We’d always liked country life…growing things…open space around us. We wanted to stay active in our senior years. Life in a condo or golf course community just didn’t appeal to us.
Rural Living
What tips would you give someone thinking about moving to a rural area? Make sure you really want the life—not just to visit, but to live it day after day. You may have to go cut up a windfall tree when you’d rather be watching a football game. Or you might need to check on a sick animal when you’d really love to stay in bed another couple of hours. You may miss shopping, takeout or restaurant dining, city entertainment, or big league sports events.
How much change can you comfortably make? This goes for yourself, your family and anyone else that will be moving with you.
According to Propane, this liquid is really a compressed gas, that is non-toxic and doesn’t have an odor.
For years, it’s been used to fuel commercial enterprises, and people are finally catching on that it can do just as well in their homes.
Yes, I can use natural gas for all of those things as well, but as a DIY’er having propane makes it easier to install the propane equipment myself and I have more choices in want I want to do and fixtures I want to purchase.
Besides the fact that not all areas have easy access to natural gas pipelines (while residential propane delivery is available virtually everywhere).
What makes propane so alluring?
There are a few fantastic reasons why plenty of people have made the smart switch, and you should consider doing so as well.
Here are three reasons to choose propane for your home:
Propane is cheap
Looking to lower your monthly expenses?
Propane is an excellent way of maximizing energy benefits while minimizing costs.
Don’t be fooled by purchase prices.
While propane can seem more expensive than electricity at first glance, it’s proven to be more than twice as efficient.
For example, a propane-powered clothing dryer uses 50 percent less propane than one using electricity.
Tankless propane water heaters, meanwhile, can easily reach a whopping 94 percent efficiency level.
It’s the difference between buying ten dollars’ worth of healthy food versus five dollars’ worth of junk food; the former lasts a lot longer, makes more meals, and provides more nutrients, making it a better bargain in the long run.
Switching To Propane Can Save You Money
Some people think that propane is more expensive than other alternatives because the price per unit is higher, but these folks simply aren’t looking at the bigger picture.
Propane is way more cost-effective because it works harder than other types of fuels, and it runs more efficiently.
Propane generates more heat per unit than other types of fuels, meaning that you need less of it to run your home.
It also pumps out this heat in bursts, as opposed to a steady stream.
This is a massive feature because it allows you to regulate the heating of your home and waste far less energy.
Propane burns better and runs smarter.
Both of these things will have you a lot of money in the long run.
People generally find that they save a lot of money by merely switching over to propane, and they are always happy that they did!
Propane is reliable
One of the best things about choosing propane is the peace of mind it provides.
As long as your propane tank is well maintained and 80 percent full, you’ll never have to worry about running out of power.
One gallon of propane reliably produces 27 kilowatt hours of electricity and 91,600 BTUs of heat.
That means in the case of an emergency or to survive a blackout, while those hooked into the nearest electrical grid might be left in the dark for hours or even days, having your own on-site propane system ensures your lights, heating, and appliances won’t stop working anytime soon.
Simply put, propane provides independence.
Propane is clean
As Americans become increasingly environmentally conscious, it’s worth noting that propane’s low carbon content makes it one of the cleanest energy sources currently available.
Recognized as a clean-burning fuel by the 1990 Clean Air Act, propane has proven preferable over both gasoline and oil by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases and air pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide released into the atmosphere.
Additionally, unlike other fuels, if for some reason a propane tank springs a leak, homeowners can rest easy knowing that propane does not contaminate soil or water, making it one of the safest choices for the environment both locally and worldwide.
Propane Is Environmentally Friendly
According to Sciencing propane has a comparably lower carbon content as opposed to other fuel types, which makes it a much more efficient and clean source of energy.
Propane is one of the cleanest fuels around, and since it’s non-toxic, it puts far less pollution and wastes into the environment than other options.
Unlike diesel and traditional oil, propane doesn’t create greenhouse gases or pose a threat to our lands or oceans.
You can rest assured that you are being a good steward of the environment when you use propane.
You Can Use Propane Anywhere In Your Home
Propane is endlessly versatile, and you can use it just about anywhere in your home.
Many people think that propane is only suitable for use with grills, but this is a tragic misconception.
Propane can seamlessly move indoors and charge up your daily appliances with powerful, clean energy that won’t let you down.
One of the best applications for propane inside of the home is a propane-fueled fireplace.
Unlike traditional fireplaces, you won’t need to deal with messy ash or residue when you make the smart switch to propane.
You’ll also enjoy the calming glow of an indoor fireplace without the smell of chemicals or harm to the air.
When you think outside of the box, you realize that there are dozens of places that propane can be used inside of your home.
With a few simple switches, you can be running all of your appliances on propane, saving a lot in energy costs, and being a friend to the environment.
Propane is an often-overlooked source of energy, but it is a powerful and highly efficient way to run your home.
These careless cooking methods using polluting stoves can cause 4 million people to die prematurely every year due to different illnesses brought by household air pollution.
It also brings several non-communicable diseases like stroke, ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Since these traditional stoves are common in rural areas, most cases happen in these places.
But living in the countryside should be safer and relaxing due to its laid-back lifestyle.
To make sure that life in one of the best rural places will make you healthier, here are several ways to improve the air quality indoors.
Determine The Source
One of the best ways to stop indoor air pollution is to get rid of all the indoor sources or lessen their emissions.
These sources include chemical insecticides, fumes from wood burners and kerosenes, and dust mites.
To get rid of these pollutants, you can use different methods like replacing chemical insecticides with non-toxic pesticide and insecticide methods and using flooring solutions that must use less carpet.
To further eradicate the air pollution at home, you may also install a kitchen ventilation system to lessen the levels of emissions.
Cut Down Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Using heating equipment in rural areas like wood stoves, gas-powered water heaters, unventilated kerosene heaters, and central heating systems can increase the carbon monoxide levels at home.
The level of this dangerous gas will also rise if you have faulty chimneys and broken furnaces.
You can fix this by making sure that all combustion equipment at home works properly and adjusted to lessen the toxic fume emissions.
It is also important to make sure that all the doors of the wood stoves can shut tightly.
Also, having these fixtures inspected by professional experts regularly will ensure that the carbon monoxide levels at home remain at the lowest level.
Boost Air Ventilation
When homes have proper ventilation, all the dangerous air pollutants and allergen particles circulate outdoors.
Because of this, the exposure of everyone living in a rural household will have limited exposure to harmful air.
Because of this, experts suggested keeping some windows opened even during the cold months of winter.
Keeping the attic fans opened occasionally will also help the fresh air to circulate inside the house.
Improve The Air Quality In Your Home
Cleaning the air inside your home in the countryside can be an easy task.
You just need to determine all the possible sources of pollution at home to find the right methods to get rid of the harmful air particles indoors.
If possible, all homeowners must have their properties inspected by skilled experts regularly to make sure that the air quality at home remains healthy for everyone living in it.
Impressively Renovate a Small Apartment on a Budget – Renovating an apartment can be a frustrating task. It’s a trial and error method. It requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the result of the renovation is not short of your expectations.
Keeping the countless hassles of renovations aside, it is no wonder that the process requires enough financing.
Many times, people hire contractors to look after the renovation of their houses without realizing that these people keep extremely high-profit margins.
Thus, making it extra expensive for you to restructure your small apartment.
So, how to renovate your apartment in a low budget, ensuring an appealing ambiance?
Let us help you!
In this article, we have gathered a few tips which can help make the whole process a little easy on your wallet.
Clean Out Your Apartment
And giving you full liberty to choose how to go about the renovation.
Clean Out Your Apartment
Cleaning everything out is the first step to start off the renovation.
You can push your furniture out and clean up the apartment completely.
With the house now empty, you can visualize the changes that you want to see in your apartment.
You can pick out the spot where you want to set up new decors or plan out a new and unique set up for the sofa.
The empty space is an opportunity for you to completely redesign the look of your home.
Another advantage of cleaning up first is that you can start discarding unnecessary items.
More often than not, you will avoid having to throw away items that you never use or, sometimes, don’t even like for no reason.
These useless items are the things that are taking up unnecessary space and should be abandoned for newer objects to come in.
Avoiding Excessive Artificial Lighting
One way to avoid compromising on your budget is to remodel your home in such a way that allows natural light to travel in.
Thus, you do not have to spend on installing light sources like lamps and bulbs.
Excessive Artificial Lighting
With a natural inlet for light, you can avoid having to switch on the lights during day time and bask in the sun in the comfort of your home.
You can even go for something that does not involve making a huge hole in the wall for a window.
Instead, you can install a false ceiling which lets the light enter through the roof.
You can even install a light tube that helps in tapping the light from the roof towards your living room.
For a more glamours look, consider installing salt lamps that not only look beautiful but provide the romantic ambiance at night.
STOP the Obsession with Size
Size is something that every apartment owner is obsessed with.
Everyone wants a bigger house with space to put all those things that you should have discarded long ago.
We suggest going towards efficiency rather than size.
Install transparent glass shelves on your kitchen’s walls to keep some of the utensils.
Cabinet drawers can be made to make a more efficient space.
If you live in a studio apartment and want to cut done on your renovation budget, look for convertible furniture.
Beds turning into sofas, décor items turning into functional items, and more.
These are extremely efficient designs that are perfect for smaller homes and budget-friendly for homeowners.
Install Shower Doors
You can’t ignore your bathroom when renovating your small apartment.
And an easy and efficient way to change the look of your bathroom is by changing the shower curtain.
What we mean is removing the curtains for good and in its place, install a shower door.
Install Shower Doors
Shower doors are the leading trend in modern bathroom designs and they bring out an elegant look to your bathroom.
What is even better is that they add purpose to looks.
The water from the shower door drains out way more quickly, leaving the shower place dry within minutes.
Moreover, frameless shower door is seamless and they allow the natural light to travel through them, making your bathroom appear large.
There are a few different designs which you will find in the market. The most common ones are:
The sliding shower door
The hinged or swinging doors
Fixed glass panels
Shower Door Options for your Bathroom Upgrade
It is important to do your research regarding the benefits of each and visualizes which kind of shower doors would suit you best.
You can avoid spending extra cash by looking at tutorials to installing the shower doors to your bathroom yourself.
This option provides you a very budget-friendly way to transform the look of your small bathroom.
Add Flair with Mirrors
Add Flair with Mirrors
Installing a mirror is also a viable option if you are looking to put in more flair without having to increase your budget.
Setting up a mirror is also a simple job that you can do on your own.
All you need is an electric drill and a screw to hang the mirror.
To give an aesthetic touch to the mirror, you can get a wooden border attached to the mirror for a few dollars.
The result would be worth it as the borders increase the beauty as well as keep you away from the sharp edges of the mirror.
DIY Install Mirror Yourself
DIY Install Mirror Yourself
Demolishing a house costs way less than renovating it.
However, you can still save some of the cash flows by demolishing it yourself.
When doing this, you need to take proper safety measures in order to avoid any injuries and further prolonging your renovation process.
With a DIY process, you can pick out certain parts of your house that do not need demolition.
Rather, they require a little polishing to work great. It is all about saving wherever you can.
And this is one way you can avoid spending money by completely bringing your house to the ground.
Laminated Kitchen Tiles
Go for Laminated Kitchen Tiles
The remodeling of the kitchen takes a good fraction of time.
Because you need to procure the materials with extra care, it takes a bit more time than the other parts of your home.
To limit your options, we advise you to look for laminated tiles.
These are tiles that are significantly easier to install.
But that is not the best part.
These elegant laminated tiles also give your house a very sophisticated look and the impression of a contemporary designed interior, giving off rich vibes.
Make Front Door Impressive
Make Front Door Impressive
The first thing anyone notices when coming to your house is the front door.
Hence, it is no surprise that the front door design carries a fair amount of emphasis in the renovation process.
We advise you to look at designer made front doors and then replicate those designs with your local carpenters.
The quality of the wood should be good as it is not only about looks but adding value to the resale value of your home.
The painting of the door is fairly simple.
You can do it yourself or even ask your kids to do it, turning costly work into a fun activity for the family.
Choose Complementary Rugs
Choose Complementary Rugs
Go for a custom-made rug to complement the colors in your apartment.
Choose a color that goes well with the curtains and the paint of the walls.
It would help get a cozy feel to your home.
You can go for a rug that has designs on it, or go for one that has a good texture.
All in all, these small factors affect how the look of your home changes.
Express Yourself with Paint
Painting is not a huge concern for many house owners and they often consider DIY doing it.
They feel that it is a simple process where you just have to get a brush and start coloring the walls.
Express Yourself with Paint
It doesn’t work like that.
You need to have a proper catalog of the colors to first try and decide which color tone appeals most to the walls.
You need to contrast between the walls and the wall hangings that you plan on placing on these painted walls.
Hence, you need to do some research on the primary and secondary colors that you plan on applying to the wall.
By doing this, you’ll not regret painting the walls when you are done.
It is also important to understand how to stroke with the brush.
Painting walls isn’t merely an arts and crafts class.
There is a proper way of applying coats on the wall that you need to learn.
Pick Cheap yet Appealing Decors
Buy local traditional decors to cut down on your costs.
These local handmade products do not cost as much as designer decoration pieces do.
Pick Cheap yet Appealing Decors
With a little bit of scouting, you can find some extremely decent products that complement the paint of the walls and the rugs that you have placed.
Candles are one such example of these decoration pieces.
Scented candles look very elegant and provide a refreshing scent to your home.
Another great way to upgrade your decoration is by incorporating mirrors on the walls.
It is said that adding mirrors to a room gives an illusion of openness and a large space.
All you have to do is hit a thrift shop and get a mirror.
Get the mirror cut in the kind of shape you want and install it on the walls.
Adding wooden borders to the mirror can enhance the look momentously.
Upgrade Your Garden
Upgrade Your Garden
The exterior of your house matters as much as the interior.
An ill-maintained garden outside your home brings about a very bad impression of your home.
Therefore, we advise you to take up a gardening hobby and upgrade your garden by sowing presentable plants and weeding the garden by yourself.
A gardener may not seem costly by the hourly pay but the amount that adds up at the end of the month is a significant amount that you can easily save.
Renovate a small apartment
Renovate a small apartment may seem a daunting task.
It can be challenging financially and the delays that occur sometimes might be frustrating.
However, taking most of the things on your own rather than giving it to a contractor can help you avoid such a delay.
And keep the renovation process lighter in your pocket.
We hope that the list above helps you in your next renovation, no matter where you live.
A clean and hygienic workspace is a sign of an organised and efficient worker.
Your workspace represents your work attitude.
It also represents how you handle the tasks that are given to you and how you work throughout the day.
The psychological and physiological aspects of living conditions should be given attention to ensure that employees can fulfill their tasks safely and adequately.
Poor working spaces could be a sign of a weak worker.
On the other hand, a highly organised desk could be a sign of efficiency.
There are various benefits to maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace.
Maidforyou.com.au focuses on achieving physiological and psychological benefits of working in a clean and hygienic environment.
People with more organised workspaces are more focused and livelier.
People with unkempt office space may feel uncomfortable and are likely to lose focus.
Psychological Benefits of a Clean & Hygienic Workspace
Fun Outdoor Activities To Do With Your Dog
Focused employees
A clean and hygienic workspace allows you to concentrate on your task and finish it on time.
It will provide you with a systemic way of working through your projects without experiencing too much stress and feeling under pressure.
Moreover, an organised office space stimulates your brain, allowing you to expand your thoughts and ideas.
If you stay focused on what you are doing, you can easily find solutions to problems and decide whether they could be useful or not.
Happier employees
People who work in a clean and hygienic workspace are happier and more relaxed.
You will be more appreciative of your surroundings if you have a safe and clean workspace.
A clean workspace also brings positive effects to your health.
It stops you from having absences due to health issues.
It also makes you stay for longer because you like the privilege of having a safe working environment.
Organized
An organised workspace allows you to focus on finishing your task on time.
Your thought patterns will remain active because of the professional environment.
Also, you can move around freely without distractions or clutter on the floor or working table.
Being organized will lead to a productive and less stressful day.
Physiological Benefits of a Clean and Hygienic Workspace
Working from Home at Coffee Shop
Safe Environment
It is everyone’s fundamental right to work in a safe environment.
Maintaining a hygienic environment does not only rely on the company that you are working for but also within you.
Keeping your personal workspace hygienic can be your small contribution to the company.
A clean environment provides better air quality, good working conditions and reliable workers.
Professional look
A clean and hygienic workspace entails professionalism.
It makes your working station look professional and more approachable to everyone. It also makes you look distinctive, along with others in the same room.
An organised space may lead you to better life opportunities and business.
Productivity
Productivity is measured through the quality of the output that you have created in a day.
People who work in an organised space are more likely to produce a quality output which can be useful over the course of the business day.
More tasks are completed in a professional setting, and you will get the best things out of your hard work and effort at the end of the day.
How to achieve a clean and hygienic personal workspace?
There are psychological and physiological advantages of having a clean and hygienic workspace.
There is a significant correlation between your health and workspace.
There is also a link between work performance and workspace.
Your workspace, your responsibility!
Be responsible for your own space.
Please keep it clean, tidy and hygienic.
Do not leave your desk covered with clutter.
Cleaning your work desk before going home is a good habit.
Besides, you don’t want to come back the next day with a sore sight on your table. Believe me. It can hugely influence your mood for the whole day.
According to a motivational speaker, people who come to work with a sore sight of clutter on their work desks are more likely to feel anxious, tired and lose focus during the day.
Their productivity level goes down, leading to poor work performance during that day.
So, clean up your workspace before going home!
Moreover, it would also help if you have storage boxes, drawers and organizers in the office.
It allows you to store your things properly while working. It also stops you from being distracted and uncomfortable due to the sight of your disarranged papers. Extend the Space of Your Rural Home
Distraction and discomfort can increase your stress and affect work performance.
It is essential to maintain a worker-friendly office and never to compromise your health while working.
To achieve a spacious, clean and hygienic workstation, you should be a RESPONSIBLE worker!
DIY Shipping Container Home – Have you been following the latest trend to hit the housing market and are considering making the leap yourself?
Container homes seem to be all the rage right now, especially for those with a keen interest in tiny homes, downsizing, and re-using existing materials.
Of course, just because it’s trending and getting a lot of attention, doesn’t mean it’s automatically the right option for you.
Before you jump into container home living, here are five things you’ll want to be aware of.
There Are Different Types of Shipping Containers
The first thing you’ll want to be aware of when considering a shipping container home is that not all containers are the same, which means they aren’t all equal.
The most common types are refrigerated, standard, and high cube.
There’s also the fact that you can find everything from brand new ones that haven’t yet been used, to those which have only had a few trips, all the way to very used containers that have a lot of wear and tear.
In terms of which one is right for you, it comes down to your design plan, your personal tastes, the space you have available, and your budget.
Choosing a container home simply because it’s cool, eco-conscious, and popular doesn’t guarantee you’ll love it.
It can be quite useful to work with an experienced container home designer to ensure that you don’t overlook anything and that you make maximum use of the space.
Choose the Right Lot for Your Shipping Container Home
As important as the shipping container itself is, and the design, the lot you plan on using will also play an important part.
You want to be sure it’s a lot that you will feel happy with, enjoy the surroundings, your neighbors or lack of neighbors, proximity to amenities, the amount of space, how you plan to landscape the exterior and work it in with the home, and so forth.
If the lot doesn’t match with your lifestyle, then the container home will never feel like that perfect home you envisaged.
Install Large Windows
The one thing that shipping containers lack is windows, and you simply cannot have a home without windows.
When creating them in the container, opt for large windows that allow for plenty of natural light.
This will help to make the container feel brighter and fresher, as well as make it feel larger.
You can even install sliding doors for that floor to ceiling view.
Just as you would need to look into building permits and regulations if you were building a traditional home, the same rule applies to container homes.
You’ll want to ensure that you follow all the building regulations and rules in your town/city so that you don’t end up in trouble down the road.
If you break any of the local regulations, you may be fined or have to make costly changes. In a worst-case scenario, you may even be forced to take your DIY Shipping Container Home down.
DIY Shipping Container Home converted to cozy house
Take Pause Before Your DIY Shipping Container Home
While the container home trend certainly has good reasons to be popular and work as a solution for singles, couples, and families, there is also plenty worth researching and considering before you begin build your own DIY Shipping Container Home. Extend the Space of Your Rural Home
You want to be sure that your container home is not only unique looking but provides you with the layout and space you need for your lifestyle.
Best Splitting Mauls – Nights can get unbearably cold in the wilderness, so much that not even an HVAC system is enough to protect your health from the harsh and freezing weather.
Situations like these call for the warmth of a fireplace and a trusty fleece blanket.
It’s during these times when fire becomes the essential element in your home.
In order for fire to provide constant warmth throughout the wintertime, you need to make sure it burns continuously.
For this, you would need a steady supply of wood made possible with little to no effort, thanks to the best splitting maul. Axes Best Suited for Rural Living
If you haven’t gotten a splitting maul as of yet, or you are planning to upgrade your splitting maul, we reviewed five of the best in the market.
Best Splitting Mauls Reviews
Fiskars Iso Core 8lb Splitting Maul
Fiskars Iso Core 8lb Splitting Maul
The first maul on our list is by the household brand Fiskars.
This compact eight-pounder comes with a two-face design, one for splitting wood and the other for driving stakes and wedges.
Fiskars Splitting Maul
Fiskars has been supplying the market with top-notch outdoor tools for years, but they really outdid themselves with this model.
Fiskars Splitting Maul Product Highlights
What’s most impressive about the Iso Core splitting maul is its optimized blade geometry, which allows it to penetrate even the toughest of logs.
Just as remarkable is its shock system, which absorbs shocks and vibrations from every strike.
The goal of this technology is to reduce the physical consequences that come with each blow the user delivers, particularly the missed strikes.
With the Fiskars Splitting Maul with the Iso Core, vibration transfer will be twice less compared to similar products on the market.
This means splitting logs for an entire day wouldn’t even be an issue.
You also get more work done because your body won’t feel like it’s hurting.
The handle flair is another standout feature since it keeps your grip on the ax firm and steady while you swing.
A good grip continues to be one of the most important elements of effective wood splitting, as it helps ensure your safety.
You won’t have to worry about the maul accidentally slipping from your hands and careening in the direction of someone nearby.
The Iso Core also makes comfort a priority, evidenced by its insulation sleeve.
This part serves as an initial shock absorber and keeps your hands from bearing the brunt of that powerful first blow.
This maul will be serving you for years on account of its durable and high-quality material.
The head section is made of forged, heat-treated steel.
The steel contains a rust-resistant coating that keeps the maul looking brand new even after years and years of use.
Best Fiskars Maul Pro and Con
All the work you can accomplish with this powerful and lightweight maul will have you sporting an ear-splitting grin.
The technology it uses is outstanding and prioritizes not only productive wood splitting but healthy wood splitting for over long periods.
You cannot deny the versatility this tool offers with its two-faced design.
Aside from allowing you to split logs effortlessly, it also makes it easy for you to drive stakes and wedges.
All you have to do is use the other head.
It’s comfortable and durable.
An entire day of splitting logs won’t feel that long when you use this maul.
The Iso Core’s smartly-designed handle and soft grip will make sure of that.
Everything this maul has in terms of function, it lacks in aesthetics.
The Iso Core may make use of superior technology that protects the user’s health while allowing them to deliver the most powerful and efficient swings, but it’s not necessarily the most beautiful to look at.
Plus, you have to be a pro in wood splitting if you plan on using this model as every missed strike can increase the chances of handle breakage.
Also, while the maul itself is durable, the question still remains for its plastic handle.
This remarkably designed maul by Estwing impresses in several aspects; first, with its forged steel construction and, second, with its genuine leather grip.
Estwing Special Edition Fireside Hatchet
A 14-inch beast that just oozes class and power, it’s a maul that anyone who lives for splitting logs has to have.
Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend Axe
This is yet another one of the single-piece forged designs that have become immensely popular in recent years.
The reason for this lies in the design’s high durability, efficiency, and efficacy for long-lasting striking.
Apart from all these, the design also supports the effortless splitting of logs and firewood.
The Estwing Special Edition prioritizes safety with its quality heavy-duty sheath that covers the tool’s razor-sharp edge.
Other notable features include the shock reduction grip system and the product’s American origins.
The first one is important for obvious reasons in that it considerably reduces the physical toll dealt by every strike to the user’s hands, making every wood splitting session less of a hassle and much less tiring at the same time.
The second is just as vital because it tells you that the steel used to manufacture this equipment is some of the finest in the entire world.
A more modern version of the classic ax, this one offers unrivaled balanced and temper.
The leather adds comfort, durability, and a touch of class.
If you’re a true outdoor person, then you’re definitely going to love this one.
Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend Axe Pro and Con
This model’s single-piece forged design is its most outstanding feature, and the main reason it’s a must-have for every outdoor person.
You can split wood for long periods without ever feeling your hands strain because the grip is absorbing most of the shock.
It doesn’t hurt that this model is great to look at, too.
One of the things we look for in our outdoor tools is beauty, and the Estwing Special Edition definitely doesn’t slack in this department.
The gorgeous leather that covers the handle is sanded and lacquered and adds just a touch of class into the whole wood splitting activity.
If you’re going after some of the tougher hardwoods, then it’s best to double-clutch the handle for safety purposes.
The painted face looks great but drags against the wood.
You can wait for it to wear off, or you can brush it all off yourself at the bench grinder.
Its incredible creations like this 31.5-inch splitting maul made Gransfors Bruk a household name.
Everything, from design to performance, is an A+.
It weighs seven pounds, with the head making up almost 80 percent of the total weight at 5.5 pounds.
Gransfors Splitting Maul
The long handle and large head give this maul superb balance.
Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul Features
This splitting maul is an absolute beauty with its double-faced head made of premium quality steel.
You have a wedge face meant for splitting wood, and another face that’s a solid hammer meant for driving steel wedges.
This awesome feature is what allows the tool to deliver on versatility.
This Gransfors Bruk has a long, beautifully crafted handle with a shiny finish that gives the maul an elegant, sophisticated feel to it.
Another thing worth mentioning is how the head fits the handle to perfection through its steel and wood wedges.
This tells us how securely these parts are attached and that there’s no chance of them ever coming apart.
To top it all off, there’s the vegetable-tanned leather sheath that comes with the package.
It safeguards the head of the maul from weather elements, resulting in years of excellent service without rust or corrosion.
Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul Pro and Con
This splitting maul by Gransfors Bruk is made for swift and efficient log splitting as not even the biggest logs can withstand its combination of strength, balance, and power.
You can use it in conjunction with a splitting wedge, which is when you get the most out of this tool.
It’s made of beautifully handcrafted hardwood and is perfectly balanced that it allows you to split logs accurately for long periods.
The leather sheath offers the perfect form of protection for the wedge.
Tall users may benefit a lot from this maul, but the short ones aren’t so lucky.
The handle is simply too long for them.
And speaking of handles, this model has an unfinished one.
The company lives and breathes gardening and landscaping, and it definitely shows in this candidate for the best splitting maul.
The Razorback 4114000 is an everyday tool that allows you to go about wood splitting more efficiently.
The fiberglass handle provides long-lasting overstrike protection.
RazorBack Ames Company Splitting Maul Features
This model is definitely for those who love to split firewood.
It’s one of the best splitters out there with its fiberglass handle and long-lasting overstrike protection.
The edge is razor-sharp, and the tool, as a whole, performs exceptionally well.
Another noteworthy feature of this maul is its heat-treated head, which enhances both safety and durability.
The head is also balanced superbly so that every time the user strikes, it’s always effortless and effective.
Of course, the forged steel head is also something to behold and gives the user that extra power on every swing.
The fiberglass core handle is what makes everything come together and solidifies this maul’s spot as one of the year’s best.
It helps provide support, balance, and safety and ensures that every strike is done correctly and accurately.
RazorBack Ames Company Splitting Maul Pro and Con
This is such a great maul that has high durability and overstrike protection.
True to its name, Razorback delivers a model that’s razor-sharp and exceptionally powerful for its size.
You may need to sharpen the blade regularly to get some edge consistently.
RazorBack Splitting Maul Pros:
Great for splitting firewood
Safe and durable
Fiberglass handle
Overstrike protection
RazorBack Splitting Maul Con:
Needs regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Splitting Maul Buyer’s Guide
If you’re asking yourself if certain things need to be considered before purchasing a splitting maul, the answer is yes.
This guide covers all the important elements to look for in a maul so that you can get one that meets all your wood splitting needs.
Splitting Maul Weight
The maul’s weight, without a doubt, influences its performance.
Generally, it’s the heavier models that perform better on account of the heavier splitting force they deliver onto the wood.
For effective wood splitting in the general sense, you should go for mauls that are no less than eight pounds in weight.
Single Piece Forging or Socket
Take a look at the way the handle attaches itself to the head.
It would help if you were sure that the socket is durable because that is the mark of a quality product.
That aspect alone will determine the length of time your maul will be able to serve you.
For models designed with single-piece forging, there won’t be a need for these sockets.
This also means that these particular models are more durable since there is little to no chance of the head detaching from the socket.
Balance
Balance is another essential quality to look for in splitting mauls.
Choosing a maul that provides great balance also means you get excellent leverage for every strike, which thereby increases your chances to produce accurate ones.
To tell if a maul has good balance, its head needs to be at a weight just right for its handle length.
But the shape and overall design could also factor into the equation.
Best Handle For Splitting Mauls
The handle is where you make contact with the maul.
It determines the ergonomics associated with handling the maul, the comfort, as well as the grip.
The more traditional models have wooden handles while the newer ones feature handles made of fiberglass.
The former gives you that classic feel that’s both comfortable and elegant.
Splitting Mauls Wedge Size and Sharpness
The size and sharpness of the wedge determine how efficient the maul is at splitting logs and firewood.
Some people think that sharpness doesn’t matter when you’re trying to split wood.
While the wedge doesn’t necessarily have to possess the fine edges you see in most axes, it still needs to be sharp.
Check before you purchase. The wedge must be razor-sharp.
Best Splitting Mauls FAQs
What Weight Is the Best for a Splitting Maul?
We’ve established that weight matters when it comes to choosing splitting mauls.
Generally, an eight-pound maul would be great for all-around wood splitting.
If you’re looking to split stronger wood types, such as hardwood, then the heavier, the better.
Should I Sharpen My Splitting Maul?
Yes, you should definitely sharpen your splitting maul.
How regularly depends on how often you use your tool.
Even if you don’t use it that much, you should still take it out to the bench grinder to maintain its sharp edges.
Is a Maul Better Than an Ax?
It depends on the purpose.
It’s important to remember that the best splitting mauls are best for splitting wood, while axes are ideal for chopping wood.
The latter involves slicing through the wood fibers to produce wood chips, while the former intends to split a piece of wood into two pieces in the most efficient way.
How Do You Use a Splitting Maul?
You use a splitting maul the same way you do an ax, which is to drive down the wedge into the wood to split it into two.
The operative word being “splitting” and not “cutting” since you would use an ax.
Mauls have blunter wedges compared to axes, which makes them more efficient at wood splitting but also means that they rely on the strength of the user and not just the sharpness of the wedge to get the job done.
Is It Better to Split Wood Wet or Dry?
Dry wood is easier to split because of its low moisture content.
A maul or an ax would easily be able to cut through dry wood.
Of course, this isn’t to say that wet wood can’t be split because it can.
Granted it’ll be a bit harder, but it can be done, and people have been doing it for ages.
Our Recommended Best Splitting Mauls
Each product on our list of best splitting mauls has great strengths and barely any weaknesses.
Put simply, they’re mauls that suit the purposes they were made for.
Since most of this year’s top performers excelled in terms of handle quality, weight, comfort, and grip, we’re going to let versatility be the deciding factor.
Now the decision becomes easier since Fiskars Iso Core 8lb Maul clearly leads the pack in this category.
This model functions as an efficient wood-splitting and wedge-driving tool with anti-vibration and anti-shock features that make it the standout for both professional and personal use.
Types of Axes – With any tool, it’s important to understand that they have been designed to work in specific situations.
When it comes to axes, a majority of people can only tell you one type, and it’s usually the one used for chopping wood.
Many other versatile types are suitable for rural living, and while one ax may work for one situation, it may fall short in another.
An excellent method to ensure that you’re choosing the right type is to explore the different types of axes.
To help you out, we’ve taken the time to research different uses for axes.
We’ll introduce you to different axes available on the market today.
Types of Axes and Their Uses
Axes may seem like they have one function, but the varieties are good at accomplishing different tasks.
Some of these tasks that influence axes use range from size to shape and types of heads.
10 of the most common varieties of axes:
Throwing Axes
Throwing axes are used in either sports or competitions.
They feature a durable handle that has an ergonomic design to help enhance your grip on the ax and make aiming a bit easier.
These axes are also shorter than your standard wood chopping axes.
When used in a competition, it’s important to follow weight and height regulations.
This limits the production of throwing axes but keeps them up to standard for different leagues and federations.
If you’re looking for an interesting hobby, ax throwing can be an interesting one.
Many rural areas have ax-throwing competitions.
Additionally, you’ll get extra experience handling axes and a fun workout.
Crash Axe
Crash axes are designed to be used on aircraft to help chop and pry walls open.
They are generally small in size and very lightweight.
The materials used are pure metal or steel and can end up prying open most of the aircraft’s drawers and doors.
These are only used in emergencies and don’t have much use other than that.
Many firefighters, though, may use crash axes to help them when removing metal sheets.
They would be ideal in survival settings, but they do a mediocre job at chopping.
Hence, crash axes would be excellent to keep in survival kits since they can come in handy if one of your exits gets blocked.
Additionally, they can help pry open rusted doors and can be used for crafting and scrapping.
Keep in mind though that their blade isn’t as weighted as others, so your aim may be less precise.
Firefighter’s Axe
As a firefighter, it’s essential to have a tool that can help you pry open any closures.
Due to the wide and broad ax head, firefighters can easily break down any wooden doors, windows, or walls.
The opposite side of the ax head is sharply pointed and can work to pry open closures.
With their variable use, they would be ideal for rural living.
The sharp blade can be useful for chopping wood while the other end could be used for prying materials off from each other.
However, they may be a bit heavy and aren’t the most accurate when it comes to chopping woods.
Carpenter’s Axe
A carpenter’s axe is smaller than regular axes.
It’s designed to chop wood and be used to create sharp edges through log-building techniques.
There is a slight finger notch that allows carpenters to be more precise when making any chops.
The opposite end of the ax features a hardened material, which can be used as a hammer.
Some newer models also come with a built-in nail pull.
This helps carpenters multitask without having to switch tools.
These are worth the investment and can be used for several different projects.
If you’re looking for a versatile tool, this can be good to have in a workshop.
If you’re building projects or just scrapping, this tool can come in handy too.
Hewing Axe
Hewing axes work similarly to industrial-sized sawmills.
They are for framing timber and helping square up the edges to perfectly match.
Hewing is an integral part of the woodwork and helps in carving the shape of timber to help them fit together.
The ax features a comparatively flat head, so they also can help create even edges.
Many hewing axes are still used for such, but they are a slower method of getting wood shaped.
Instead, many people tend to use these for smaller projects rather than for industrial use.
Splitting Maul
One of the most important axes for a rural living is a splitting maul.
These axes are foraged to be durable, heavy, and effective at cutting down trees.
If you have a large amount of timber that needs to be split down the middle, a splitting maul will get the job done.
The ax head is thick and dense, which allows you to chop effectively.
They are also generally heavy, so there is enough pressure when the ax head comes into contact with the wood.
Additionally, the thickness of the ax head can help prevent it from getting stuck.
Both the weight and thickness allow you to pull it out without much effort.
Tomahawks
Tomahawks are a popular type of ax that has existed for many years.
North Americans first used them as an all-purpose tool, but they are now more commonly used for competitions, sports, and camping.
The build of a tomahawk is very slim and lightweight, which makes them ideal for holding.
The sharp ax head allows you to slice through different materials easily, but they aren’t as effective as other thicker ax heads.
They can help you get smaller jobs done and definitely can be useful in a survival setting.
That said, there are different models of tomahawks.
Some include enhancements that have various ax heads, spikes, and hammers.
Felling Ax
A felling ax is the traditional wood chopping ax.
Felling axes are used to chop down branches, trees, and split wood.
Their blade has two main features that make them different from other models.
The blade has a slim yet flat design, and it’s sharper than most other kinds of axes and needs to be sharpened consistently to cut down wood effectively.
The head of the ax weighs approximately two pounds, but this varies from brand to brand.
Additionally, the handle is around two feet in length and gives you plenty of weighing when you swing it.
Best Hatch and axe
Hatchet
Another common ax that people associate with the word “ax” is a hatchet, and it can come in handy around the house.
It’s designed for chopping and kindling wood, as well as hacking down a small tree.
It is often affordable and readily available at most warehouse stores.
Hatchets have a very thin handle with a weighted head.
It is crafted to be balanced and easy to use.
Due to the well-balanced design, they are often more precise when you swing.
This helps you cut a tree down quickly, as your aim will be accurate.
Limbing Ax
Another useful ax to have around the home is a climbing ax.
Exactly like it sounds, the ax features a long, 24-inch handle with a two-pound head.
It’s designed to be able to cut down limbs of trees.
Due to the long length, it makes it easier to reach branches and swing at them when the tree is standing up.
The ax head is easy to maneuver and won’t pose any risk while swinging it.
Additionally, the head is proportional in weight to improve accuracy.
Do note though that it may take some practice to be able to swing it with precision.
Are There Any Other Kinds of Axes?
There are a few different varieties of axes we didn’t mention due to their limited use.
Many axes are used for survival or camping settings.
Clutter From Your Home – It is no secret that most of us have allowed clutter to fill and take control of our homes. Somehow, the more space we have, the more clutter we keep.
This is often true with clutter we keep in our garages, basements, and backyard sheds. These places become storage areas for holiday decorations, memorabilia, lawn maintainence and gardening tools, miscellaneous hardware, and more.
And it all keeps piling up.
Add to that many types of specialty equipment you may need for different projects around your home.
Whether you are repairing a fence, getting started in hydroponics, raising chickens, or building garden beds, all of these pursuits require materials as well.
All of this takes up room.
Keeping track of everything in your home and on your property is not easy, even when everything is in its proper place or labeled and stored neatly in boxes.
No matter how many items you have, it is not difficult to declutter.
How to get rid of clutter on your homestead
You don’t have to rush to make your home presentable only when you have visitors coming over.
It is imperative to get ahead of the mess and come up with a working system that will keep your home organized and clutter-free.
Below are some easy ways to declutter your home.
Ensure everything has a home
It’s easy to accumulate clutter when you don’t have anywhere to store your things. Make sure your possessions have a proper place.
Do you need to leave that bag of rice and your toaster on your counter? Can you find room in a cabinet for them?
Put things back
Once the possessions you use regularly have a home, it makes it easy to put them back after you use them.
When you take a rake out of the garage to work in your yard, put it back in the garage when you are finished with it.
In this way, you will have less clutter around, and you will be able to find it the next time you need it.
Keep up each day
Another tip is to keep up with clutter each day. Don’t let it pile up.
Keeping up with it a few minutes a day will help keep your space tidier.
Go through your mail right away when you get it. Recycle what you don’t need to respond to.
Tidy up the kitchen each night so you will wake up to an empty kitchen sink, not a pile of dishes.
Don’t let paperwork pile up on the table. Act on it, whether that’s shredding it or filing it.
Don’t allow piles to accumulate
Once you allow piles to litter your floors, dressers, tables, and countertops, it’s easy to come to accept them.
Another way to help get rid of excess items requires you to have a clear definition of clutter.
Once you can define it, it will be easy to filter the items you need and those that you can do away with.
Some of the items that you can get rid of include: old clothes, outdated decorations, abandoned projects in the garage, old batteries and some sentimental items.
Get rid of the excess
It is quite clear that most homes are full of items, many of which are not important.
It’s a lot easier to keep a clutter-free environment when you don’t have as many belongings to deal with.
Owning too much stuff is a recipe for clutter to pile up. Having fewer items in your home will help keep clutter at a minimum.
You can get in touch with a removal agency such as Paul’s Rubbish Removal Sydney to remove unwanted items and make your home clutter free again.
Reduce the accumulation of possessions
Managing clutter in your home should be much easier if you slow down or stop purchasing unnecessary items.
Sometimes it’s difficult to restrain yourself from buying items, especially when something is on sale.
However, you have to evaluate if each item is worth the cost.
Know that everything has a cost — even if it’s the cost of taking up space in your home.
You have to ask yourself if you really need it and whether you are purchasing it for the right reasons.
In addition, you have to ensure you have enough space to store the items you are about to buy.
It is good to accept that some purchases will take more from us than they offer.
One tip is when you buy something new, to get rid of something similar. As an example, if you buy a pair of shoes or a new shirt, get rid of one.
Donate or Freecycle
Sometimes it is extremely difficult to get rid of items you own especially if you spent money on them.
Instead of dumping them, you can donate them to local charities who benefit underserved communities.
It’s a lot easier to donate something knowing someone can truly benefit from it.
If you can’t find a charity to donate to, then try posting what you want to get rid of to freecycle.org.
You will be surprised that your clutter can be another person’s treasure.
Upcycle
Do you find yourself collecting glass jars, plastic bottle caps, craft supplies, and other treasures?
Contact a local children’s museum, library, school, or community center to see if they can use them for crafting activities for children.
This is a great way to reuse objects that seem too useful to throw away.
Recycle
Recycling is another viable way to get rid of clutter.
Many towns offer recycling services for plastics, glass, and aluminum. If not, you can take them to the closest recycling drop off location.
You may be able to use paper cartons, cardboard boxes, and other paper for your compost.
Gather up your old electronics and bring them to EcoATM recycling kiosks and get paid.
Many libraries and cities have collection opportunities as well.
Living clutter-free on your homestead
Living clutter-free is way better than having too much unwanted stuff in your home.
Follow the tips provided above. You will see how easy it is to have an organized and spacious home, no matter what the size.
There are steps you can take to manage your possessions before they overtake your home. In the process, you will be able to enjoy a more organized and stress free living space.
You’ll not be required to reach into your pocket to pay for expenses resulting from accidents, personal injuries, and property damage while working.
Market Your Business
In recent years, lawn care business owners could generate clients simply by the powers of word-of-mouth marketing.
It is still a great way to get clients, but it’s 2020, so don’t forget to take advantage of the internet and digital marketing marketing tactics.
Regardless of which marketing route you take, be sure to act professionally.
It is advisable to invest on a website, a company logo, and things such as local advertising, business cards, and giveaways like pens, calendars, sticky notes, etc.
Build a Great Team
Depending on the size of your business, you’ll need to hire employees to help you in running your business.
Whether it’s a part-time field technician or full-time office worker to help manage your business, the kind of person you hire plays a crucial role in determining how your business grows.
Be sure to perform a background check before deciding who to hire.
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