Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
Brick Driveway: What’s Better, Brick or Concrete Pavers?
Choosing between a brick or concrete paver driveway is an important decision that can greatly impact the look and feel of your home. Both materials have their pros and cons when it comes to appearance, durability, and cost. This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between brick and concrete pavers to help you make the…
-
How to Convert a Flat Ceiling to Vaulted
Converting a flat ceiling to a vaulted ceiling can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Vaulted ceilings create a sense of space, height and drama. They also allow more natural light into a room. The conversion process does involve some complex construction work, but the end results are well worth it. Here…
-
16 Spreading Plants for Paved Areas
Paved areas like driveways, patios, and walkways can often look boring and sterile. However, with the right plant choices, you can soften the hard edges and add visual interest to these spaces. When selecting plants for paved areas, you’ll want to choose low-growing, spreading varieties that can tolerate compacted soil, reflected heat from paved surfaces,…
-
Guide to Removing Interior and Exterior House Walls
Removing walls in your home, whether interior or exterior, can be a great way to open up and change the layout of your living space. However, it’s not a project to take lightly. Proper planning and preparation are essential to ensure the structural integrity of your home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything…
-
6 Materials for Landscape Edging, Patios, and Paths
Selecting the right materials for landscape edging, patios, and paths is an important decision that can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which materials are best suited for your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide explores six of the…
-
What Is the Difference Between Hardscape and Softscape?
Landscaping projects often incorporate both hardscape and softscape elements to create functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Understanding the differences between these two terms can help when designing and planning landscaping projects. What is Hardscaping? Hardscaping refers to inorganic, man-made landscape features constructed from materials like stone, concrete, brick, tile, and wood. Hardscape elements are durable,…
-
Exposed Beam and Joist Ceilings: What to Know
Exposed beam and joist ceilings can add a lot of visual interest and character to a room. The exposed wood brings a natural, rustic feel that is often associated with cozy cabins and farmhouses. However, exposed ceilings aren’t just for rustic homes. When thoughtfully designed and integrated into a contemporary space, exposed beams and joists…
-
Common Types of Brick Bonds Used in Masonry
Brick bonds refer to the pattern in which bricks are laid during the masonry construction of walls, floors, arches, and other structures. The pattern determines the strength, appearance, and water penetration resistance of the masonry. There are several standard types of brick bonds used in masonry construction, each with their own advantages and suitability for…
-
Stone Dust: What It Is, Uses, and Where to Buy It
Stone dust, also known as stone screenings or crushed granite, refers to finely crushed granite particles. It is a byproduct of crushing granite into smaller pieces and has many different practical applications. What is Stone Dust? Stone dust is the fine, sand-like particles left over after larger pieces of granite are crushed and broken down.…
-
Calculating How Much Stone Dust You Need
Stone dust is an extremely useful material for a variety of hardscaping projects. When installed properly, stone dust forms a solid, durable base that can support pavers or stones. However, calculating the right amount of stone dust you need for your project can be tricky if you don’t know what factors to take into account.…
Got any book recommendations?