What Is Neoclassical Architecture?

Its antique simplicity was in reaction to the excesses of the Rococo style. Fast Fact The three types of Neoclassical architectural styles include Temple, Palladian, and Classical block. In Russia, Catherine the Great (1762-96) transformedSt. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images Petersburginto a great European capital in large part by her ambitious embrace of building in the neoclassical style. The trend toward neoclassical design eventually gave way to modernism in the early to mid-20th century....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 241 words · Tara Stone

What Is NPK Fertilizer?

How to read fertilizer labels for the optimal garden. This fertilizer contains 20 percent nutrients; the remaining 80 percent is minor nutrients or fillers. How Ratios Work vs. ## What Do the Ingredients in NPK Do? The Spruce / Janet Kwan All of the three ingredients are essential to plant growth. Here’s a brief look at what each nutrient contributes. Phosphorus contributes to many fundamental plant processes, such as rooting and seed formation....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 368 words · Brianna Lloyd

What Is Oxygen Bleach? How to Use It in Laundry

Oxygen bleach is often confused withchlorine bleachsince they both remove stains. What Is Oxygen Bleach? The three types of oxygen bleach are sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, orhydrogen peroxide. The Spruce / Daniel Fishel Some formulas contain other ingredients, such as dyes, fragrances, or anti-caking products. Each of the types of oxygen bleach come in both powdered and liquid forms. Powdered formulas typically last longer. Soaking is recommended forstain removalor tobrighten white clothes....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 185 words · Nathaniel Wilkerson

What Is Paint Primer? Everything You Need to Know

Paint primers can be used for both interior and exterior paints. Reasons to Prime Before Painting When to Use Paint Primer Primer isn’t always required. There are three main types of primers: water-based (latex), oil-based, and shellac primers. The Spruce / Tara Anand If Youre Using Self-Priming Paint Self-priming paint is essentially a paint that is thicker than regular paint. Because it is thicker, it builds up higher and forms a thicker coat....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 185 words · Dalton Baldwin

What Is Parquet Flooring? Everything to Know

Traditional parquet floors were installed one piece at a time. Parquet tile flooring is installed by gluing, nailing, or stapling the tiles to the subfloor. What Is Parquet Flooring Made Of? The Spruce / Letícia Almeida The hardwood top layer is mostly oak but may also be maple, walnut, and other popular hardwoods. The style was used for the flooring in Luxembourg Palace in Paris in the 1620s. Their debut at Versailles gave it global momentum....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 316 words · Jeanette Craig

What Is Peat Moss? Uses in Gardens and Potted Plants

What Is Peat Moss? Peat moss comes from peat bogs, many of which are found in the wetland areas of Canada. Because anaerobic conditions slow down full decomposition, the peat moss is preserved almost indefinitely. The Spruce / Adrienne Legault There are 380 species of spaghnum moss (Spaghnumspp. ), many of them prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere. Like peat moss, sphagnum moss is harvested for the horticultural trade. For example, it is used to line wire baskets for hanging plants and in terrariums....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 176 words · Donna Reed

What Is Pool Coping? Everything You Need to Know

Coping surrounds the shell of the swimming pool and protects it. Coping also provides a decorative accent for the pool. Coping should be tilted slightly away from the pool. The Spruce / Rob Hadley What Is a Bond Beam? Typically made of concrete and steel, the bond beam adds strength and support to the pool wall. Coping can be precast in straight lengths, corners, or curved sections. Greg Rivers / Unsplash...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 141 words · Deanna Holder

What Is Pool Stabilizer? When and How to Add It In

It’s an important chemical to add if you aren’t using stabilized chlorine. Learn about what pool stabilizer is, what it does, and if you even need it at all. What Is Pool Stabilizer and What Does it Do? iStock / Getty Images Liquid stabilizer and powder stabilizer are better if you want to control the level of stabilizer directly. Yes, you canuse baking sodaas pool stabilizer, but the baking soda will also raise the alkalinity level....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 124 words · Robert Stevenson

What Is Postmodern Architecture?

Postmodernism influencescontemporary architectureto the present day. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. The Vanna Venturi House in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, was completed in 1964 by architect Robert Venturi. Jack Hobhouse /Living Architecture The Neue Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany, opened in 1984 after five years of construction. Its quirky design was inspired by everything from 1930s British industrial power stations to Mayan and Aztec temples....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 86 words · Stacy Brown

What Is Prairie-Style Architecture?

Spaces are intended to be functional, flowing, and open. The excesses of Victorian architecture are frowned upon. Prairie-style homes are simpler than Victorian houses from the same era. David Rius & Núria Tuca / Getty Images The movement came after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The devastation opened up several new building opportunities for young architects. Although this is a short-lived building style, its influence can be seen throughout Modern architecture....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 416 words · Michael Jacobson

What is Pre-Emergent Herbicide? How to Use It for a Weed-Free Garden

bruceman / Getty Images Not all herbicides, orweed killers, are the same. Meet the Expert What Is Pre-Emergent Herbicide? Bawan Ari Purnawan / Getty Images Pre-emergent herbicides act as growth inhibitors of weed seedlings. bruceman / Getty Images Want more gardening tips? Use a broom or a rake to reset the area of any leaves and other plant debris. Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicides To minimize drift, keep the sprayer nozzle close to the soil surface....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 157 words · Lindsay Carey

What Is Pruning? Benefits, Types and Required Tools

JulPo/Getty Images What Is Pruning? Pruning will help ensure the tree stays healthy by increasing airflow and light penetration. By pruning the tree, you will also remove dead, damaged, and dying branches. JulPo/Getty Images Removing these branches keeps the tree safe and removes hazards to people and structures around the plant. These are divided into four different types of pruning, each with its unique purpose. When pruning a small woody shrub, it is always important toremember the 1/3 rule....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 231 words · Mr. Stephen Hahn DDS

What Is Radon Testing?

Radon is invisible and odorless, so testing is the only way to know if your home has it. Exposure to high levels of radon poses serious health risks. Testing for radon indicates if your home’s radon levels are within acceptable safety limits. Grandbrothers / Getty Images Do-it-yourself tests are inexpensive and easy to deploy. Radon is found everywhere, but some places have more of it than others. The charcoal canister method tests for radon over a short period, usually two to seven days....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 528 words · Ryan Kirby