We Built Our Own Camper From Scratch Out In The Desert
We are no strangers to camping. In fact, we have been living almost exclusively on the road, frequenting BLM and national forest lands, since 2018, and have gone through four campsites at that time. After a special work that planted us in one place for three months, we set off (mostly indifferent to the horizon) just as the effects of the pandemic hit the nation and the world: March 2020.
But we wanted something better than the cheaply built, often problematic RVs we were used to. We wanted something with hard sides (for safety) but not too heavy and bulky, as that would be a burden to transport along the way and limit where we could go.
A generous pile of 2 × 2 wood – we end up buying quite a bit more
Having a truck already, we worked with what we had. One of the bigger lessons I’ve learned over the years on the road is not to focus on what you don’t have, but to work to the limits and “do what you can, with what you have, where you is. ”(This is a quote from varlet Bill Widener, often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt.)
Framing it
We recently sold our latest “camper van,” which was a basic fiberglass truck capsule designed for contractors and converted by us for camping. It was low profile and big enough for a bed and some storage.
Now is the time for something more suitable for us.
We wrapped the studs with aluminum flashing, a total of five rolls
The seams were taped with aluminum waterproof tape
What we have done is not perfect. We have not experienced builders. But my wife and I combined our knowledge of construction learned in part during our younger years by helping our parents with various home remodeling projects and building something we hoped we could make happy.
The circumstances in which we built our truck were not ideal … at least. We had no flat terrain.
Lightweight foam insulation was inserted and glued between each 2 × 2
Adding the bookcase; by that time, we had moved to a friend’s house to continue the work
It was north of Tucson, a BLM site with nothing but pale green, shrubbery, some well-chopped saguaros, and all dust. Military aircraft flew daily, along with some private gliders, which circled silently above; even the occasional parachute trainers fell at high altitude somewhere across Interstate 10, barely visible in the midday sun.
Here is the framework for our bench storage
The fifty watts of solar energy we got in wasn’t enough to power tools beyond filling up any 12V batteries for my drill that were old, tired, and barely charged. Naturally, all woodcuts were made by hand.
The 2 × 2 wood at Home Depot was curved, knotted and prone to splitting.
Our budget was very limited due to difficulties I was able to fill a book discussion.
We got this cool vintage door and I framed it to fit using stained wood from an old bed frame
But in the end, we got framed in the camper and had a proper shell. At the time it was light enough to get into the back of our old Ford truck.
Over time, people with materials and various aids (you know who you are, and we always appreciate your help).
A beautiful sunset captured during the construction
100 watts of sunscreen tied to our signature blue awning, made of metal futon, which we bought for $ 20
Finally, the pieces came together and we had something workable. We recycled a lot of material and took advantage of our limited resources, forcing ourselves to work almost exclusively with what we had at our disposal, only by buying things considered absolutely essential.
What you see in the video (link at the end) is a tour of where we are right now. We have plans for more, but the project has reached a point where we are happy to share it with those looking for ways to live simply and cheaply and build their own platforms with a very limited budget.
It’s always good to see free electricity coming in!
Eventually, the camper becomes more domestic; the left “wall” is the bottom of the folding bed
The sofa and roof
We then added two windows to light and ventilate
The “New” truck with a freshly painted wooden flat bed
Then we added some steps
We hope you can gather some ideas for your own built-in project, as doing it yourself will ultimately save you a lot of money, give you the personal nuances, and hopefully give you the longevity you probably won’t get from most anything on the RV market.
Wild horses visiting our back door
Camping in the mountains at a new favorite place
Another of the greatest lessons I have learned and paid attention to: the most worthy things are also the most difficult; realizing something good can and will destroy you until the desire to stop completely. I have felt that many times. But you go on, it’s over, and you’re glad (and probably amazed) that you did it. Make no mistake: living on the road is NOT easy. Behindus behind all the good sunshine, beach campfires, spotless RV interiors and bright Instagram smiles are perhaps a near-train wreck. Vehicles break down, curtains stain, finances run out, plans fail, people fail, the weather prevents everything (although these are things that happen in any life scenario). But van life, bus life and truck life can be a much simpler and cheaper way to live. And if nothing else, you can’t surpass the ability to change your backyard (and your neighbors) whenever you want.
Some perspective … a little life in a big world
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We Built Our Own Camper From Scratch Out In The Desert
Prices and Types of Flooring Tiles in Pakistan
Guide for flooring tiles and their rates
Bathrooms and kitchens were previously the most typical places in Pakistan to find Flooring Tiles. In contrast to mosaic or marble flooring, which would have been historically popular in residences, now it is widespread and completely fashionable for newly built houses to employ tiles as the most frequent flooring type. As a result, if you’re renovating your home’s flooring or building a new one, you’ll need to know what type of tile to use and how much it’ll cost. Keep on reading as we go so over different construction tiles available in Pakistan, as well as their prices based on sub-varieties, brands, and some other criteria.
Types of Flooring Tiles
Let us discuss the most common varieties of floor tiles in Pakistan
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular clay-based tiles on the market. They are mined, prepared, and molded before use. Their ability to blend in with almost any type of interior décor will astound you. Ceramic tiles’ most important features include their long lifespan, variety of applications, and strong resistance to scratches and abrasion.
They can sustain years of constant foot activity thanks to their durability. They provide a diverse range of design options. Ceramic tiles feature matchless colors and patterns and thus are usually covered in a durable finish. Ceramic tiles, but will not be used outside because they cannot withstand the heat and therefore do not adapt well to the freezing temperatures that winter brings. They have a proclivity for moisture absorption.
Porcelain Tiles
Someone frequently classified porcelain tiles as ceramic tiles because of the subtle differences between them and ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are made of denser clay but are fired at greater temperatures than non-porcelain ceramic tiles. As a function, the material is much more durable and resistant to harm. Porcelain tiles, unlike standard ceramic tiles, can be utilized outside because of their low porosity and improved resilience to cold and extreme temperatures.
Porcelain tiles are available in polished and unpolished finishes and thus are suited for a range of domestic and commercial applications with light foot traffic. They also are available in glazed versions, but this is less durable.
Granite Tiles
Granite tiles are the best choice whether you’re planning to put tiles in a high-traffic location. They’re made of granite, a dense and durable igneous rock. This rock’s speckled minerals and unique veining not just set it apart from other materials, but the mix of the two also ensures that neither two granite surfaces are alike. Granite tiles have such a fantastic reputation in the flooring industry because of this. Luxurious establishments get a strong demand for them since they are produced in a large variety of colors and have a great aesthetic value.
The natural and durable material utilized aids the scratch-resistant surface. Granite tiles are light and tiny in size, making them easy to work with. They are also acid-resistant. Granite tiles, like marble floors, are highly porous and stain-prone. However, once polished, they perform admirably in terms of scratch resistance.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine pieces are made of travertine, a form of limestone found in hot springs, natural spring springs, and caves all around the world. The material comes in a variety of hues and has pits or a rough texture that is caused by air bubbles and organic materials. Travertine tiles have such a beautiful surface that illuminates and provides your interior area with a natural look.
The durability of the travertine material can be judged by the fact that it was used to build the ancient Roman structures which can be seen in Italy today. As a result, the travertine is an excellent choice for temples, sculptures, and theatres. It is now commonly used in the construction of pathways, restrooms, pool decks, as well as other areas in which there is a lot of water exposure. Travertine is 100 percent biodegradable, giving it an ecologically friendly material. It’s both long-lasting and easy to manage.
Even though it’s a less expensive alternative than some other high-end materials, travertine tiles still are pricey, and so many people cannot afford to install them.
Slate Tiles
Slate, which is mined from natural mineral deposits, is one of the most popular floor coverings. It aids throughout the production of extremely durable tiles while still inducing natural beauty to give your floor a stunning appearance. The material can maintain a room warm even while providing a safe flooring option because of its high slip resistance. Regardless of the fact that slate tiles are less expensive than marble and granite tiles, they still are regarded as high-end and attain a greater price than ceramic tiles.
Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone tiles are designed to give your outdoor spaces a deep, natural feel. Pool surrounds, patios, and walks are among the most typical applications. Sandstone tiles come in many colors, patterns, and sizes, and they add a great earthy touch to every space.
Matte Vs Glossy
As stated earlier, a print, design, or pattern is applied on ceramic and porcelain tiles after they’ve been cooked throughout the kiln. The magnitude of these effects can vary, as well as the resulting pattern can be glossy or matte.
Matte tiles are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms where there are a lot of water spills because shiny tiles could be highly slippery in high-traffic areas. Shiny tiles give the floor a sheen and add elegance to a room’s appearance, rendering them more popular in lounge spaces and drawing rooms. Granite tiles will not have prints imposed on them since they are made of natural rock, and they are usually available in matte varieties with a coating applied to give them even more enduring.
Half-body Vs Full-body
The amount of wear and tear that full-body and half-body tiles can withstand is the key difference. Concrete pavers are always half-body, which implies that after they are manufactured, a thin layer of paint is applied to a tile. Porcelain tiles, on the other side, come in half-and full-body variants. Because the printed layer on half-body tiles is just a few centimeters thick, when the tile is broken, the top layer would be exposed, exposing white or red clay beneath.
Full-body tiles, on the other hand, are designed to have their color, pattern, or design walk the length of the tile. When these tiles are chipped or filed away, they expose a second layer with the same design as the first, rather than a patch of clay underneath, that can be unsightly. Granite tiles, unlike the other two, are always full-body because they are cut from genuine rock.
Round-edged Vs Laser-cut
Tiles have always been put with a certain number of spaces between them, which are filled with grout. Depending on the manufacturing methods used and the material used, they could be round-edged or laser-cut. Granite tiles, for example, always are laser-cut away from the rock, resulting in sharp edges. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, normally have rounded edges, but porcelain comes in a combination of both options.
What Type Of Tile Should I Use And Why?
You now know about the three most common varieties of flooring tiles in Pakistan; choosing between these may well be influenced by a variety of factors, such as.
- Size
- Strength
- Durability
- Target area
- Availability of patterns
- Ease of installation
- Cost
Here is another quick rundown of the factors to consider about this before deciding on the tile that’s right for you.
Size
Tiles come in a variety of sizes, with 1224 inches, 1236 inches, 1824 inches, 2424 inches, and etc being one of the most frequent for central living areas. Larger square tiles are recommended for lounges, drawing areas, and dining rooms, in short. The most common sizes for corner walk-in showers are 912 inches and 1218 inches. Some individuals, though, prefer to use larger tiles in restrooms because they make a small space appear larger.
Tiles come in a variety of sizes, with 12*24 inches, 12*36 inches, 18*24 inches, 24*24 inches, and etc being the most frequent for central living areas. Larger square tiles are recommended for couches, drawing areas, and dining rooms, in short. The most common sizes for corner walk-in showers are 9*12 inches and 12*18 inches. Some individuals, though, prefer to be using larger tiles in restrooms because they make a tiny space appear larger.
Strength
Granite is by far the most durable alternative available, however ceramic is the most vulnerable to breaking and damage. Porcelain tiles will be in the middle of the strength spectrum, but they outperform ceramic equivalents.
Durability
The durability of a tile also is determined by its strength. This implies that of the three alternatives, granite is by far the most durable. Granite also is easy to polish and restore to its former brilliance over time, but porcelain and ceramic tiles may have to be replaced.
Target Area
Because ceramic and porcelain tiles are not too slippery, they are commonly used in the kitchen and bathroom, while glossy tiles of both types are ideal for central living areas where water spills are uncommon. If we truly want your kitchen to survive, go along with granite tiles, which are not only more water-resistant than the other two but also more resistant to damage, cracks, and chips in the event that you drop a large pot or pan on the ground accidentally.
Availability Of Patterns
Geometric, floral, wood, and a variety of many other designs are being printed on half-body ceramic or porcelain tiles, leading to a new boom in the tiling sector. Full-body porcelain tiles, on the other hand, have fewer variations since it is more difficult to create a wide variety of ideas in the clay mixture before firing it. However, since granite tiles are produced from actual stone, there is indeed a restricted range of patterns from which to choose.
Ease Of Installation
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are simple to construct on cement floors because they are bonded with a layer of glue. It can be installed as a do-it-yourself project as well. Granite tiles, on either hand, require specialized installation. An ordinary tile mason can charge between Rs. 22 and 25 per square foot, but if you really want the greatest finish, choose who charges between Rs. 32 and 35 per square foot.
Cost
The cost of tile flooring in Pakistan is an important factor to consider. It flooded the tiling market in Pakistan with foreign ceramic or porcelain tile possibilities. China, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Spain are also the main suppliers of ceramic tiles. Chinese or Irani tiles, but are also the most frequent, are the cheapest, costing around Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,000 per meter (approximately 3.25 feet). Manufactured in Malaysia and Indonesia, a slightly better quality of tile is accessible in the store for roughly Rs. 2,300 to Rs. 2,800 per meter. The best quality tiles in Pakistan originate from Spain, and they begin at Rs. 2,800 a meter and then go up from that.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are classified according to whether they are full-body or half-body in terms of cost. Half-body porcelain tiles start at roughly Rs. 1,200 per meter, whereas full-body tiles up to Rs. 2,000 per meter. It’s important to note that this was just the beginning price for porcelain tiles; branded and imported kinds might be considerably more expensive. Granite tiles are usually of good quality, with a long lifespan and great strength. As a reason, their typical price per meter is somewhere between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,200.
If you consider the factors listed above, you know you’ve got a choice not only between various types of floor tiles in Pakistan but as well as between the features you want in your tiled flooring or the amount of money you have put down for a home repair and construction project. We’ve provided all of the information so that you can make an informed decision about your home’s flooring specifications.
Also, if you want to read more informative content about construction and real estate, keep following Feeta Blog, the best property blog in Pakistan.
Prices and Types of Flooring Tiles in Pakistan
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Portraying Personality In Interiors Under 40 Sqm (Includes Floor Plans)
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Each measuring just under 40 square meters, these three apartment interiors in Odessa, Ukraine, inspire three different personality types. Our first tour takes us to a sophisticated home with a bronze framed glass wall design, unique modern furniture ideas and an unquestionably luxurious kitchen project – despite its small proportions. Our second stop is made at a simple, young and sturdy apartment interior, designed for tenants, with another glass wall project that lends light to a multi-purpose living room. Color seekers may like our final prominent interior, where rich color accents add a touch of the unexpected. Floor plans included at the end of each tour.
This complex living room belongs to an apartment with one bedroom of 35 square meters, located in a multi-storey apartment complex. The low-back design of a stone gray modular sofa makes the small area appear open and therefore more spacious.
The compact apartment consists of a combined living room and kitchen, a glass wall project and a bathroom.
Minimal amounts of furniture, a hollow decor and a limited material palette allow emphasis to fall on the remaining high-quality elements and sea view. Thanks to the glass wall, the ocean panorama flows unhindered throughout the width of the apartment, creating an immediate factor entering the home.
A custom-cut frameless mirror was formed in accordance with the front door of the apartment, which creates a false window effect on the solid empty entrance wall.
A unique faucet adds a shiny copper accent to the clean white kitchen island.
The glass walls of the bedroom are framed by matching copper surrounds.
The TV wall is an understated thing, kept streamlined to keep the full functional width of the space.
A square kitchen sink lies sharply into the untouched marble roof.
A unique bathroom sink gives the all-white bathroom an interesting focus. LEDs emphasize the floating characteristic of low, murmur vanity.
Floor plan.
Then we move on to a rented apartment of 37 square meters. A cool white and gold wood tone colors the multifunctional living space.
A small dining table set overlapped the change of floor covering, standing across and white tile from the kitchen and the solid pine board from the living room.
A small workshop is arranged inside the bedroom, with a simple floating desk and a coordinating white swivel chair.
Pine panels form a comprehensive bedboard design that expands the spatial sense.
In the bathroom, a modern pedestal sink and a round vanity mirror smoothly match their identical diameter.
Floor plan.
Our third small home tour in Odessa, Ukraine, takes place in a 35-square-meter apartment. The customers asked for a subtle monochrome decoration scheme but short colored moments made the final cut. Burgundy softening visually warms the small living room, and sets it apart from the nearby dining room.
Two workstations fill the opposite side of the compact but functional living room.
Pale gray scattering cushions and matching throw separate the solid burgundy sofa design.
In the hallway of the home, deep charcoal storage contains a lighted screen corner that shines a welcoming glow at the front door.
The full-grain storage volume flows around the corner to blend seamlessly with the small kitchen design.
Fresh white crown melting neatly fuses the built-in storage volume with the structural walls of the apartment.
Wall-mounted pendant light makes for a delicate accompaniment to the small dining table.
Gentle atmospheric light sets the scene for a comfortable dinner for two.
The living room TV is inserted next to the dual workplaces. A repositionable TV wall bracket allows it to swing outward to face the sofa, or stay angled to the kitchen or dining room.
The small kitchen is broken into two walls of full-height dark gray units and a contrasting wall of bright beech base cabinets and tops. A charcoal ceiling panel bridges the kitchen, connecting the darker elements.
A charcoal gray bed sheet panels strip through a lighter gray paint inside the bedroom.
A unique tray top side table adds a fun burst of bright burnt orange that dominates the monochrome scheme.
The foot of tailored bedspreads under a row of wall cupboards.
Recessed shelves cause a break between the closet and a built-in toilet.
A burgundy vanity stool adds a rich note to the makeup table, and ties back to the lounge accent color.
Laundry equipment is located inside the compact bathroom. Unique bathroom lighting illuminates the pool.
An open shelf is available to store soap dispensers next to the basin and a food remover for the laundry.
Textured tiles elegantly darken the lower third of the bathroom and engulf the bathtub, while the upper walls are light and bright.
Atmospheric light washes the tiled wet wall.
An ultra narrow heated towel adds a playful baby blue accent to the small space.
Floor plan.
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Portraying Personality In Interiors Under 40 Sqm (Includes Floor Plans)
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