Master Makeover: A DIY Chandelier Transformation

How's this for a Transformation Thursday?<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtPzsDYwUNRV0lTXx4PkVDT3I8o38UJSkPhZ3hndkl7QFxae_n6-CUSMMpn4eXo1dN6zJpex39nBovOP00INMdDnle5ZoQtpGmeSjumafPDxd4EfF9Bh46AGvha_ZTVzeGh7jTvrVT_48/s1600/BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtPzsDYwUNRV0lTXx4PkVDT3I8o38UJSkPhZ3hndkl7QFxae_n6-CUSMMpn4eXo1dN6zJpex39nBovOP00INMdDnle5ZoQtpGmeSjumafPDxd4EfF9Bh46AGvha_ZTVzeGh7jTvrVT_48/s1600/BA.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Best $45 ever spent... I can't stop staring at it!</div><div><br /></div><div>This fixture was originally hanging in my current studio when we bought the house (it's probably the one thing we were actually able to salvage from the home, woohoo!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I neglected to take an installed Before photo but you can see it at the top of this one when we first stepped inside this house:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8l3ltWco9o3-skY3Tajp5-ti-kuCQEGgFKmu0o10_Jh5HxNromVfNl907JDVyxz2XLw8yzUb_S9c7mJ_03yD9A5sgfTdTcR_7SPU6MedoNqbl2hIriP2xd9bcAhP43qL69V7ubULVRnM/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8l3ltWco9o3-skY3Tajp5-ti-kuCQEGgFKmu0o10_Jh5HxNromVfNl907JDVyxz2XLw8yzUb_S9c7mJ_03yD9A5sgfTdTcR_7SPU6MedoNqbl2hIriP2xd9bcAhP43qL69V7ubULVRnM/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After removing the glass shades I saw some potential.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRKXRGIHheycwKOafU4YhakpUV8iSekSSajjUmSh-viHGp_Z-a1XxKGWyRXfcwddsXplcMRTCBOUlRpnuTKpv2uONzUzIA9zeu4Mm5i1yVRpQE64rdthsJRS30JQF8M-7Srqws_mBsCv7/s1600/IMG_3294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRKXRGIHheycwKOafU4YhakpUV8iSekSSajjUmSh-viHGp_Z-a1XxKGWyRXfcwddsXplcMRTCBOUlRpnuTKpv2uONzUzIA9zeu4Mm5i1yVRpQE64rdthsJRS30JQF8M-7Srqws_mBsCv7/s1600/IMG_3294.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It sat in storage until a couple weeks ago when I started to formulate my plan. If ever there was a place to add some romance and sparkle, a master bedroom is it. We've added a lot of architecture and hard surfaces to the space so far—now it's time to balance that with some softness and set the mood.</div><div><br /></div><div>The recessed lighting has completely transformed the feel of this room (I could go on forever about on how important lighting is), so this is yet another way to control the atmosphere, and why not also make it a focal point in the room?</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the plan was set in motion, I headed to Pinterest to find tutorials as I had no idea where to began. Pinterest fell pretty short here... I only found a few and they weren't that detailed, leaving me to mostly try and figure it out on my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did find a great online source for inexpensive crystals—<a href="http://cristalier.com/">Cristalier.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>After sketching out a rough idea and using string to lay out my strands, I placed my order:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMzXUZlsEDQpQLCpywAreVdjHs1b-cZH4Zfelsd1WyqJ-kzsygAvhz8OmaHnNGES76Ox6eaZCxbqIU7Dd05Xn5Fwci8n7NEl53ekwHwAYDDo12JEailH4vE-X2-4fJOGWjKyJZ4gSCLuU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-09+at+9.52.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMzXUZlsEDQpQLCpywAreVdjHs1b-cZH4Zfelsd1WyqJ-kzsygAvhz8OmaHnNGES76Ox6eaZCxbqIU7Dd05Xn5Fwci8n7NEl53ekwHwAYDDo12JEailH4vE-X2-4fJOGWjKyJZ4gSCLuU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-09+at+9.52.26+PM.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>15 feet of glass beads and 5 crystal pendants (and I found a Facebook code online) for under $40 shipped, not too shabby.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I could think about hanging them, I decided to spray paint the metal in a satin black. Just wasn't feeling the hammered silver.<br /><br />I hung it from the garage door for easy paint application...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ2Ff_hTnPUiy8lXtBCNSwhZAgvTCouaKb6QtK3hwaUgPQuXI0brI9m3a_clyDKINkKHBoZPqmrEzxEUWZfUgzbdseZs3ph3sLwGzh6EFwA9I0sOw3b1_Mqj1aVyhMTL-H7LDi7-z1Sm3/s1600/IMG_3892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ2Ff_hTnPUiy8lXtBCNSwhZAgvTCouaKb6QtK3hwaUgPQuXI0brI9m3a_clyDKINkKHBoZPqmrEzxEUWZfUgzbdseZs3ph3sLwGzh6EFwA9I0sOw3b1_Mqj1aVyhMTL-H7LDi7-z1Sm3/s1600/IMG_3892.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>After painting & letting it dry for a day, I disassembled it and removed the chain and rod so we could mount it directly to the beam. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, how to attach these crystals to it? With these little clasps called jewelry bails:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/3/P11393935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/3/P11393935.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I can't find a closeup of the ones I used but they were the only ones Joann's carried. And they were kind of a pain.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first I tried attaching them with hot glue, which was a total joke. It didn't bond at all. Then I used Epoxy and it worked.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAVe1H3Q6l_rbDfjjsvxOCDsef3NJixrsyEIF64-EAGH9WiFLxpHkwSZVBbRBroX6DYUzQtoi6K7zh7jHdK9yvZoIAoRMigGhZo_MRq5VHW-rlimisI8qYA4FWkc9KO3lZdduMmCfLBgr/s1600/IMG_3913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAVe1H3Q6l_rbDfjjsvxOCDsef3NJixrsyEIF64-EAGH9WiFLxpHkwSZVBbRBroX6DYUzQtoi6K7zh7jHdK9yvZoIAoRMigGhZo_MRq5VHW-rlimisI8qYA4FWkc9KO3lZdduMmCfLBgr/s1600/IMG_3913.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Each bulb housing had to have two (one on the inside and one on the bottom).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHg9NA7FM8m1FFgmoXbnBtyaxevVmhvlFDQMPSgIKzzl04VDen-Uf90g1IaJSr6M3OqS2rGQBsC4NbtrdSXPGLz2GegsVmUyy_d86jd2_h8GrObNz3cjmZ2tsckkMu60k2vA77O7a0Qj9/s1600/IMG_3920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHg9NA7FM8m1FFgmoXbnBtyaxevVmhvlFDQMPSgIKzzl04VDen-Uf90g1IaJSr6M3OqS2rGQBsC4NbtrdSXPGLz2GegsVmUyy_d86jd2_h8GrObNz3cjmZ2tsckkMu60k2vA77O7a0Qj9/s1600/IMG_3920.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFDb7_JUykOYHg_7q-5S355Kl1tWRG2zgYT-WWu-G0H395XJ9YCFNON-Hb426cR_qpkQLV3xYfHTU-H7BX9KAqUMPcBiixOQVo90uW1iy1NQQk_NqPMya_AoPcHPBKOYQF5QoxQd8HsDF/s1600/IMG_3911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFDb7_JUykOYHg_7q-5S355Kl1tWRG2zgYT-WWu-G0H395XJ9YCFNON-Hb426cR_qpkQLV3xYfHTU-H7BX9KAqUMPcBiixOQVo90uW1iy1NQQk_NqPMya_AoPcHPBKOYQF5QoxQd8HsDF/s1600/IMG_3911.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also added five on the top plate.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tj95mUbL2ceD7jD4y9zZZflySMtTsqD-FepaNFGeg8vAjxecEc7MZT77wbsEdi8Was4oRyfmE_gb8ju9tgMcJ5uWu3vNQFG1kxJv21LZv5TJfx15hrFDIPoVcCRVtumRsSbfehXIaWi3/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tj95mUbL2ceD7jD4y9zZZflySMtTsqD-FepaNFGeg8vAjxecEc7MZT77wbsEdi8Was4oRyfmE_gb8ju9tgMcJ5uWu3vNQFG1kxJv21LZv5TJfx15hrFDIPoVcCRVtumRsSbfehXIaWi3/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The key is to use a big 'ol blob of glue to cover it completely so it stays secure.</div><div><br /></div><div>After letting it cure for a few hours (just to be safe) I added some weight and they stayed on!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmvOa-D79MJRYdDJufYgLlNUk-9wOALJPuR48Gbeou3JcJYYCcDMj6lthDs1ZCJe36cW38CjpY9BbVuBsZRn3tbvZJjQkDo8eCN78hKfr_gQ9x5km5tH_uFFSewuTf_gMnqGlXpltGVQc/s1600/IMG_3914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmvOa-D79MJRYdDJufYgLlNUk-9wOALJPuR48Gbeou3JcJYYCcDMj6lthDs1ZCJe36cW38CjpY9BbVuBsZRn3tbvZJjQkDo8eCN78hKfr_gQ9x5km5tH_uFFSewuTf_gMnqGlXpltGVQc/s1600/IMG_3914.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make them blend in, I sprayed a couple more coats of paint so there was no visible silver.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because we had removed the chain and modified the top, there had to be a way to secure the chandelier to the wood beam, so we drilled some holes into the top plate and drove long screws into the beam. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNDhyphenhyphenoZXzFCYD3ycTrC6ZipBryoXkpZ0_tc6KrDowVkPKJSIbzVhKsWiI20PoOEtaYv7BUiidOhlfJaQ674zqDmUCiVmE53BqGM8aAoUOyOvzQVLwPiVf3oXm9LePxm1GlU6vRmpd4T5n/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNDhyphenhyphenoZXzFCYD3ycTrC6ZipBryoXkpZ0_tc6KrDowVkPKJSIbzVhKsWiI20PoOEtaYv7BUiidOhlfJaQ674zqDmUCiVmE53BqGM8aAoUOyOvzQVLwPiVf3oXm9LePxm1GlU6vRmpd4T5n/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then came the fun part... dressing it up! I started by adding the hanging crystals.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoPhG_K6tWcdeD735HPIZOuHLcRDJJry9_P8GQvO12s9UAKKOW_dDRjb_NTmmj5veLPbHo7La4MIpLXP_uSlwU2cT80WxzW3826yhZBFGB12Wchg2FWw42gllhSABYLaKO6UdcYb8YEHn/s1600/IMG_4010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoPhG_K6tWcdeD735HPIZOuHLcRDJJry9_P8GQvO12s9UAKKOW_dDRjb_NTmmj5veLPbHo7La4MIpLXP_uSlwU2cT80WxzW3826yhZBFGB12Wchg2FWw42gllhSABYLaKO6UdcYb8YEHn/s1600/IMG_4010.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I split my 15 feet of chain into one foot sections to connect between each post (luckily the wire loops connecting the beads bend pretty easily to take them apart.</div><div><br /></div><div>I draped five sections up to the top piece<i> (ignore the bulbs, they were temps.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEE4npqKXcDazcVo1yXeSLFC3kzQ6kbmGyKT_1hyzfX30hlsH3iWilkRbpKz1CXwpe6xVwioCA5QAMHmr4VuV2JQKqSwtaF7pwLZ0qHDGolTBuXasuA_JFkUQWAQp7mku-rcKzqsUHz5c/s1600/IMG_4013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEE4npqKXcDazcVo1yXeSLFC3kzQ6kbmGyKT_1hyzfX30hlsH3iWilkRbpKz1CXwpe6xVwioCA5QAMHmr4VuV2JQKqSwtaF7pwLZ0qHDGolTBuXasuA_JFkUQWAQp7mku-rcKzqsUHz5c/s1600/IMG_4013.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then five sections from the bottom of each post to the bottom center.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjcZasepwjU_2UFBXYg5tchlk7J_nli6JnqjBI0VhkMwDkHRljGP-8e6WOpr_27QTNSkTqc1YeJCxocEPaCLJuBO-ZMPSkkIRGj6ais-f4wZT1huJsXMeY8dDR2saaKn8hCZxxWL65ULz/s1600/IMG_4012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjcZasepwjU_2UFBXYg5tchlk7J_nli6JnqjBI0VhkMwDkHRljGP-8e6WOpr_27QTNSkTqc1YeJCxocEPaCLJuBO-ZMPSkkIRGj6ais-f4wZT1huJsXMeY8dDR2saaKn8hCZxxWL65ULz/s1600/IMG_4012.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9PWCU5Vv4fQzAtCgTjCJUIJZso4zLjNF9mydBF54GBy31F7A19yiB1uy1Wjws0XFqwMEseRjDnkuBzJt3h7frkX_5cwi6-urkt-gQNhqbrebUlBNpVxZSbHHCn8dHQG5syY2EUiK5uBJ/s1600/IMG_4014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9PWCU5Vv4fQzAtCgTjCJUIJZso4zLjNF9mydBF54GBy31F7A19yiB1uy1Wjws0XFqwMEseRjDnkuBzJt3h7frkX_5cwi6-urkt-gQNhqbrebUlBNpVxZSbHHCn8dHQG5syY2EUiK5uBJ/s1600/IMG_4014.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Then I used the last five sections to go between each post.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP4bIanYTAV5MFGGDrel9j8bcwHPT8JaMUzda9xZhMQbtA91Bp7AzhZtlc-XxJUDMkzWzcM0PC6AOrfd3hqNlCu7pvMdcV-SuLCLw3YibK6vj6jDNEiKDQtIT2JXviXI_VLabGzDZsdEC/s1600/IMG_4015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP4bIanYTAV5MFGGDrel9j8bcwHPT8JaMUzda9xZhMQbtA91Bp7AzhZtlc-XxJUDMkzWzcM0PC6AOrfd3hqNlCu7pvMdcV-SuLCLw3YibK6vj6jDNEiKDQtIT2JXviXI_VLabGzDZsdEC/s1600/IMG_4015.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I grabbed up another small hanging crystal at Joann's for the bottom center (I just thought it needed one more there).</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, I picked up some Candelabra bulbs from Lowe's (around $1/ea):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayp1RyZTp33hmZwgLUSBD7UzDDg4fX_2-X1BlrmuzejiNoTrfovq6A3bnu2yO2QbvCH-qpnHue0-jVqOrbPWK68Rfnq1XvxA1-bB2ZYEnuj9dhjtr8CgDbsFAk10noR_K-HUkCl4iTRXK/s1600/IMG_4040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayp1RyZTp33hmZwgLUSBD7UzDDg4fX_2-X1BlrmuzejiNoTrfovq6A3bnu2yO2QbvCH-qpnHue0-jVqOrbPWK68Rfnq1XvxA1-bB2ZYEnuj9dhjtr8CgDbsFAk10noR_K-HUkCl4iTRXK/s1600/IMG_4040.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And boom, instant romance.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-Z1P76_1xy8QWXdK4Vx6X4dnD3pCGPVqonJ-yculXb_zHhmNRRn9UBWeYSd5rQVLcWnqn9z7fNAT3LBiPtSmZ4xUIZJMRsS4TTJs7WO-qH7KBaNcYc4lCPtuAypwwRxXnKKy2V-0SLFa/s1600/IMG_4065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-Z1P76_1xy8QWXdK4Vx6X4dnD3pCGPVqonJ-yculXb_zHhmNRRn9UBWeYSd5rQVLcWnqn9z7fNAT3LBiPtSmZ4xUIZJMRsS4TTJs7WO-qH7KBaNcYc4lCPtuAypwwRxXnKKy2V-0SLFa/s1600/IMG_4065.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It emits such a gorgeous glow.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdNImyBaoDfCrYkqIwYzcA5JQ9ZhDHQWQrc6r0w7bi0-QP5izD1ekxABKZPgFwkaZ7uj2zox9aDsJAD917ZpAeIVHyejF-__xWoY2l38mlhbaWdrPlXQVpc6axvpqlvHyoRdg2XbqWJH-/s1600/IMG_4051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdNImyBaoDfCrYkqIwYzcA5JQ9ZhDHQWQrc6r0w7bi0-QP5izD1ekxABKZPgFwkaZ7uj2zox9aDsJAD917ZpAeIVHyejF-__xWoY2l38mlhbaWdrPlXQVpc6axvpqlvHyoRdg2XbqWJH-/s1600/IMG_4051.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Especially at night.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0-rWtd-RezjE1Iotv9BRyNbS3_uIrZZE0QRaOmh0uVjQBmgQzqr6E-I1eGsRK92VIApBdAH_Ej5oR_-FOfK6Fq0TrpyzpwNQKY9Zl3HMyY9enb9eieIKoqgclaIQfkgI58eCOWaS6MlZ/s1600/IMG_4070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0-rWtd-RezjE1Iotv9BRyNbS3_uIrZZE0QRaOmh0uVjQBmgQzqr6E-I1eGsRK92VIApBdAH_Ej5oR_-FOfK6Fq0TrpyzpwNQKY9Zl3HMyY9enb9eieIKoqgclaIQfkgI58eCOWaS6MlZ/s1600/IMG_4070.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just what this room needed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wxU0T_gRDjZjcQsNuKyCEXOxgyag_da0YPmvi2mpmL3U35qFQujupYIV5NvmX6_89Ml3Sbg7b8GAr7j-aNJBm3v9tSCbakH7TZSEydF8AyjLJ9WBjbwwX2NPPh11YKJT08_umveMMknx/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wxU0T_gRDjZjcQsNuKyCEXOxgyag_da0YPmvi2mpmL3U35qFQujupYIV5NvmX6_89Ml3Sbg7b8GAr7j-aNJBm3v9tSCbakH7TZSEydF8AyjLJ9WBjbwwX2NPPh11YKJT08_umveMMknx/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry, I couldn't stop taking pictures <i>(ignore the unfinished parts, please!)</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET8fLD3NrLNaXNrLuCYDfWG56Qj55Lwv_-1RhpMKDuXC2SMz_yw3NRTzLW1_GyDvJhheQ13_oCa3tTdAdGR7cEojdx1dnknNyrtFzS1Mona6ay81DUovv_s2qK70G0rBAW9Oj7FH1898C/s1600/IMG_4057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET8fLD3NrLNaXNrLuCYDfWG56Qj55Lwv_-1RhpMKDuXC2SMz_yw3NRTzLW1_GyDvJhheQ13_oCa3tTdAdGR7cEojdx1dnknNyrtFzS1Mona6ay81DUovv_s2qK70G0rBAW9Oj7FH1898C/s1600/IMG_4057.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KQ11Txt2u4ZJY6wBP7oxMuezfZsw5ysML15PE4DmZukqctvwPrj-YmwJZ4vtKOqUkzGnjgJD6TmNJS19PRKxXSJZEY81XygsaRYuLQ-gtPGwpEeZF5vgxX_ha0uLe-SGIu6ODh9sq4kp/s1600/IMG_4060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KQ11Txt2u4ZJY6wBP7oxMuezfZsw5ysML15PE4DmZukqctvwPrj-YmwJZ4vtKOqUkzGnjgJD6TmNJS19PRKxXSJZEY81XygsaRYuLQ-gtPGwpEeZF5vgxX_ha0uLe-SGIu6ODh9sq4kp/s1600/IMG_4060.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoVFw-Pec57jWbJsBdmwwoMxYbmYGzDzbzouYWBXtAsGeWXXelHgh3m94V01XZo2EdoQ1Ou_Gboo5_Rx0ziYF3xKH_Hbk1kP-DiBU-_Q7qW6NUd0J0xzVCKA5DPFcbMDBcv0Jnj4hfs_9/s1600/IMG_4062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoVFw-Pec57jWbJsBdmwwoMxYbmYGzDzbzouYWBXtAsGeWXXelHgh3m94V01XZo2EdoQ1Ou_Gboo5_Rx0ziYF3xKH_Hbk1kP-DiBU-_Q7qW6NUd0J0xzVCKA5DPFcbMDBcv0Jnj4hfs_9/s1600/IMG_4062.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One more...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtXvISKAM3-9mcTKHAo-jCkleJdRfeDdZQRO_RfA8Fb5DKhDzOrVwE-FgdwP82u8xyj-QkIgoExpZHfcU4FyQkNlQtmxSgAE9khEbLasukzXZznd-Kyd5aMfhuDf-ewZrTJQCQ5yjzCIf/s1600/IMG_4067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtXvISKAM3-9mcTKHAo-jCkleJdRfeDdZQRO_RfA8Fb5DKhDzOrVwE-FgdwP82u8xyj-QkIgoExpZHfcU4FyQkNlQtmxSgAE9khEbLasukzXZznd-Kyd5aMfhuDf-ewZrTJQCQ5yjzCIf/s1600/IMG_4067.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The room is starting to feel less like a construction zone and more like a <i>Master Bedroom. </i>Except there's still dust and screws and nails everywhere, and it will be like that until we're done (next month!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Just for fun, can we look back to what this room looked like not too long ago?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXTvV3zooBOX3FUPCdAez0pOJmam5zGM1Imi4RB6gWu8OpgV-4Hu1wJWoL6bm7IGz5d5NVs_K4rtLI26uPwuVIurjGtGrEw_DfW9TFvcJwUG0YPROGodi3I66HmyGypzGQcU7ASiuhq6b/s1600/IMG_1772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXTvV3zooBOX3FUPCdAez0pOJmam5zGM1Imi4RB6gWu8OpgV-4Hu1wJWoL6bm7IGz5d5NVs_K4rtLI26uPwuVIurjGtGrEw_DfW9TFvcJwUG0YPROGodi3I66HmyGypzGQcU7ASiuhq6b/s1600/IMG_1772.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>So</i> glad we're over that phase! But there's still a long way to go, and I'm happy to report that I scored my greatest find ever this week... my vintage dream dresser. It's currently in the garage getting a makeover so it should be ready to show off on Monday. Check back then for the results, or if you can't wait, follow my <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a> for real-time updates :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Master Makeover: A DIY Chandelier Transformation

How's this for a Transformation Thursday? Best $45 ever spent... I can't stop staring at it! This fixture was originally hanging in ...

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Master Makeover: DIY Wood Beams

Alright, let's try this beam reveal thing again! Shortly after last week's post, my dad came by and we were able to finish the job. Here's how it all started...<br /><br />Most of you remember our <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/02/kitchen-chronicles-diy-wood-beams.html">DIY kitchen ceiling beams</a>, right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQboFO9pFaZtFclJcAmU_fgxaFbAOYQagzLt-R-cdMldI6hDtnwagAcbQMTKEKdVKNeuiBZzRqqxqUxbFA8PXFZ1dlmQsr_KeKUNrcWQEPj0YOspKZ_vCMDJPPTIzCXWR7XciE-vUkgvf5/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQboFO9pFaZtFclJcAmU_fgxaFbAOYQagzLt-R-cdMldI6hDtnwagAcbQMTKEKdVKNeuiBZzRqqxqUxbFA8PXFZ1dlmQsr_KeKUNrcWQEPj0YOspKZ_vCMDJPPTIzCXWR7XciE-vUkgvf5/s1600/IMG_1747.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />We loved the way those turned out so we just repeated the process here—which means I won't go into extreme detail (you can check out the post above for more info).<br /><br />With the layout of the master bedroom the way it is, I decided three beams would make most sense. One in the center and the other two up against each wardrobe. There was no wood long enough to make it across the whole room (~15 feet) so each beam had to have two parts, just like in the kitchen.<br /><br />I ended up buying 24 pieces of wood—12 1x6x8's and 12 1x4x8's (enough for six beam sections, each one with 4 pieces of wood).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuQhbXdC8qJpfa_O2KndY4smr7mOiehhH2zq3-Ek_bq_vknGw1r8XwslFyiS_kzBtTjUZ5xalVN6V78MXRii6KlobFZ3CPA7WrRT66F0WKnhHjX-JphQWesRVjmGhK-gUXkGVnwlqouAU/s1600/IMG_3862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuQhbXdC8qJpfa_O2KndY4smr7mOiehhH2zq3-Ek_bq_vknGw1r8XwslFyiS_kzBtTjUZ5xalVN6V78MXRii6KlobFZ3CPA7WrRT66F0WKnhHjX-JphQWesRVjmGhK-gUXkGVnwlqouAU/s1600/IMG_3862.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I used regular whitewood pine to save money and just picked the straightest ones I could (this part is crucial). I also grabbed a few thin strips of metal to make into straps, and the total came to around $140 (we only ended up using one metal strip so I'll get $20 of that back once I return the extra two).<br /><br />Once all the boards were here, I cut them all to half the length of the room (78") and set aside six of the 1x4's to use as the ceiling strips (they will be completely hidden).<br /><br />For the visible boards, I used a hammer to distress them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99Ep2-LB-0QYX3CJqmA76c_EEIncnGU4a1x4MUWgegmbOFdPnbsZSLmI9vFVyuE1Tsfp8J2JyKu6Ykpt-Nc5zCeDtL_hi8H97jq_rtmr1pEmJTpe4SfFqCnQwRrlQz7xOZWO4wz62NsWS/s1600/IMG_3866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99Ep2-LB-0QYX3CJqmA76c_EEIncnGU4a1x4MUWgegmbOFdPnbsZSLmI9vFVyuE1Tsfp8J2JyKu6Ykpt-Nc5zCeDtL_hi8H97jq_rtmr1pEmJTpe4SfFqCnQwRrlQz7xOZWO4wz62NsWS/s1600/IMG_3866.jpg" /></a></div><br />Pine is soft and distresses nice and easy.<br /><br />Then I stained them using a dark walnut stain.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9WGmgw2iQoy4BrTLHWzflve62SxVHQZWf0-95nkv8t9mpbLD3r9ArglQ1cRxm8EwKvGdF4yYh-Nc216qyl1C8J_22UTu2ez-D2butWya5qYfpvvAbGDrZ16V8z3jaPynTL9OK7R7eNgj/s1600/IMG_3867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9WGmgw2iQoy4BrTLHWzflve62SxVHQZWf0-95nkv8t9mpbLD3r9ArglQ1cRxm8EwKvGdF4yYh-Nc216qyl1C8J_22UTu2ez-D2butWya5qYfpvvAbGDrZ16V8z3jaPynTL9OK7R7eNgj/s1600/IMG_3867.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After letting them dry overnight, it was time to begin installation. I recruited my dad for this one.<br /><br />First, we marked where the left beam would go against the wardrobe...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighHk2mZaDSZKP29ZhcQOEOqPP9JYNx3Ti3Mq-Hxd3zs0fFjOaILmGo9hATWOdhPW_X-vKXjWb2-wk1p1lSzNczE1Iiupxkp1eZXhcmC_HCHLZtq6OCzMgPIIHIgPBnVAH1r9WXtb8_v1q/s1600/IMG_3868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighHk2mZaDSZKP29ZhcQOEOqPP9JYNx3Ti3Mq-Hxd3zs0fFjOaILmGo9hATWOdhPW_X-vKXjWb2-wk1p1lSzNczE1Iiupxkp1eZXhcmC_HCHLZtq6OCzMgPIIHIgPBnVAH1r9WXtb8_v1q/s1600/IMG_3868.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After making sure it was nice and straight all the way across, we screwed the ceiling board into the studs (luckily they run perpendicular to the beams!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMit6oWc_ZGdWa1KUIQ8syUHPAO2Zyc1j4GpOUnvMYpU0h49To6b0kSPl26FYDMNrSxY1CRW0bXY0VugPNv5G7Aaq2O4sIPZ6l_x8CIs0sAHPBznxWrm-JfMo_5Pb64WuOPBaep3kWUAC/s1600/IMG_3871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMit6oWc_ZGdWa1KUIQ8syUHPAO2Zyc1j4GpOUnvMYpU0h49To6b0kSPl26FYDMNrSxY1CRW0bXY0VugPNv5G7Aaq2O4sIPZ6l_x8CIs0sAHPBznxWrm-JfMo_5Pb64WuOPBaep3kWUAC/s1600/IMG_3871.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we added the second 1x4.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3rK01BTwNgdWWGVtCeildFG7jnwItXHZsf7hD5j7cbT8nvRly8VUyg2xGoBQs5FGVjNbNJ3dV3vFnSxN-hhf_AHuMA4pYTLEBqp62Q79Mu6mWZlxySHwHrM7v6VqL_3JJU-TQwdOp49L/s1600/IMG_3872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3rK01BTwNgdWWGVtCeildFG7jnwItXHZsf7hD5j7cbT8nvRly8VUyg2xGoBQs5FGVjNbNJ3dV3vFnSxN-hhf_AHuMA4pYTLEBqp62Q79Mu6mWZlxySHwHrM7v6VqL_3JJU-TQwdOp49L/s1600/IMG_3872.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We repeated the process for the other two beams, leaving a gap in the center for the light box.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFjz2XlFdMdOWvw21ckv7rY9OMKrlw91mOAO7U9XpCyHSOFd7M4CQ9Ygiq3esq10OlBEKyA7gSpf_oFrcNOvgnedzR45a5hV2T5X6TM_7_x2rDsQDMPJl17LanFecgS52YV3ggbwFJFbM/s1600/IMG_3873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFjz2XlFdMdOWvw21ckv7rY9OMKrlw91mOAO7U9XpCyHSOFd7M4CQ9Ygiq3esq10OlBEKyA7gSpf_oFrcNOvgnedzR45a5hV2T5X6TM_7_x2rDsQDMPJl17LanFecgS52YV3ggbwFJFbM/s1600/IMG_3873.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, easy part out of the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then it was time to assemble our beams. This is definitely a two person job. We took our 1x4 and applied wood glue to the side, then grabbed the 1x6 and lined it up at one end, securing it with a nail gun (finish nails work surprisingly well to hold them together). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEP4E_sdMo1QWZPkl3nyd2fQFb_WyOVszM_Z2eP2cVzzhnnKQcvWPjDZcvyRv6tfY0R6MS0zjLbadXRBKWRtKFJTwHc61kCPKeS3FjTf7tNu_zgBt19lSCoSVApJ3PcyJfblKtJh9sa8S/s1600/IMG_3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEP4E_sdMo1QWZPkl3nyd2fQFb_WyOVszM_Z2eP2cVzzhnnKQcvWPjDZcvyRv6tfY0R6MS0zjLbadXRBKWRtKFJTwHc61kCPKeS3FjTf7tNu_zgBt19lSCoSVApJ3PcyJfblKtJh9sa8S/s1600/IMG_3875.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since the boards aren't perfectly straight, you have to constantly adjust the two boards as you work your way down to make sure they stay lined up the whole way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then you flip it over and add the other 1x6, and your beam is done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVusAZLSk_po1HioVstpU6w3ZA_X9IOCxGqSZmnpjVt2UfX_juHiFo3GsEJv6GlRA5a4qrl8R9vEcscCyMa_-F10Fy36xaFhxe2ZFHmJ-zI97mz1ymcYp_9tS-cbrIU88-ycPtLB_K611/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVusAZLSk_po1HioVstpU6w3ZA_X9IOCxGqSZmnpjVt2UfX_juHiFo3GsEJv6GlRA5a4qrl8R9vEcscCyMa_-F10Fy36xaFhxe2ZFHmJ-zI97mz1ymcYp_9tS-cbrIU88-ycPtLB_K611/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most challenging part is getting these beams around the ceiling piece. Usually you have to pry the sides a bit so they'll slip over the 1x4, and it sometimes requires a third person to assist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ItHlUtL9NvDiOYfNuLSeGr2OiT0rg25JS5thJnTy5JS0xn58aXB2pzlLnen9QzU4EzS2xvLwFnsInWWmt3G1qngjGA0aQK6EFk7Bg78zonfuDPZrkmgbHSr3wHCWJ_J4j90UrjgyWvQ/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4ItHlUtL9NvDiOYfNuLSeGr2OiT0rg25JS5thJnTy5JS0xn58aXB2pzlLnen9QzU4EzS2xvLwFnsInWWmt3G1qngjGA0aQK6EFk7Bg78zonfuDPZrkmgbHSr3wHCWJ_J4j90UrjgyWvQ/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had some real difficulties with that when we did the kitchen, so this time I shaved 1/8" off all of the ceiling 1x4's and it seemed to help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZs6zv7kBdWp-aSbCiS8yA18vdwtO_MEo1zC5tc5FmCSc9jxB8nSTcBMyumzzIN1gzdrwAYAksNbTHyihPTSmXQbk8uIsxPGsqlGGmDv8frltJdgSRt4FHQoFxH6qvrO1S1b0Y_f0dNqq/s1600/IMG_3883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZs6zv7kBdWp-aSbCiS8yA18vdwtO_MEo1zC5tc5FmCSc9jxB8nSTcBMyumzzIN1gzdrwAYAksNbTHyihPTSmXQbk8uIsxPGsqlGGmDv8frltJdgSRt4FHQoFxH6qvrO1S1b0Y_f0dNqq/s1600/IMG_3883.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the beam was up, we drove some finish nails into the side along the 1x4 and they were in there good (we used 16 gauge nails this time, and 18 gauge in the kitchen—either one is fine).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first beams went up without issue, but then we got to the last beam and ran into a big problem...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtkj3RoL1q6G5QY_dP8LcnWYcUKzBWFoes41HRTSbrfHcGH8i7uUyGVRJ0q3db4DIYMfwZO4__ZbIcJg90koIEpYwKeWHOPlzIXeE5UXcjGLUOde4FwyE76kgzHwe7jRtCdDLXhAb8Uhr/s1600/IMG_3884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtkj3RoL1q6G5QY_dP8LcnWYcUKzBWFoes41HRTSbrfHcGH8i7uUyGVRJ0q3db4DIYMfwZO4__ZbIcJg90koIEpYwKeWHOPlzIXeE5UXcjGLUOde4FwyE76kgzHwe7jRtCdDLXhAb8Uhr/s1600/IMG_3884.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ceiling was curved up which left a large, very visible gap above the end of the beam. There's no way to bend the 1x6 upwards to cover the gap—it would just make the opposite end too low where it met the other beam.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not only that but the wood was really twisted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-MFpb1K0u_8rnSb69ZTfhFwgXl5QWOExIYMgf5iKBEQJs0VxBJ4S2dKrYkDeolGPoWXFmWUiJN61nY5U2bnvJBuXONYUuW_mUDlDvX0f72W2D9sbWBDzoZyn9Q5VRpixBsz4haPynJHS/s1600/IMG_3886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-MFpb1K0u_8rnSb69ZTfhFwgXl5QWOExIYMgf5iKBEQJs0VxBJ4S2dKrYkDeolGPoWXFmWUiJN61nY5U2bnvJBuXONYUuW_mUDlDvX0f72W2D9sbWBDzoZyn9Q5VRpixBsz4haPynJHS/s1600/IMG_3886.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After trying to think of every possible remedy, I realized there was just no way it would ever look right... so down it went :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTdCLsRCCqqnoqluM20IeYJwGuwbae1f62kVfMhVLFzlxA_Lxdfxq_kkmbMu-WksXiRzUx5xZZIdqhrBSx2FI0HQHcakGxTPOVF5Vl0q-22O-IjQJgch4jxk-deHnvP5jdiUjoW6NyeCY/s1600/IMG_3888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTdCLsRCCqqnoqluM20IeYJwGuwbae1f62kVfMhVLFzlxA_Lxdfxq_kkmbMu-WksXiRzUx5xZZIdqhrBSx2FI0HQHcakGxTPOVF5Vl0q-22O-IjQJgch4jxk-deHnvP5jdiUjoW6NyeCY/s1600/IMG_3888.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day I was back at Lowe's, trying to find two 1x6's that were bowed upwards at the end to match the shape of the ceiling. I got lucky and found them. No more gap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx_BImj7zhpnquoRUBmFzXkr9PC0BvQ7GD8sPd6m_oywEwGLsjYORKSfcB0PKRZTMqkOoTy9HMXzrKodbtDNgAINnBqWxe-PICLRlSscJLsKBihRNmUeG4-6KwV1MBKKyndtSG3PgeTae/s1600/IMG_3906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx_BImj7zhpnquoRUBmFzXkr9PC0BvQ7GD8sPd6m_oywEwGLsjYORKSfcB0PKRZTMqkOoTy9HMXzrKodbtDNgAINnBqWxe-PICLRlSscJLsKBihRNmUeG4-6KwV1MBKKyndtSG3PgeTae/s1600/IMG_3906.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks a little funky here but it's really not something you notice in person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also had to deal with it bowing from side to side...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrG_rqOf6bD0IwZkTsabqAd4VGa1w2Bj4ros8gItuUKyTY-fU_SWLonuGZJnJXP-I07f-NXXfQGkoaFaglovXOXZa8tSiaCsgie8GUj_QdfcLeT6aTiFHGDJk7RNNuQuTHGfKjc7u7xEr/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrG_rqOf6bD0IwZkTsabqAd4VGa1w2Bj4ros8gItuUKyTY-fU_SWLonuGZJnJXP-I07f-NXXfQGkoaFaglovXOXZa8tSiaCsgie8GUj_QdfcLeT6aTiFHGDJk7RNNuQuTHGfKjc7u7xEr/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make sure it lined up with the other beam, my dad used a clamp and drove a few screws through both beams to keep them together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5MZKG0kC6JcCWidh1cfE8cfSXUbC1h7Cxzi0ksBravadzcDnF3vU_8vuVhwXgs4uHSY2DX25LM9zkHx0byY2EHXwA5TD5iHAWlUx74KjtvxFSM4T2I7N9G9m9_vRSxfVGqGr_yUFeGgz/s1600/IMG_3908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5MZKG0kC6JcCWidh1cfE8cfSXUbC1h7Cxzi0ksBravadzcDnF3vU_8vuVhwXgs4uHSY2DX25LM9zkHx0byY2EHXwA5TD5iHAWlUx74KjtvxFSM4T2I7N9G9m9_vRSxfVGqGr_yUFeGgz/s1600/IMG_3908.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It worked!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the center beam, Brad extended the wire and drilled a hole through the bottom so that we could hook up our chandelier (that's coming up in the next post).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDfHvjaPzs2Rjrp25lL-rVENFK-26OBvClbuwrvs00S2D76CffEfUpTHePxJSNWO5VPgRmGZPy5Cz7z6yl-a8_FxY1or6l8dTpVBuDWWFtzBBv6qlZwGfRJMIt0cgfZv8rpUJSWwLASf5/s1600/IMG_3904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDfHvjaPzs2Rjrp25lL-rVENFK-26OBvClbuwrvs00S2D76CffEfUpTHePxJSNWO5VPgRmGZPy5Cz7z6yl-a8_FxY1or6l8dTpVBuDWWFtzBBv6qlZwGfRJMIt0cgfZv8rpUJSWwLASf5/s1600/IMG_3904.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To conceal the seams, we used the same process as our other beams by making these <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/02/kitchen-chronicles-diy-wood-beams.html">DIY metal straps:</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciJVvi7nJxpNCeVobc_cab7xESw3JNAYjNvRex8f0KbJo-KQPdAv9i109TJeiIC1FurJynnU2kad0ZupYEUr9jNVgBQBKzQBAynskzIoc1I52AkI_qDA52kvE0PBtONxmxL38nRTWwmb_/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciJVvi7nJxpNCeVobc_cab7xESw3JNAYjNvRex8f0KbJo-KQPdAv9i109TJeiIC1FurJynnU2kad0ZupYEUr9jNVgBQBKzQBAynskzIoc1I52AkI_qDA52kvE0PBtONxmxL38nRTWwmb_/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided not to add any on the ends because there's going to be a wall of paneling on one side and a lot going on on the other side, so they would probably be in the way. I may change my mind once those walls are finished but for now it's best to leave them off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This part was easy... just secure them with a small black screw at the top on each side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5BIGkZ7xznEZ3E_iNDfdEbO6m-lT-e9XxTT_6P9bIXUIGk1S5e7-5PVwyGGXhSIYY7XojFOI60BSLus3s1Wp_D08ysJMwsG3d78cShP68kpKToqcTDSpB0b_jklib_w8U0w1z3LqQH7v/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5BIGkZ7xznEZ3E_iNDfdEbO6m-lT-e9XxTT_6P9bIXUIGk1S5e7-5PVwyGGXhSIYY7XojFOI60BSLus3s1Wp_D08ysJMwsG3d78cShP68kpKToqcTDSpB0b_jklib_w8U0w1z3LqQH7v/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We drilled a hole in the center beam for the wires to pass through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG2hNxiGO03EWB9Gf5r9ofDlIjLDwh21GmHRR6iCRnfV_pHxxAlZBRpxtpxPN1yGyonOqs8JR2XJCS-e8iuEcPIeIlQ54FX1m9Hurb98YLUa_2vqAWH2wC03tGYfYaU5tn2Vc8RiwkeoI/s1600/IMG_3925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG2hNxiGO03EWB9Gf5r9ofDlIjLDwh21GmHRR6iCRnfV_pHxxAlZBRpxtpxPN1yGyonOqs8JR2XJCS-e8iuEcPIeIlQ54FX1m9Hurb98YLUa_2vqAWH2wC03tGYfYaU5tn2Vc8RiwkeoI/s1600/IMG_3925.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And there you have it... three finished beams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxQWnlALQQlfnHLbLsV_sV-cKWFPms7g7xjAQ7gTgjI64YRGWZ9qBqNNXEHnbSIeISNSC57x1MvsHGfWijvwh-zHG5GFMDkFr_2K3GeKW2lmKgo7G5B2KZ6BJwxyT6QhLxwpZTXU10WUS/s1600/IMG_3932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxQWnlALQQlfnHLbLsV_sV-cKWFPms7g7xjAQ7gTgjI64YRGWZ9qBqNNXEHnbSIeISNSC57x1MvsHGfWijvwh-zHG5GFMDkFr_2K3GeKW2lmKgo7G5B2KZ6BJwxyT6QhLxwpZTXU10WUS/s1600/IMG_3932.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhHuxeTE7e9sJ-wYhSFwrk3mv9n2cJZoJaNe2PhMMnC3Y9NRzcWb5OJl5r4kRLaSVd0IXvJ5SHzp3mritepaAI6Pn4uBvVq2LifC58nGKRAC3whyphenhyphenP7L5JYdg2EVIunu60_V3dxQwh6VMb/s1600/IMG_3933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhHuxeTE7e9sJ-wYhSFwrk3mv9n2cJZoJaNe2PhMMnC3Y9NRzcWb5OJl5r4kRLaSVd0IXvJ5SHzp3mritepaAI6Pn4uBvVq2LifC58nGKRAC3whyphenhyphenP7L5JYdg2EVIunu60_V3dxQwh6VMb/s1600/IMG_3933.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It increases the cozy factor by at least 200%.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV28ZwPrp15QOOc4Dn9a5bPqKL-TuUyKxxBfhB_qUqvdsnO7LeBfWYGpbIjYm05g7D0BPcAHIbOLGmyVrKJmSskh_AztuUo9cbFoYuC0BwVr14EoDhd6xkdrWPzdiNuCTSqmIZaAbiJXe/s1600/IMG_3934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV28ZwPrp15QOOc4Dn9a5bPqKL-TuUyKxxBfhB_qUqvdsnO7LeBfWYGpbIjYm05g7D0BPcAHIbOLGmyVrKJmSskh_AztuUo9cbFoYuC0BwVr14EoDhd6xkdrWPzdiNuCTSqmIZaAbiJXe/s1600/IMG_3934.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7-J0CftgTVThTtoNySENdMiZBMbT9oW9JE2Zzen5PgWMyuLGoy0KkiLhuC5mpBWD7PN6fSfpj5EZ9dO3jnH7w4s4BFNyiYzsMXPnVEMJ0irUS6WSQmrqVqXGweZYWE7dW7BcBszDEsaU/s1600/IMG_3935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7-J0CftgTVThTtoNySENdMiZBMbT9oW9JE2Zzen5PgWMyuLGoy0KkiLhuC5mpBWD7PN6fSfpj5EZ9dO3jnH7w4s4BFNyiYzsMXPnVEMJ0irUS6WSQmrqVqXGweZYWE7dW7BcBszDEsaU/s1600/IMG_3935.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So glad we took the time to add these. They're now a major player in this room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqLdE7uuLvqxTlthdxPNzP_6nfWRdZ7uXGkKqGPkON5CUsN69uJlpW5ifOMnimFjw53_S9p09_NaVPHbJ-wzJ4yhjOkbXgleKvf8vdhcUDwchIrosSQkAxA_odg3VpCQlzSW-vwbjXg_k/s1600/IMG_3997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqLdE7uuLvqxTlthdxPNzP_6nfWRdZ7uXGkKqGPkON5CUsN69uJlpW5ifOMnimFjw53_S9p09_NaVPHbJ-wzJ4yhjOkbXgleKvf8vdhcUDwchIrosSQkAxA_odg3VpCQlzSW-vwbjXg_k/s1600/IMG_3997.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvkD1DUhY3VJtMToSXJ8Q6IFvXMjwyKFzowQ0ppHLF6sQlpHcqYc8x7WmiMlN58oigR5_mePm1IcRmOvlWYVoE8fZfSalA6kkEuoBtOgcx6Z6VT8iJyAwOKP1w8x2qfHWE0G-LvKWYcKz/s1600/IMG_4003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvkD1DUhY3VJtMToSXJ8Q6IFvXMjwyKFzowQ0ppHLF6sQlpHcqYc8x7WmiMlN58oigR5_mePm1IcRmOvlWYVoE8fZfSalA6kkEuoBtOgcx6Z6VT8iJyAwOKP1w8x2qfHWE0G-LvKWYcKz/s1600/IMG_4003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a few days I'm adding a little romance & bling to this room in the form of a DIY crystal chandelier. Check back in a few days for that transformation... I'm excited to see the results myself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Master Makeover: DIY Wood Beams

Alright, let's try this beam reveal thing again! Shortly after last week's post, my dad came by and we were able to finish the job. ...

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My 5 best tips for buying wood at Lowe's

I was so pumped to share our new ceiling beams with you guys, but we had a critical malfunction during installation and they aren't quite finished. Ah, the perils of real-time blogging.<br /><br />But to tide you over until Monday, here's an <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign">instagram</a> shot I posted Tuesday admist the action:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/p7dg85vQxy/?modal=true"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a-lax.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/l/t51.2885-15/915601_707201562678650_1241944160_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />They completely change the room. More on that in a few days...<br /><br />While I was at Lowe's picking up replacement lumber after our incident, I learned a couple interesting things that were too good not to share, and decided to spill my secrets and advice.<br /><br />These are things I wish I would have known years ago—they would have saved me <i>so much</i> time, money, and headaches! Now you can learn from my mistakes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhD8OdqubR8sn7mIMi3x4UVC6etmZxNFoJXdy9LbAEDQz49NThSC7UPb1QuKhN_an90PL4ljjQF6lI-Hm-K5-Az461khu5yR8HxT6s33x9I1tUdNSmOrgYjpb9ZHxFW3Ye6TiwGRB6BQo/s1600/Lowes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhD8OdqubR8sn7mIMi3x4UVC6etmZxNFoJXdy9LbAEDQz49NThSC7UPb1QuKhN_an90PL4ljjQF6lI-Hm-K5-Az461khu5yR8HxT6s33x9I1tUdNSmOrgYjpb9ZHxFW3Ye6TiwGRB6BQo/s1600/Lowes.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm at Lowe's more than any other place (besides my own home). No joke. So after years of marching up and down the aisles and who knows how many thousands of $$ spent, I've collected some important pieces of information that I think everyone should be armed with before they go for a lumber run.<br /><br />Keep in mind that a couple of these may not be applicable to all stores—make sure to double check locally first!<br /><br /><b>1. The board basics</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-YS-tgVrh_Fi3kt3J8mAndzEDdQQRpRAzOAXCk2o0Zsfsbxdv4D8ASY7K5qGg3E4vKSpMEru1Wmu9v5mIzh4lHGBE9SroCNy3TaXthF9C3V7gj3XcnUOVcSNwxtHbgaDgUpeZWtiCuBS/s1600/IMG_3862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-YS-tgVrh_Fi3kt3J8mAndzEDdQQRpRAzOAXCk2o0Zsfsbxdv4D8ASY7K5qGg3E4vKSpMEru1Wmu9v5mIzh4lHGBE9SroCNy3TaXthF9C3V7gj3XcnUOVcSNwxtHbgaDgUpeZWtiCuBS/s1600/IMG_3862.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b>This may be common knowledge for many of you, but walking into the board aisle can be overwhelming at first. So many boards, so many sizes, so many kinds of wood! Here's the deal: the "whitewood" boards are the cheapest, and what I use for probably 80% of my projects. They take up one entire side of an aisle in all different sizes, from 2" wide in the front up to 12" wide in the back, in varying lengths up to 12 feet.<br /><br />On the other side of the aisle you have the higher quality (i.e. oak and poplar) boards. They come in the same sizes as the whitewood, but most do not have knots/ragged edges, and most importantly—they are reasonably <b>straight. </b>9 times out of 10, the pine (whitewood) will have some bowing and/or curving in it. I always set my piece on the ground and hold it up to a flat surface to gauge the straightness. Sometimes it takes a lot of sorting to find a good one. For some smaller projects this won't matter, but for important things like building furniture, unless you want it to be rustic looking, <b>buy the more expensive wood.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage6.ak.instagram.com/3558f198b4d111e28d7822000a1fa48d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage6.ak.instagram.com/3558f198b4d111e28d7822000a1fa48d_7.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br />Here's Board Buying 101—the listed measurements are <b>not accurate. </b>For instance, a 1"x4"x8' board will actually be <b>0.75"x3.5"x8'</b>. All of the boards in this aisle are 0.75" thick. In fact, any board sold anywhere that says it's 1" is really 0.75". If the number is 2" or larger, you can subtract 0.5" from that measurement. The length will generally be accurate. Make sure you account for this when planning out your project so you don't end up short.<br /><br /><br /><b>2. Your wood is probably green.</b><br /><br />No, I'm not talking about the color. "Green" wood means it has been freshly cut from the tree and it hasn't fully dried yet. Why does this matter? <b>Warping.</b><br /><b><br /></b>All those warped whitewood boards you see? They were much straighter when they were unloaded off the pallet. But because they're green and dry out naturally over time, they will warp however they want to (shorter width boards tend to bend the most).<br /><br />This is a problem because if you build something while the wood is still green, it may end up shifting. With "1-by's"(1" thick boards) it doesn't make a huge difference (a screw will usually hold it in place pretty well), but with 2-by's, it can be a <b>big deal.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Remember this bar we built in our kitchen?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb-9dWoPf4jC-xCzwPkGFjl5hN2fmEf4Eann0fBWxk8DrVxETPLXK71RIvHAv5iVqoDioyTJeNf7RfL1TIf4mRauQUXFbhJX5MmUry3P4HOzKOCmA3n_0SDTXDuMnKscC7APy8DtyHe9A/s1600/IMG_2167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb-9dWoPf4jC-xCzwPkGFjl5hN2fmEf4Eann0fBWxk8DrVxETPLXK71RIvHAv5iVqoDioyTJeNf7RfL1TIf4mRauQUXFbhJX5MmUry3P4HOzKOCmA3n_0SDTXDuMnKscC7APy8DtyHe9A/s1600/IMG_2167.jpg" /></a></div><br />Before I knew anything about green wood, I bought these 2-by's that were <i>very </i>green (actually damp to the touch) and sadly, one board has bowed so badly that we have to rip it out and replace it. Our kitchen tabletop (made from 2x10's) has also separated a bit (even after strapping the boards together and driving four screws into each one).<br /><br />It's really a crapshoot—some will dry straight, some will dry extremely bowed, but you won't know until 2-3 months later when it's fully dry.<br /><br />This is not exclusive to Lowe's—it's everywhere that sells lumber. You can buy pre-dried wood at some places (not even sure if Lowe's offers this) but it's mega expensive.<br /><br /><i><b>Update:</b> Reader Jonathan added this piece of advice: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">The best way to dry pine evenly without warping is to lay it on it's thin side (for a 2x4, lay it on the 2 inch side), leave a space between all the boards for ventilation, and minimize contact with floors and walls by resting them on wood scraps spaced out every foot or so."</span></i><br /><br /><b>3. Save money by buying bowed boards</b><br /><b><br /></b>I just found this out yesterday, but oh man, I would have saved <i>a ton</i> of I'd had known this all along. I'm often unable to find perfectly straight whitewood boards in the size I need, and if perfection isn't crucial to the project I'll settle for something bowed/cracked/chipped instead of paying more for the poplar/oak wood.<br /><br />Well, guess what? If the board is bent, you can get a discount! I always feel bad asking for discounts so I've kept my mouth shut, but yesterday while I was loading some replacement boards onto my cart, the sweet lumber guy informed me that because they were bent, he'd be happy to give me a discount. So I got both boards for 50% off:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kR5A5SLvymWakvuwLGFOEM6qw0WesTjY3S7GFJLVNwfIgNCOTInahHNBonCFx1SGqqGn1ZeIrh19RjtE-XR8VNgO6sHrbG5Ar-D2M1tINxd8q480a6YOYPKfaePpVlb1uEq8boCfp-V5/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kR5A5SLvymWakvuwLGFOEM6qw0WesTjY3S7GFJLVNwfIgNCOTInahHNBonCFx1SGqqGn1ZeIrh19RjtE-XR8VNgO6sHrbG5Ar-D2M1tINxd8q480a6YOYPKfaePpVlb1uEq8boCfp-V5/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><br /><br />Honestly, the boards weren't even <i>that bad. </i>Probably no worse than half of them on the shelf. If I would have known that two days ago when I purchased 24 boards for our beams... I could have saved some major cash.<br /><br />The associate said that any time I'm there, if I see a board that has a defect, bring it to him and he'll mark it down for me. The cashiers up front can also take discounts, but only 10%. Go directly to the lumber guy.<br /><br />This is great news if you ever find a board that is damaged at one end and you won't be using the full length of it anyway... changes the game plan a bit, right? I'm not advocating we should all go out and abuse the system (I'll still feel some remorse asking for discounts even if they're warranted) but it's nice to know that policy is in place if you need it.<br /><br />On that note, if you aren't picky about your wood, I also learned there's an area outside in the front of the store where they sell discounted defective lumber. It's worth looking through!<br /><br /><b>4. Free project wood cutting—a thing of the past?</b><br /><br />Most of you already know that Lowe's offers free wood cutting. I have taken advantage of this many times, having them cut my boards and sheets of wood into various shapes and sizes because I didn't own the proper tools and/or vehicle to transport them home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPGOez6_ARUaUWujjHo1AMdjzndSV0IAPVDjXfn7uyvad6LuSBlnu2O8OBps4NFfVAjISUDJGich1ozAFJjiq6-Sxy-Qe39ybBX93UEBmbxBmtoW15p3pXl4I2YmvR8LgXpcgGZGDoMeT/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPGOez6_ARUaUWujjHo1AMdjzndSV0IAPVDjXfn7uyvad6LuSBlnu2O8OBps4NFfVAjISUDJGich1ozAFJjiq6-Sxy-Qe39ybBX93UEBmbxBmtoW15p3pXl4I2YmvR8LgXpcgGZGDoMeT/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last month when I asked them to cut a 4x8' plywood sheet into 4" strips for my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/06/foyer-update-diy-salvaged-door.html">DIY salvaged door</a> project, they said "Sorry, we don't do that anymore". My heart sank. Apparently it takes up too much of employee's time to make all these small cuts (project cutting, as they put it), so now the policy is to only cut wood to fit into cars. I had driven there in a small car so it had to be cut down anyway, and I asked super nicely if he could do it just this once so I could fit them in my car. After some hesitation, he finally agreed.<br /><br />We bought a truck a week later.<br /><br />I'm not sure if this is a company-wide thing, but it's something you should definitely look into if you have smaller cuts that need to be made!<br /><br />*On a semi-related note, make sure to account for the blade width when having sheets cut down. It will eat up about 1/8", so if you have a 48" wide board and want to cut it into 4" strips, you'll get 11 4" strips and the 12th one will be closer to 3". Also, you won't often get really straight pieces when they rip down sheets because they are so thin and the boards flex. It's hard enough to get them straight at home on a table saw when you're going slowly, but these guys work fast and accuracy isn't their concern.<br /><br /><i>Update: Reader Autumn's husband works at Lowe's and says his store still does project cuts, so hopefully it won't take effect everywhere!</i><br /><br /><b>5. I found secret weathered-gray wood!</b><br /><b><br /></b>And it's insanely cheap!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yv0jSp5uEZsX16o06XI-yPiRoVG5msiIPrnMH7fm2Lsp1uIGa7JM6IH5A74agQibLsApugI6f1VTdL72qwpdsDjNXbAF48vnGlUDIGnEKvyOdIZ_yN0-SEfBxPVu12GxZMDiFFwKvMLa/s1600/Gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yv0jSp5uEZsX16o06XI-yPiRoVG5msiIPrnMH7fm2Lsp1uIGa7JM6IH5A74agQibLsApugI6f1VTdL72qwpdsDjNXbAF48vnGlUDIGnEKvyOdIZ_yN0-SEfBxPVu12GxZMDiFFwKvMLa/s1600/Gray.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm not sure if this is a new and/or temporary addition, but I just noticed these 1x4x8" whitewood boards underneath the 1x6x8 section and fell in love. They have this beautiful natural gray weathering to them (some more than others), and they're smooth, straighter and half the cost of regular 1x4x8 whitewood boards!<br /><br />When we lived in Florida there was something similar at my Lowe's, but I believe they were 2x4's (maybe even 2x6's as well?). Sadly they don't carry those here, but at least they have these. It might be a regional thing, but I hope they stay forever and I can't wait to use them in some projects.<br /><br />**************<br />I also have a special shop update—this has been requested so many times over the years, and I'm thrilled to announce it's finally here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4elUfr1mWKSeLmXfSzkGgok0yFVlR4PbFhvp8thTyIAF1B3MTUUGltvRImGAlKdIuU4_A8dL28tMb9C1CB8Jf33-0joVxa0xW3FLOlUnlL85HxfsOuBp0NWwHsNAnhs5hRSCZlpFQcrM/s1600/FBad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The quality of these prints are amazing. I'm working closely with a great company here in California, and after months of sorting out all of the details, I'm so happy with our partnership and can't wait to start sending them off to you guys! You can learn more about the <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/canvas/">canvas prints here.</a><br /><br />I've also updated my discount structure if you're looking to stock up on a few items for your home (or are in need of gifts for others!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHhFwX8hIXVBkl_lspa_FdZPTZh1hBg4L1vU-w5pHFKwOzSMm8NGBNcLAtLnft9hPH5wIZyzQZamZn1plqCmq5ZL32v_HNm1B8sQVYxSw2QQjTDqxsY_PD6pjkfteR0QYjg4bCTZWu5Q-/s1600/Discounts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHhFwX8hIXVBkl_lspa_FdZPTZh1hBg4L1vU-w5pHFKwOzSMm8NGBNcLAtLnft9hPH5wIZyzQZamZn1plqCmq5ZL32v_HNm1B8sQVYxSw2QQjTDqxsY_PD6pjkfteR0QYjg4bCTZWu5Q-/s1600/Discounts.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The codes are available on every product page and you can simply enter them at checkout for the discount.<br /><br />**************<br /><br />Alright, back to home stuff.<br /><br />Now that I've divulged my best wood-buying tips, I need you to help me choose a bench!<br /><br />Originally I had planned on adding a chaise underneath this window in our bedroom:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE9GvU6bmFyZA0r3xHAIw16a6U9pW1T4ZHd2p9otUicunsqf4Wm93R7lALo6GBWrb6COz7OGnku2nF4fKjfS2mirHOYfE31gh0r8a5XwQrh84o6vmcBu2eCpC-Ec4aA7Y1PJGSp3Lz9pR/s1600/IMG_3529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE9GvU6bmFyZA0r3xHAIw16a6U9pW1T4ZHd2p9otUicunsqf4Wm93R7lALo6GBWrb6COz7OGnku2nF4fKjfS2mirHOYfE31gh0r8a5XwQrh84o6vmcBu2eCpC-Ec4aA7Y1PJGSp3Lz9pR/s1600/IMG_3529.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old photo, I know...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But after measuring, I realized it would be a little too cramped (my max size allowance is 60" wide by 28" deep)<br /><br />So, I started looking into benches. And I can't decide!<br /><br />Here are the contenders....<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Woodland-Imports-Wooden-Linen-Fabric/dp/B00G07IHCU/?ref=pd_sim_sbs_etk_hg_fd__34&ie=UTF8&refRID=0DE4VQ6CB5Y4ZARJBCAR">1. </a></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31FcPQwH1iL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31FcPQwH1iL.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Pros: </b>It's only $175 shipped. The color is perfect and it has side arms which I really wanted. Perfect size.<br /><b>Cons: </b>It's a little simple (I was hoping for tufting) and I'm slightly concerned with the quality at that price.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Georgette-White-Bench/9048882/product.html?refccid=63KZOFFPJDN3C72PSC5GXNVZR4&searchidx=4">2.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA==/z/JNcAAOxyOalTbLtI/$_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA==/z/JNcAAOxyOalTbLtI/$_12.JPG" /></a></div><b>Pros: </b>Lovely tufting, love the shape and the legs, perfect size.<br /><b>Cons:</b> It's $360, which is a bit more than I wanted to spend. Also I'm afraid of keeping all that white clean.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Baxton-Studio-Marsha-Light-Beige-Linen-Modern-Scroll-Arm-Bench/9144593/product.html?refccid=5LOTHF4P6GPIBACGO4OPZEI6F4&searchidx=744">3.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL-8WWzIS-Wxhij3-uKd49BWWfahDQIi6tTnP4P8ZJaeaNJ9oYmXoYbpFT2rcG904hYqge5fG6JqMpG1mAM3rlg2P78h-grPk2QO-wPNkbuBf2eAHIML5gNZm6CCOM737q0gHOMcYMXrB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-02+at+8.25.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL-8WWzIS-Wxhij3-uKd49BWWfahDQIi6tTnP4P8ZJaeaNJ9oYmXoYbpFT2rcG904hYqge5fG6JqMpG1mAM3rlg2P78h-grPk2QO-wPNkbuBf2eAHIML5gNZm6CCOM737q0gHOMcYMXrB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-02+at+8.25.14+PM.png" /></a></div><b>Pros:</b> Love the fabric/color, love the shape (minus the legs, I could try to switch them out). Perfect size.<br /><b>Cons: </b>$350 shipped and it doesn't have tufting. Although it has enough detail to probably make up for it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/French-Inspired-Natural-Beige-Fabric-Wingback-Loveseat-w-Studded-Accent-/380910659424?_trksid=p2054897.l4275">4.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/GxAAAOxyrrpTfj9b/$_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNjAw/z/GxAAAOxyrrpTfj9b/$_12.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Pros:</b> This one is definitely a different type than the others, but it's just so pretty I couldn't resist. Love the shape, tufting, style, everything.<br /><b>Cons: </b>It's $380, and the size isn't ideal (slightly taller and deeper than I wanted), and no side arms.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Upholstered-Bench-23081-CTCI1143.html#reviews">5. </a> (added by reader suggestion)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.wfrcdn.com/lf/8/hash/20358/6716108/1/Coast-to-Coast-Imports-LLC-Upholstered-Bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://img1.wfrcdn.com/lf/8/hash/20358/6716108/1/Coast-to-Coast-Imports-LLC-Upholstered-Bench.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Pros: </b>It has tufting and side arms. It's $309 shipped which isn't awesome but better than the others.<br /><b>Cons:</b> I'm not sure about the color/material, looks a little cheap and darker than I wanted, and the description says beige but the reviews say gray. Not a fan of the legs but I could switch those out.<br /><br />So, what would you choose? It's surprisingly difficult to find seating that meets my criteria (and isn't insanely expensive). If you know of something similar, please show me! Or just tell me your favorite bench so I can make a decision already :)<br /><br />And if you have any additional questions or advice for Lowe's lumber shoppers, I'll do my best to answer and contribute more tips to spread the word.<br /><br /><br />Now it's time to finish these beams so I can have some progress to show you on Monday. Have a fun & safe holiday weekend everyone!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePsDFnnEsdCOFBSHdpQJod4_ZVZzT0legJgp79b48LMFMMKnsj3ERWghdY8xhMgo5_PMovtN0sKzRDatsUWGR6Czo9Wzl9lkTXOuobvqZJKSyWZuKho9iAhfWSu5K6QMi9GfJqoCw7dxS/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

My 5 best tips for buying wood at Lowe's

I was so pumped to share our new ceiling beams with you guys, but we had a critical malfunction during installation and they aren't quit...

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