
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
800-235-2661
alpinechaletrentals.com

What Is the Standard Size for a Pool Table?

Pool table sizes can vary depending on the purpose the table will serve and the size of the room the pool table will be placed in. Many people have, or know somebody who has, a pool table in their home. The pool table found at one person's home may be different than the pool table size found at the local pool halls or in another person's home. Tables can range in size from 7 feet to 9 feet in size. While only certain sizes are allowed in tournament play, most novice pool players will enjoy playing on any of the available pool table sizes.

Purpose

The purpose of establishing standard pool table sizing is to set the standard for competitive and tournament play. With standardized sizing, all competitors are ensured of a fair game.

Height

According to the the World Pool-Billiard Association, the WPA, the standard pool table height should be 29 1/2 inches to 31 inches high.

Playing Surface

There are three standard pool table sizes. Playing surfaces can be 7 feet, 8 feet or 9 feet in size. The area should be both rectangular in size and symmetrical. The only sizes used by the WPA for tournament play are the 8- and 9-feet tables. An 8-foot table measures 92-by-46 inches, and a 9-foot table measures 100-by-50 inches.

Rails and Cushions

Each rail should be from 4 inches to 7 1/2 inches wide, including the cushion.

Other Specifications

Besides the size and measurements of the components of the pool table, there are other specifications for pool tables. The cloth color should be a yellow-green, blue-green or electric blue according to the WPA. Also, the cloth should be non-pilling and made from 85-percent combed worsted wool and 15-percent nylon. The WPA prefers 100-percent combed worsted wool.

What Is the Standard Height of a Dining Table?

Depending on the activity, an important factor in the comfortable use of a table is the height of the table top. Dining tables and their respective heights have evolved over time, from formal seating at a standard height table to more casual counter and bar dining. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Dining Table

The standard height of a dining table is between 28" to 30" above the floor.

Counter-height Table

A counter-height table or kitchen island counter top is typically 36" above the floor. While kitchen counter tops are a comfortable height to stand and work at, it is also popular to sit at the counter for casual dining and interaction with activities in the kitchen.

Bar-height Table

Bar height tables are between 40" and 42" above the floor. This height of table is often seen in informal cafe dining or bars.

Outdoor Dining Table

The height for outdoor dining tables are the same as for standard dining tables, between 28" and 30" above the floor.

Chair Heights

The comfortable height for a dining chair seat is 10" to 12" below the height of the dining table. A typical dining chair is 18" to 20" high at the seat. A bar-height stool or chair is between 30" and 32" high at the seat.

How to Remove a LG Flat Screen Stand

LG TV's offer a great amount of value and are always designed with style in mind. The one unfortunate aspect of these televisions is the attached bases. Wall mounts are becoming increasingly popular because of their space-saving potential. In attaching a base with no instructions for its removal, LG creates quite a bit of frustration among those wanting to take advantage of the wall mount. You may have seen comments online that suggest this process is painstaking and intensive, but in actuality you can remove your stand in minutes.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the power from your television.

2

Lay the television carefully-screen down-onto a blanket or other surface that will not scratch. Look at where the stand meets the television.

3

Locate four screws connecting the stand, two on the left and two on the right. The bottom two screws should be recessed.

4

Unscrew the four screws. Set them somewhere safe in case you decide to reconnect the stand at some point.

5

Carefully remove the stand from the unit.

How to Make a Mosaic Coffee Table

Create an original mosaic coffee table with a designer look, but a thrift shop price tag. Use leftover, discontinued or open stock ceramic tile to design a piece of furniture you will be proud to add to your home decor. There is a satisfaction of recycling and bringing new life to discarded furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Recycle a coffee table with an insert, easily found at flea markets or garage sales. Remove the original insert to be used as a pattern for the new mosaic top. Clean and refinish or paint the base of the coffee table, if needed.

2

Cut a piece of plywood the exact size of the original insert. Sand the edges, then draw the design you will use for your mosaic. Trace the outline with a permanent marker.

3

Select and break the tile pieces in an assortment of sizes. Use a bath towel to protect and prevent the pieces from flying, wear safety glasses and carefully break the tiles with a hammer.

4

Glue the broken pieces, arranging the colors in the design you have drawn, using tile adhesive. When you are pleased with the design, you are ready to prepare the grout.

5

Mix the colored grout according to the directions on the package. Spread the grout covering the entire surface, including all of the cracks, with a grout trowel. Remove all excess grout, and then wipe off with a damp sponge. Allow to completely dry before inserting the beautiful mosaic insert onto the coffee table.

How to Use a Wooden Easel As a Television Stand

Using a sturdy art easel to display a flat panel television can add a unique dimension to any room. These television stands can work especially well in small or creative-minded spaces such as dorm rooms, art studios, art stores and studio apartments. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Assembling and Displaying

1

Purchase a sturdy art-studio easel. Make sure that the easel is made of a solid wood, such as oak. Avoid pressed wood easels, which may not be sufficient for holding the weight of the television.

2

Assemble the wooden easel according to the package directions. To avoid a wobbly easel---and thus, a precarious television stand---make sure that every screw and bolt has been screwed in tightly.

3

If the easel has an adjustable bracket at the top for securing a canvas, remove it until after you have mounted the television. If this feature is positioned correctly after the television is installed, it will fit snugly atop the television.

4

Assemble the wall mount kit according to the directions on the package. Most wall mount kits come with all of the necessary hardware, but if necessary, metric screws can be purchased from a local hardware store.

5

Lay a bed sheet on a flat surface and place the flat panel television on top of it with the screen facing down. To avoid damaging the screen, do not put direct pressure on the back of the television.

6

Attach the wall mount brackets to the back of the flat panel television according to the directions.

7

Affix the wall mount to the easel with bolts. If possible, connect the wall mount to the sides of the easel rather than to the the top wooden support.

8

Position the easel near an electrical outlet, and in a place where it will not be easily jostled or knocked over.

9

Hang the television onto the easel with care. Recheck the mounting to make sure that everything is secure, and slide the top bracket back onto the easel so that it fits snugly atop the TV and appears to hold it in place. If needed, secure the easel to the wall with a securing strap. This will give the easel more support and prevent it from tipping over.

Camping & Cabins Near Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is located in Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In Asheville, go white-water rafting in the French Broad River or visit the Biltmore House. Lodging possibilities in Asheville include camping at a rustic tent site or staying in a luxurious cabin.

Campfire Lodgings

Campfire Lodgings is located on 100 acres of land and offers yurts, cabins, tent sites and RV sites. Rates range from $35 per night for tent sites to $150 per night for cabins. Hike on trails, fish in the pond and play horseshoes at the campground.

Campfire Lodgings
116 Old Marshall Highway
Asheville, NC 28804
800-933-8012
campfirelodgings.com

French Broad River Campground

Camp in a tent, stay in a cabin or park your RV at the French Broad River Campground. Participate in activities such as fishing, tubing, hiking and tennis. Campsite rates are $29 per night; RV sites are $34.50 per night; and cabins start at $60 per night.

French Broad River Campground
1030 Old Marshall Highway
Asheville, NC 28804
828-658-0772
ncrivercamping.com

Five Kings Retreat

Stay in the Five Kings Retreat cabins to enjoy a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge mountains. Cabins sleep up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. Enjoy a private yard, two decks and a sauna. Rates start at $1193.40 for a two-night stay, and the cabins are open year-round.

Five Kings Retreat
45 Cedar Summit
Asheville, NC 28803
828-274-6978
asheville.vrmreservations.com

Wilson's RV Park

Wilson's RV Park offers RV sites and tent sites on the French Broad River. Enjoy access to the river and use the bike path. Tent sites are $20 per night, and RV sites start at $30 per night. If guests need RV repairs, Wilson's Inc. is located on the campground.

Wilson's RV Park
225 Amboy Road
Asheville, NC 28806
888-857-9027
wilsonsrvpark.com

How to Make a TV Stand With a Mount

TV stands are still is widespread use, despite the prevalence of flat panel wall mounts and ever-thinning television profiles. A unique way to combine the convenience of mounting a flat panel while still having other audio/video components directly underneath is to construct a stand incorporating a mount, attached directly to the stand.

Instructions

1

Cut the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) shelves to the size needed, as dictated by the equipment you will store on the rack.

2

Clamp the shelves together. Drill a 1-inch hole 1 inch from each corner with the drill and bit attachment.

3

Rotate a nut toward one end of all four rods. Slip a metal and neoprene washer, in that order, atop the nut. Slide the lower shelf over the nut-and-washer combination.

4

Slide a neoprene and metal washer on top of the lower shelf. Rotate a nut over each rod to lock the lower shelf in place.

5

Repeat the process, adding hardware and shelves to the rack until complete.

6

Cut two two-by-four wood planks, matching the height of the rack plus the desired mounting height of the flat panel.

7

Screw the two planks 16 inches apart to each shelf on the back of the MDF shelves on the rack.

8

Drill a three-sixteenths-inch hole corresponding to the four corner mounting holes on the flat-panel bracket.

9

Bolt the flat-panel mount to the studs, using the included lag bolts and washers.

What Is a Slate Top Pool Table?

Slate top pool tables can be found in many homes, restaurants and bars. Both eight-ball and nine-ball pool can be played on a standard table. Full-size slate pool tables can be quite expensive, but worthwhile as an investment in your family's entertainment.

Function

Slate top pool tables are used to provide a bounded playing surface for billiards games. The rubber cushions permit the caroms and bank shots that such a key part of the game.

Features

Slate top pool tables have a smooth slate playing surface that is surrounded by four rubber cushions. The table and cushions are covered in wool felt. The most common color is green, but blue, red, black, and grey felt is also used. Most pool tables have diamond markings along the rails and a dot to indicate where the balls should be racked.

Size

Slate top pool tables come in 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot lengths. The table's width is half of its length. Only 8-foot and 9-foot slate top pool tables are sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association for tournament play.

Considerations

The table must be perfectly level or the billiards balls will not play true. Shims can be placed under the low end of the table to level out the playing surface.

Warning

Slate top pool tables are extremely heavy and should be transported by professional movers whenever possible.

Cheapest Place to Buy Felt Fabric

Felt fabric comes in many different grades. Craft felt is normally the cheapest type of felt available. This grade of felt is usually made with synthetic fibers, and a low-grade fiber-matching process. Fine felt is produced from natural wool, is quite expensive, and is often handmade. When looking for value in inexpensive felt fabric, consumers should look for a quality synthetic fiber blend produced in a quality factory, where the felt was matted and pressed correctly. Online outlets for felt fabric abound, and knowing a few key things about this versatile fabric will help you pick the best value for your money.

OnlineFabricStore

OnlineFabricStore (onlinefabricstore.net) is a New England-based fabric wholesaler. Offering top name brands including and Waverly, Millcreek Covington, OnlineFabricStore offers both high-quality and medium-quality felt, at a budget-conscious price. Any colors not available online can be specially requested on their website. As of publication, a 9-by-12-inch piece of adhesive craft felt fabric, by Prestofelt, was sold in a variety of colors for only $1 per bag. This type of felt is made with high-quality synthetic fibers. Buying in bulk quantities qualifies the purchaser for additional discounts. For example, buying fifty bags or more brings the price down to $.87/bag.

Fabric Depot

Fabric Depot (fabricdepot.com) is a large online fabric wholesaler. Consumers can purchase felt by the yard online, in both standard colors and bright, rainbow colors. The craft felt sold at this particular wholesaler is not made of wool, rather it is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, and is considered a high-quality polyester felt. Machine washable and fade resistant, the felt sold for $5.25 per yard at publication.

Aetna Felt Corporation

Based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Aetna Felt Corporation (aetnafelt.com) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of felt products, from industrial felts to retail pieces. Aetna offers inexpensive, 9-by-12-inch synthetic craft felt sheets. As of publication, the cost for 24 sheets of synthetic felt was $5.76 per package. Aetna offers a remarkable array of hues: 37 different colors, including a wide range of tans and grays. Aetna is also in the process of converting their current felt fibers to an eco-friendly blend made of 100 percent recycled plastics.

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores

JoAnn Fabrics (joann.com) is a well-known craft store, with franchises all over the United States. Inexpensive craft felt can be found both in Jo Ann stores and at its online site. As of publication, the store was offering a six pack of 9-by-12-inch synthetic animal print craft felt for $2.99 per pack.

How to Fit an LCD TV to a Stand

Not every LCD television stand available will fit every model of LCD television you might happen to have. Certain stands are designed for certain sizes, and a smaller stand could potentially buckle under the weight of a larger TV. To avoid potential problems, you need to determine whether the particular TV stand you're looking at purchasing will fit the LCD TV in your home.

Instructions

1

Find out the dimensions and the weight of your LCD TV. Television stands are designed to hold TVs of a specific weight and size -- not all TV stands are going to be able to hold a 55" LCD, for example. The screen size and the weight of your television set will be on the box it came in and in the manual that came with it.

2

Look on information about the TV stand you're considering for the size television it is designed to hold. Most TV stands have a specific stated range -- for example, one stand may be designed for televisions between 27 and 37 inches. Putting a larger television on such a stand could cause damage to the stand or the TV.

3

Find out the maximum weight the particular television stand is designed for. If the television stand's specifications say it can support up to a 37-inch TV, but its weight limit is 100 pounds, and your television set is 37 inches but weighs 150 pounds, your TV isn't going to work with that TV stand.

Easy Cheap Unique Table Decorations

If you're organizing a large event, such as a wedding reception or a bridal/baby shower, you're likely faced with the task of finding table decorations. Happily for your budget, you don't have to spend a fortune or expend lots of effort in order to beautify a table. Turn simple, everyday items into a unique "tablescape" that guests will remember long after the party's over.

Give Each Table a Theme

Purchase inexpensive items from a dollar or discount store that coordinate with a central idea unique to the guest(s) of honor. For example, if two musicians are marrying, each of their wedding reception tables can include different items that tell the story of their favorite operas. If the bride-to-be is a literature teacher, decorate each table with small items described in some of her favorite books.

Mirrors Can Work Magic

Purchase several small, flat mirrors (such as locker mirrors) for the center of each table. Every object you place on the mirrors will reflect lots of interest, especially with candlelight in a dark setting. Even a simple vase of colorful flowers will offer lots of vibrancy when reflected in a mirror.

Decorate with Small Objects

Crystal beads, rhinestones, glitter, and confetti are popular choices for simple table decorations. Word confetti (for example, "Happy Birthday" or a person's first name) is available for sprinkling on the tabletop. Purchase some spray glitter and spritz on the tablecloth for a twinkling effect. Chocolate kiss candies are also a shiny option for scattering on the tables.

Make Tables Pop with Balloons

Balloons are inexpensive and easy to assemble. Consider a large helium balloon bouquet anchored to the center of the tables. Or, inflate smaller balloons fitted into a container to create a small balloon bouquet. For a spring party, inflate a pastel balloon and insert into a flower pot with dried moss surrounding it, giving the look of an egg in a nest. Tie a spring ribbon around the flower pot to complete the spring look.

Vases from Unexpected Places

Need a container for flowers? Weigh down brown paper bags with sand or marbles, then stick real or artificial floral bouquets inside. Tie a coordinating ribbon to the bag's outside. Old jelly jars work, too. You can spray paint them gold or silver for an elegant function. They also work well as tea light holders. Another option is peeling the labels off aluminum cans and embellishing them with items such as ribbon or rhinestones.

Be Aware of These Tips and Warnings

Balance your table by choosing a centerpiece that's the correct size. Large tables shouldn't have super tiny centerpieces. When burning candles, ensure that you keep all flammable materials away from the flame. Also, consider any young children who may be present at the event, because small objects can become choking hazards.

How to Make a Table Tennis Board

Pingpong is a fun game that is enjoyable for players of all ages. But the cost of buying a professional table can be prohibitive. An alternative is to make your own tabletop board out of plywood. A homemade tabletop can be cheaper and more portable than a purchased table.

Instructions

1

Apply glue to the top of one sheet of plywood. If you have a piece of scrap wood, spreading the glue evenly will result in a better bond.

2

Place a second sheet of plywood on top of the glued sheet and clamp it in place with two clamps on each side, making sure to keep the edges of the boards are flush.

3

Allow the sheets to dry overnight before removing the clamps.

4

Repeat steps one to three for the other two sheets of plywood after the first set has been glued together. If you have 16 clamps, you can allow both halves of the table to set in the same night.

5

Apply a layer of green enamel paint to the tops and sides of the two halves of the table. Once the first layer has dried, apply a second layer.

6

Using painters tape, mark off a 1-inch border around the outside of both tabletop pieces as well as a 1-inch-thick stripe down the middle of each piece on the 4.5-foot side. (The stripe should thus be 5 feet long.)

7

Paint the border and middle stripes with white enamel paint, being sure not to overlap and get any white in the two green rectangles you have created on each top.

8

Once the table has dried, place your two tabletop pieces on a table to play. Align the two center stripes, and attach a net across the seam between the two halves.

How to Make a Pub Table

Pub tables are increasingly popular for furnishing home bars and eating areas, especially in smaller spaces. Pub tables don't take up a lot of space, but stand higher than typical tables, giving guests a place to gather naturally, where they can rest their drinks and snacks. Pub tables can be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes to add a casual eating area to any room that suits its dimensions and decor. Tables are also satisfying beginner-level projects for someone just getting involved in woodworking.

Instructions

1

Choose a shape and size for the top of your table. Pub tables may be square, oval or round, depending on your tastes. In terms of size, a 3-foot square is a good all-purpose size for a medium pub table, but adjustments can easily be made to suit other shapes. Trace your chosen shape onto the sheet of plywood.

2

Cut out the traced shape of the tabletop using the circular saw. Also using the circular saw, cut two lengths of 2-by-4 board that are 3 feet long and three pieces that are 2 feet, 9 inches long. Cut both of your 4-by-4 boards in half to form four 3-foot sections for the table legs. Sand the rough edges of the cut pieces.

3

Place the two 3-foot sections of 2-by-4 board on edge and parallel to each other, approximately 3 feet apart. Position a 2-foot, 9-inch section between the longer boards at either end to form a frame. Predrill two holes through each end of each of the 4-foot boards and into the shorter boards, and fasten the frame with 2 1/2-inch screws.

4

Insert the third 2 foot, 9 inch 2-by-4 board in the center of the frame, parallel with the other two shorter boards. Fasten the center board in place by screwing two 2.5-inch wood screws through the 4-foot sides of the frame into each end of the center board, predrilling the screw holes beforehand to prevent the boards from cracking. Center the tabletop over the frame. Every 6 inches around the edge of the tabletop, fasten the plywood to the frame with a 1.5-inch wood screw.

5

Flip the tabletop over so that the frame is exposed. Set a 4-by-4 section in each of the four corners of the frame and fasten it in place with four 2.5-inch screws. Predrill the holes through the frame and into the table legs before fastening the screws. Turn the table right side up. Predrill and screw four final 1.5- inch wood screws through the tabletop into the four legs for extra support.

How to Compare Pool Cues

Pool is a popular cue-based game similar to billiards and also referred to as pocket billiards. Choosing the right pool cue is important if you plan on playing pool to a higher standard. Compare different pool cues to decide which one will best suit your needs and fit your budget. Pool cues usually are made from wood or aluminum and can range in price from $10 to several thousand dollars.

Instructions

1

Compare materials. Some cues are made out of aluminum and are relatively inexpensive for beginners. BilliardWorld.com, a website dedicated to cue-based games, recommends spending between $50 and $175 for a serious beginner cue made of rock maple wood.

2

Consider a collapsible cue. Cues come either as a single piece or in two pieces that screw together. If the cue will be used at home, a single-piece cue is better. If you plan to take the cue to pool halls or bars, a screw-apart design will help with transportation.

3

Try the cue. Before parting with your money, make sure the cue feels comfortable in your hands. Make sure the weighting at the end of the cue is comfortable for your style of play. You shouldn't have to spend extra money to find a comfortable cue.

4

Check for flaws. Make sure the cue is not warped or bent and there are no chips in the varnish before you buy. Try the weighted end of the cue on the ground and standing over the tip. Look down the shaft of the cue to see if the wood is bent or warped.