Insulation keeps a home warm in winter and cool in summer. Other popular insulation alternatives include fiberglass batts or blown-in fiberglass. Discover why blowing in loose-fill cellulose insulation is still the most practical and cost-effective method for enclosed walls. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly What Is Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulation? Cellulose insulation is made from cellular plant sources, such as corncobs or sisal. It is an eco-friendly home product with an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years....

What Is a Spool Pool? A spool pool is often also called acocktail poolor plunge pool. A spool pool is half as long as alap pool, which is designed for full swim laps. Astronaut Images / Getty Images Above-ground spool pools can be placed on a large concrete slab or even installedindoorsin a basement or large garage. Not all spools are made for exercisesome are designed as small pools that also function as hot tubs....

sutichak / Getty Images In a sea of bright-colored pools, a black pool will surely stand out. A black pool will keep the water warmer leading to lower heating bills and an extended swim season. This is especially advantageous if you live somewhere where winter is noticeably colder. sutichak / Getty Images Easier to Keep Clean The black bottom color masks dirt better than a light pool color. Shows Workmanship Imperfections Black pool plaster will show imperfections in the workmanship of the finish much faster....

BasieB / Getty Images Spring is approaching, which means a garden refresh is on the horizon! As the ground starts thawing,gardeners are getting prepared for springby adding new plants for the growing season. Check outyour zodiac signbelow to see which plant you should add to your garden this spring. BasieB / Getty Images They are relatively easy to care for as long as they receive proper amounts of sunlight and well-drained soil....

Liquid, powder, single-dose pods, and sheets all promise to make your laundry clean and fresh. The key is to look at thelist of ingredientson the product label. Powder vs. ## What About DIY Liquid, Pod, and Powder Detergents? The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija If you would rather make your laundry detergent, there arerecipes availablefor liquids, pods, and powders. As with commercial products, there are some pros and cons to any homemade laundry detergent....

Though there are various types of vinegar, distilled white vinegar is commonly used for housecleaning. So what is white vinegar made of? Note that a 1 percent difference in acetic acid content is significant. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Natural Weed Killer You don’t always need horticultural vinegar for your weeds. Distilled white vinegar is strong enough tokill weedsas well. Then use the rag to wipe out the inside of your pet’s ears....

Both are exterior structures, however, terraces are usually larger in size. What Is a Terrace? A terrace is a paved or tiled outdoor area next to or at the top of a building. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto Unlike a balcony, it is not necessarily attached to a building and can be completely free-standing. Size A terrace is much larger than a balcony. Terraces located next to a house also tend to be large....

A railing system has important functional parts, including the balustrade and baluster. For example, a deck needs a rail system around its perimeter and the stairs for safety reasons. What Is a Balustrade? The Spruce / Xiaojie Liu The balusters connect to form a balustrade that holds up therailing or banister. A balustrade’s length varies depending on its use and design. A balustrade is also made up of supporting baluster posts, post caps, and optional decorative finials....

While all cacti are considered to be succulents, some succulents are not cacti. With cacti, always confirm the soil is very dry between waterings. Both plants thrive in sunlight, but too much direct light can also cause them to burn. The Spruce / Cori Sears While people do not eat most types of succulents, there are a few edible varieties. Additionally, some people drink the juice from the aloe vera plant....

But what do you call this rooma living room or a family room? The terms living room and family room are often used interchangeably, but they arent always the same thing. Usage,decor style, and even location make these two rooms very distinct spaces within a home. Desiree Burns Interiors Want more design inspiration? “Seating is more conversational, with sofas and armchairs placed perfectly for socializing.” By contrast, family rooms are far more casual and fluid and have a cozier feel to them....

So what do they have in common? While technically they are the same thing, the brand name, location, and specific use vary. Read on to learn about hot tubs vs. Jacuzzis and spas and how they differ from one another. The Spruce / Ellen Lindner Key Points What Is a Jacuzzi? People sometimes, incorrectly, refer to any jot down of hot tub or spa as a Jacuzzi. A decade later, Jacuzzi created the worlds first integrated jet whirlpool bath....

Door handle height is measured from the bottom edge of the door to the center of the handle. This height places the door handle just below the vertical center of the door. Standard Height of a Handle on a Door Door handlesare usually 36 inches high. fhm / Getty Images Standard interior and exterior doors are 80 inches tall. A 36-inch-high door handle is just below the vertical center (40 inches) of the door....

you might have orchids with long-lasting blooms by providing similar conditions. Learn the ideal temperatures for growing beautiful orchids at home. Orchids require lower nighttime temperatures to replicate the daily chemical reactions within their growing cycles. Jakub Rutkiewicz / Getty Images Want more gardening tips? Avoid drafty locations.Orchids do not like sudden swings in temperature that can happen in drafty locations. The plants should never be placed near a heating or air conditioning vent....