7 Tips For Choosing A Rocking Chair

by: Flor Buenaventura

Do you sometimes find yourself wishing that your favorite TV chair can also be a rocking chair? Is there a new baby in the family that you wish you can sing to sleep in your arms while sitting comfortably yourself? Does your idea of unwinding after a long day's work include reading a book by the fire in the winter or just contemplating the outside scenery in the summer?

American fondness for rocking chairs

If you answer yes to any one of these questions, then you are not alone. A growing number of Americans either own a rocking chair which has become a member of the family or think of buying one.

Rocking chairs began to appear in the late 1700s when someone ingeniously thought of adding skates or rockers to the bottoms of adult furniture, similar to a child's rocking cradle or rocking horse.

Since then, owning a rocking chair has become a distinctly American proccupation, with most Americans, including some of America's famous presidents, showing great fondness for their rocking chairs - whether they be the elegant American designer Sam Maloof creations with the elongated curved runners or the homely white wicker rocking chair that usually has been with the family for more than 30 years.

But how do you choose a good rocking chair. Below are some tips on how to choose a rocking chair that is right for you.

Tips on how to choose a rocking chair

1. The first thing to ask yourself is where are you going to put your rocking chair? If indoors by the fireplace or the family room, you can choose a cushioned or timber rocking chair made of light maple or yellowish oak. Or if outdoors in your garden or front porch, you can choose a sweetly-scented cedar, a painted brazilian cherry wood or teakwood durable enough to withstand the elements.

2. A very important priority in rocking chairs is comfort. Rocking chairs have been used for therapeutic purposes - John F Kennedy's rocking chair being a famous example. It is said that President Kennedy found hours and hours of relief for his bad back from this Appalachian oak rocker which has a steam-bent curved backrest and woven seat made of Malaysian rattan.

Answering the following questions may help you to judge whether the rocking chair you are choosing will give you the level of comfort that you need.

- Does the rocking chair provide seating comfort and support?

- Is the chair set low enough for comfortable elbow support?

- Are the armrests wide enough to rest your arms and provide the right balance?

- Do the seat and back offer both firmness and flexibility?

- Do the seats slant downward to fit the whole back while supporting the lower back?

3. Is the rocker pitched correctly? In layman's terms, does the rocking chair provide a smooth and even rocking motion without tipping, even when you are in the reclining position? Or does it feel like you are about to flip backwards when you are rocking? Does a single push keep the rocking chair rocking for a few minutes or does it stop after onlya few seconds?

4. Was the rocking chair constucted using techniques that have been proven to result in stronger and more durable rocking chairs that can withstand everyday use? Some of these techniques include construction without glue, interlocking joinery and the famous Maloof technique of using seven laminated strips of wood to strengthen each of the long, elegant skis that are used in his rocking chair designs.

5. What style of rocking chair will fit your decor? Do you want an upholstered rocking chair or do you want to see the timber's natural woodgrain enlivened by an oil finish? Do you want charming white wicker chair or casual rattan? How do you want your the back of your rocking chair - traditional ladder back horizontal slats, vertical slats or woven cane? Do you want it stained, oiled, varnished or painted?

6. How much do you want to spend for your rocking chair? Whatever your budget, there seems to be a rocking chair for everyone's fancy - whether its the $20,000 Sam Maloof with a two-year waitng list for the ultimate in rocking chair experience or the vintage white wicker rocking chair you've just bid successfully on ebay for $20, or somewhere in between.

7. And last but not least, do you want your rocking chair shipped to you assembled or are you handy with tools and don't mind assembling it yourself if you can save some money?

I hope these tips will make it easier to find the rocking chair that's just right for you - whether you're the couch potato looking for a more comfortable seat in front of your favorite TV sitcom, the delighted parent of a newly-born baby or the urban worker trying to relax in the evening after dinner with a book or the quietness of the night by the front porch.

About The Author Flor Buenaventura is a writer who has a great interest in furnishings for the home and garden. To see a fantastic collection of resources related to rocking chairs, please visit her http://www.rocking-chair-dad.com website.

How to Install a Chin Up Bar Video

By Mark J. Donovan

If you exercise regularly and have an exercise area in your unfinished basement, then you probably already understand the value of having a chin up bar. In this video Mark shows how to install a chin up bar using some basic materials and house hold tools.

Mark Donovan, of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows how to install a chin up bar in an unfinished basement.

After watching this video, you'll be able to install your own chin up bar in less than an hour.

Floor Care

Tips on How To Take Care of your Floors to Keep them Looking Newer Longer

Carpet Care

Let's start by saying that the most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your new carpet or rug is to vacuum it. Regular vacuuming removes those nasty dirt particles that leave it looking dingy over time and abrade the fiber, which shortens its lifespan. Use a vacuum that has a rotating brush or beater bar, which stimulates the carpet tufts and loosens the dirt and soil. (Plus, schedule regular professional cleanings to remove soil accumulation that your regular vacuum can't reach.) If your area rug has a fringe, make sure it's sewn on well, and use the vacuum carefully.

If you have a thick carpet and want to remove any tracks the vacuum makes (it's called shading), you might try vacuuming in one direction, and then smoothing the carpet surface by hand.

You can help to reduce wear in your carpet by occasionally alternating your furniture placement to change the "traffic lanes" and allow the carpet to wear more uniformly. Be sure to vacuum these specific areas more often to reduce dirt particles, which can lead to matting too.

Vinyl Flooring Care

Caring for a vinyl floor is fairly easy, but there are some general rules.
Vacuum regularly to remove grit and sand, and wash your floor occasionally with the manufacturer's recommended floor cleaner. (Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes or solvents, though.) Also, to keep sand and grit from being tracked onto the floor, non-staining walk-off mats should be placed at every outside entry to the room.

Dull-looking vinyl floors can be restored to their original gloss with the manufacturer's recommended floor polish - but first, try cleaning to make sure a film on the floor isn't causing the dullness. With inexpensive PVC floors, you should consider using 2-3 coats of polish - any vinyl floor with a PVC wearlayer (that's a fancy name for surface) shows scuffs, scratches, and other marks very easily and by adding those coats of polish you'll make the floor easier to maintain.

When moving heavy objects across a vinyl floor, place plywood sheets down first and move the object over them.

Area Rug Care

Let's start by saying that the most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your new carpet or rug is to vacuum it. Regular vacuuming removes those nasty dirt particles that leave it looking dingy over time and abrade the fiber, which shortens its lifespan. Use a vacuum that has a rotating brush or beater bar, which stimulates the carpet tufts and loosens the dirt and soil. (Plus, schedule regular professional cleanings to remove soil accumulation that your regular vacuum can't reach.) If your area rug has a fringe, make sure it's sewn on well, and use the vacuum carefully.

If you have a thick carpet and want to remove any tracks the vacuum makes (it's called shading), you might try vacuuming in one direction, and then smoothing the carpet surface by hand.

You can help to reduce wear in your carpet by occasionally alternating your furniture placement to change the "traffic lanes" and allow the carpet to wear more uniformly. Be sure to vacuum these specific areas more often to reduce dirt particles, which can lead to matting too.

Laminate Flooring Care

Laminate floors will give you years of sturdy life if you follow some regular maintenance tips.
Start by vacuuming your floor regularly using soft brush attachments. Wipe with a damp cloth or damp mop when necessary.

Even though these floors are extremely durable, they can be scratched, so you want to protect the floor from grit and sharp objects at all times. And always use felt pads or wide based casters underneath all chair and furniture legs. When moving heavy objects across the floor, use extra care and place walk off mats by all exterior doorways.

There are some "don'ts" when it comes to laminate floors, too. They should not be polished or waxed, and you should never use steel wool or harsh abrasive cleaners on them.

And never, ever try to refinish or sand a laminate floor.

Hardwood Flooring Care

To keep your hardwood floor looking beautiful, there are some simple procedures you should follow.

Vacuum regularly and use non-staining mats at exterior entrances to keep sand, dirt, grease, and oil outside.

To protect your floor's finish, use pads underneath furniture legs to help prevent scratching, and, while we're on the subject, keep all your pets nails trimmed, too. Along that same line, when moving any heavy objects (like furniture or appliances, for instance), use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood on the floor.

When cleaning the floor, always use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures. Avoid getting water on the floor, too, as it may cause the wood grain to rise, or the boards to cup.
And be careful about exposure to the sun, because UV rays do the same thing to wood that they do to skin: accelerate the aging, which causes the wood stain to change color.

For more information on flooring please see our website at http://www.jpflooring.com/.

About the Author: Dave Dumoulin is a flooring expert and representative of JP Flooring, a Cincinnati Flooring Company. For more information please visit our site at http://www.jpflooring.com/.

How to Install Ceramic Tile Backerboard on Subfloor

By Mark J. Donovan

When installing ceramic floor tiling it is best to install a cementitious ceramic tile backerboard over the subfloor first.

A ceramic tile backerboard should be installed on a subfloor that is expected to have high foot traffic. A backerboard of 1/4" or 1/2" thickness should be installed over the subfloor. The subfloor should be constructed out of 3/4" tongue and groove plywood installed over 16" on center floor joists. If the subfloor is warped, or flexes when you walk on it, then another 1/2" layer of exterior grade plywood should be installed over it. This second layer of subfloor should be secured to the base layer with screws or nails spaced every 6 inches on-center. The length of the screws or nails used should not be longer than the thickness of the two combined sublayers.

Once the subfloor is structurally sound you should next install 1/4" or 1/2" thick cementitious ceramic tile backerboard over it. The ceramic tile backerboard should be secured to the subfloor using a non-modified thinset mortar and 1-1/4" screws or nails spaced on 6" centers. Use a 1/4" x 1/4" trowel for applying the thinset mortar.

It is important to note that the thinset mortar is not used to secure the backerboard to the subfloor. Instead, it is used to fill voids between the backboard and the subfloor to eliminate any flexing between the two layers.

When installing the backerboard, space the boards 1/8" apart from one another. Fill the gaps with thinset mortar, as this will help to bridge any ridges between panels. Also, apply fiberglass tape into the mortar over the seams. Trowel a skim coat of mortar over the tape and smooth it out with a flat trowel.

Once the thinset mortar has dried, the ceramic tile can be installed.

The Benefits of a Wool Rug

by: Moe Kermani

Wool rugs are very popular for contemporary homes. Should you consider one for your home?

Wool rugs in a modern contemporary home add a warm touch to any room. Many people prefer the look and feel of woven (hand made) or tufted (usually machine made) rugs. Many of the popular styles can be very affordable for low budget redecorating.

So for anyone who is looking to invest in a wool rug, there may be questions about the durability. Is it worth the investment to buy a wool rug?

Wool Rugs – Resilient, Resistant

While wool rugs are popular for many different reasons, one of the most popular reasons is the resistant nature of wool rugs. Wool fibers do not absorb soil very well. This makes the rugs easier to keep clean.

In addition, wool rugs are said to be resistant to fire. The rugs are safe to put in children’s rooms or in high traffic areas of the home. The material is also resistant to static electricity.

Wool also naturally absorbs water from the air. Studies show that the wool fiber may suck up to 30% of it’s own weight in water and it still feels dry to the touch. Wool rugs can actually absorb the water vapor in the air, relieving the humidity in the home.

Wool rugs are also very durable. They can sustain their quality for years, even within the home of an active family.

Easy to Clean Wool Rugs

Above, it was mentioned that wool rugs didn’t absorb dirt. Homeowners really like that the wool fibers are also easy to clean. You can remove most stains with a little warm water and with light blotting. No chemicals would be needed, making it safer for health conscious families.

Upkeep of your wool rug depends on how you look after it once you bring it home. A light vacuuming once a week with slow, even strokes actually helps to improve the quality. A new wool rug may shed a few fibers at first and this is quite natural. With time, the shedding effect will fade and with continued regular vacuuming, your carpet will be better conditioned and have improved quality.

The Amazing Designs of Wool Rugs

Rugs are not only popular for their many benefits, but also for their designs. Now, manufacturers can create popular oriental, Persian and other styles of rugs for any fashionable home. You can get traditional hand made carpets of fine quality, or for something a little more inexpensive, a machine made wool rug is just as beautiful. Many of the hand made rugs come from China, Spain or India. If you are looking for machine made rugs, many rug companies in the USA create these.

If you are looking for a nice contemporary feel to your home, wool rugs make for an elegant and inexpensive option. Finding the right one for your home should be easy, a redecorating store or a specialized wool rug shop would be able to assist you with your needs and also give recommendations on style. Wool rugs are a great investment for your home.

About The Author Moe Kermani is the owner of Natural Area Rugs a distributor of fine quality, contemporary, area rugs. It is the fastest growing company in the field of distributing natural area rugs. They are dedicated to achieving world class performance through their belief in honesty and integrity in all their dealings with their customers. Their goal is to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction through the quality of their products, their prices, their service and the outstanding value of their products. Natural Area Rugs are located in Beverly Hills, California with warehouse and manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles, California. For more information visit http://www.naturalarearugs.com.

The Benefits of a Wool Rug

by: Moe Kermani

Wool rugs are very popular for contemporary homes. Should you consider one for your home?

Wool rugs in a modern contemporary home add a warm touch to any room. Many people prefer the look and feel of woven (hand made) or tufted (usually machine made) rugs. Many of the popular styles can be very affordable for low budget redecorating.

So for anyone who is looking to invest in a wool rug, there may be questions about the durability. Is it worth the investment to buy a wool rug?

Wool Rugs – Resilient, Resistant

While wool rugs are popular for many different reasons, one of the most popular reasons is the resistant nature of wool rugs. Wool fibers do not absorb soil very well. This makes the rugs easier to keep clean.

In addition, wool rugs are said to be resistant to fire. The rugs are safe to put in children’s rooms or in high traffic areas of the home. The material is also resistant to static electricity.

Wool also naturally absorbs water from the air. Studies show that the wool fiber may suck up to 30% of it’s own weight in water and it still feels dry to the touch. Wool rugs can actually absorb the water vapor in the air, relieving the humidity in the home.

Wool rugs are also very durable. They can sustain their quality for years, even within the home of an active family.

Easy to Clean Wool Rugs

Above, it was mentioned that wool rugs didn’t absorb dirt. Homeowners really like that the wool fibers are also easy to clean. You can remove most stains with a little warm water and with light blotting. No chemicals would be needed, making it safer for health conscious families.

Upkeep of your wool rug depends on how you look after it once you bring it home. A light vacuuming once a week with slow, even strokes actually helps to improve the quality. A new wool rug may shed a few fibers at first and this is quite natural. With time, the shedding effect will fade and with continued regular vacuuming, your carpet will be better conditioned and have improved quality.

The Amazing Designs of Wool Rugs

Rugs are not only popular for their many benefits, but also for their designs. Now, manufacturers can create popular oriental, Persian and other styles of rugs for any fashionable home. You can get traditional hand made carpets of fine quality, or for something a little more inexpensive, a machine made wool rug is just as beautiful. Many of the hand made rugs come from China, Spain or India. If you are looking for machine made rugs, many rug companies in the USA create these.

If you are looking for a nice contemporary feel to your home, wool rugs make for an elegant and inexpensive option. Finding the right one for your home should be easy, a redecorating store or a specialized wool rug shop would be able to assist you with your needs and also give recommendations on style. Wool rugs are a great investment for your home.

About The Author Moe Kermani is the owner of Natural Area Rugs a distributor of fine quality, contemporary, area rugs. It is the fastest growing company in the field of distributing natural area rugs. They are dedicated to achieving world class performance through their belief in honesty and integrity in all their dealings with their customers. Their goal is to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction through the quality of their products, their prices, their service and the outstanding value of their products. Natural Area Rugs are located in Beverly Hills, California with warehouse and manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles, California. For more information visit http://www.naturalarearugs.com.

Snow Roof Rakes

By Mark J. Donovan

Heavy snow left on your home’s roof can cause structural damage and water damage to your home if left unchecked. One of the best ways to get rid of snow off your home’s roof is to use a snow roof rake. They are light weight, have telescopic poles to enable very long reaches, and are much safer to use then climbing up on your roof with a snow shovel.

Snow that is left on your roof will typically melt during the day and refreeze up during the night. This process causes ice dams to form at the eves of your roof. Over time the melting snow, or worse yet a heavy rain storm, can cause water to back up under the shingles and cause water to seep into the home. Besides, causing water damage to the home it can also lead to rot and mildew forming on the plywood and roof rafters in the attic.

A clear sign your home is experiencing the affects of Ice damming is if you see water dripping in around the tops of your windows that reside on the eve sides of a roof. Also, if you all of a sudden see water lines running along a length of your finished ceiling, it is a sure sign that water is working its way under the shingles due to ice dams.

A snow roof rake is an excellent tool for removing snow from your roof to help reduce and prevent ice dam build up. Preferably you should try to remove several feet of snow from the edge of the roof as soon as the snow gets several inches deep. Snow roof rakes are made typically from aluminum and thus are extremely light weight. Many of them come with telescopic poles that can extend up to 20 to 24 feet in length. They also usually have a rubber covering on the blade edge to help prevent the roof rake from damaging the roof shingles.

Snow roof rakes are easy to use, and most of the time, do not require the use of a ladder. You can find snow roof rakes at most hardware stores or home improvement centers and can expect to pay between $20 to $50 dollars for one.

Why A Mattress Pad Matters

by: Patricia Bowlin

Do mattress pads really do anything? What good are they? Well, if you've ever wondered if you need one, find out here!

A mattress pad can make any mattress a great deal more comfortable. By placing extra padding on top of the regular mattress, softness can be added without removing the support of the mattress. These pads are usually one to three inches in depth and are made for several different materials which we will discuss.

Most popular types of mattress pads are:

Memory foam pad- newer product that may ring a bell. The memory foam mattresses have received a great deal of television advertising and, while they look very appealing, they are not inexpensive. Recently, a thin pad version of this mattress has appeared on the market at a much more affordable price.

This pad is about 3 inches in depth and it has all the attributes of the memory foam mattress. The foam adjusts to the pressure placed on it so that there is no undue pressure on different areas of the body. This type of pad is very popular with anyone looking for additional comfort. If you don't have a pillow-top mattress but want that comfy feel, this pad may save you from purchasing a new mattress.

Egg crate- pad that looks as if you could store eggs in it. The foam hard depressions and raised areas that provide a bit more softness when placed over a hard mattress. The person who suffers from arthritis can frequently find sleeping much more comfortable with the addition of this type of pad on the mattress.

Egg crate pads are inexpensive and readily available. To install this type of pad on the mattress, first remove the bed sheets. Place the unrolled pad on top of the mattress and smooth it into place. If the bed is for a patient, a waterproof barrier may need to be placed over the pad where the most likely soiling could occur. Then place the fitted sheet back on the mattress. It will fit a bit more snugly than before and stay on the bed very well. Then you can remake the bed with the other bedding and it is ready for use.

Latex- if someone has incontinence problems or if you have children that are going through the stage where accidents can occur at night, latex pads can protect the mattress from stains and allow you to keep the mattress sanitary and odor-free.

Wool, down or feather pads- can make a cold bed warm and cozy. These pads, especially the down pads, also offer some added padding to help achy hips, shoulders, backs and other painful problems.

Pre-warming- these electric pads work very much like an electric blanket but are on the mattress rather than over the sleeper. No more cold feet when you jump into bed. Wintertime chills run and hide very soon after you turn your electric mattress covering onto the desired setting. Some people like to sleep with the pad on; others prefer simply to use this as a pre-heating device.

Alternating pressure pad- used on a mattress for the truly bed-ridden patient. This plastic pad is placed on the mattress and is constructed of baffled tubes or sections which are filled with air or water. The pad is connected to an electric pump and the pump inflates, deflates and changes the pressure in each section at regular intervals. This can help heal a bed sore or completely prevent bed sores from occurring.

This type of medical device pad can be obtained from a medical supply house and you should learn how to properly operate the device from the professionals who provide the equipment. Some medical supply houses will rent this type of pad for the use by those who must lie on their mattresses all day and night.

No matter what situation best describes your particular needs, you'll find the perfect mattress pad to fill your nights with better sleep and comfort!

About The Author Patricia Bowlin makes it easy to create a bedroom with flair! Find countless Free tips, ideas and information here on choosing all of your bedding by visiting now http://www.best-in-bedding.com.

Tips for Planning Your Landscape

by: Janeth Duque

When you decide to plan your landscape, it does, indeed, require a plan. This means that you should carefully think about what you are doing, and what you would like to do. It also means budgeting and determining how much you can spend for your landscaping. Creating a home landscape for your yard is something that can be very costly if you do not carefully plan your landscape. Additionally, without a plan, you may end up with something you do not want and that costs money.

The first thing you should do when planning your landscape is to look at what you already have. Use a critical eye to determine what you like and what you dislike about the current landscape design. Also take into account how your home looks during different seasons. Think about how many year cycles you are likely to remain, and think about what you like and dislike about each one. List the blessings of your current landscape situation, large and small, and list what you would like to change, or what you wish you had. It is actually a good idea to do this for an entire year, so that you can see what you have at each season. Plus, taking your time will help you develop a better plan.

Another thing to do when planning your landscape is to keep in mind the needs you have for the space. You do not want your landscape ideas to interfere with family activities and the family routine. Would planting a shrub in a particular spot inhibit the walk to the mailbox? Putting a flowerbed in the middle of the lawn may upset family games. Would adding a deck make it more convenient to have family barbeque functions? Are there features, like a sandbox, that you would like to add to the landscape for your grandchildren? The fact of the matter is that when you are planning your landscape, you should take into account what the space will be used for. This is an essential part of the landscaping process, as the best designs combine attractiveness with utility.

Keeping a journal or folder of landscape ideas is another way to help you as you plan your landscape. You can keep your lists of current things you like and dislike, as well as your plan for the use of your landscape space in this folder or journal as well. You can gather ideas you like from looking at pictures in magazines, books, on the Internet, or by driving around the neighborhood and taking pictures. Make sure you include next to any images you have the things that you think you will need to build a particular feature, or notes on things you would do to tweak a design to make it all your own. You can even combine design ideas into something that you like. The point is to, while you are thinking about what you already have and what you will use your landscape for, look for ideas that will help you accomplish your goals.

Other things you should do while planning your landscape design is to check on building codes and make sure of property lines. You should also find out from your utility companies where underground power, telephone, and cable wires are run. You do not want to hit one of these important things while digging around in your yard and building your landscape. Getting all of this stuff figured out before you finalize your landscape plans can help you adjust for possibly having to relocate a feature in your plan or for having to scale down the size of something.

Another tool that can be very helpful as you plan your landscape is the use of landscape design software. Much of this software can be used to figure out which plants may look nice in your yard, and which plants would go with your house. Some programs even allow you to scan in an image of your own house in order to better get an idea of the possibilities. Most programs cost less than $70, and can even be used as references to determine which plants are best suited to survive in your climate.

With careful planning, and the use of a few tips, it is possible for you to plan out your landscape in such a way that you use your available space and your money much more efficiently.

About The Author Janeth Duque of Geeks On Steroids. Janeth is well-known in the world of web design and search engine optimization. Web Site: Geeks on Steroids View their website at: http://www.geeksonsteroids.com janeth@geeksonsteroids.com

How to Install a Carpet Stair Runner Video

By Mark J. Donovan

Installing an inexpensive carpet stair runner on a straight hardwood stair case is something most DIY homeowners can do.

In this video, Mark Donovan of Homeadditionplus.com, explains step by step the process of cutting stair runner carpet, stapling it into the stair risers and treads, and installing stair rods to secure the stair runner carpet to the treads.




Please note that this is an inexpensive carpet stair runner that is installed in this video. This type of carpet stair runner can be purchased at any home improvement store and it comes with a no-slip rubber backing. If more expensive carpet is used for the stair runner, a carpet pad and tack strips should be used.

The tools required for this project included:

• Square
• Carpenter's Knife
• Drill and Drill bits
• Screw Gun
• A stapler with 9/16 inch staples and 5/8 inch brads
• Straight Edge
  
  
  
  

Review #9 - Pull-out Garbage Can

We love the pullout garbage can - this is a "must do". Also the pullout rack shown below is really nice. That being said, I would have done very this differently. It was a hassle to install.

The main problem was the garbage can was a few inches too tall. I looked at a number of products, and this was the shortest one I could find, (maybe I should design and market one that would fit better...)

To get this to work:

I needed to move the garbage disposal to the lower sink, so I would have the max vertical distance under the higher one. Having the disposal in the larger sink actually works really well, so no problem there.

Then I had to create a low-profile drain pipe connection (took three tries), and route it to the back of the cabinet. This gave me space for the garbage can.



After getting the space squared away, the garbage can was still an inch too tall. I took the slide assembly apart, re-drilled some holes, ground down the brackets and took a half an inch out of the height. Half an inch to go...

To get the final bit I needed, I cut the back of the garbage can out so it would slide by the drain pipe. I cut just enough out, using an angle grinder, so the top of the can wouldn't become flimsy.

So after getting my Ph.D. in pullout garbage cans, here is what I would do different: Simply, I would have designed the cabinet so that it would have gone all the way to the floor, and not had a kick-plate area. That would have given me an extra four inches, and it would have been much easier. To make the cabinet look good, you could mount a fake kick-plate the the back of the cabinet door.

One really nice feature that I didn't plan for, is the dishwasher, sink and garbage layout. We can have the dishwasher open, the garbage can out, and the sink with the disposal in the center. This is about the most efficient setup I can think of.