Tag Archives: kingsport

Spring has Sprung!

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Spring marks the start of a new social season. With everything from graduation parties, Cinco de Mayo parties, Derby events, and many more, spring is chock full of exciting opportunities to celebrate! Let the professionals at Action Rentals help you create memories that will last a lifetime!

If you are planning a graduation celebration, don’t forget to make it kid-friendly with our wide selection of inflatables and games available for a day or for a week! With everything from bounce houses and obstacle courses to basketball hoops and dunk tanks, Action Rentals has everything you need to help all the kids and kids at heart have a memorable event.

Be sure to book your festive-colored linens, tables and chairs for your Cinco de Mayo event. We have a wide selection of colors, sizes and styles. If you have questions, our experienced professionals can help you select décor that is sure to impress!

For a Derby party, with the warm weather and sunshine, check out our extensive selection of tents to provide shade to your group. Also, we have tables and linens that will complement your decorating theme!

Our showroom is located in Kingsport, Tennessee. We look forward to showcasing the wide variety of party rental items we have. From chairs to china to lighting to tents to linens and more we have everything you need to have the best event in town! Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website at www.TheTentKing.com or www.actionrentalkpt.com or call us at 423-246-5181 for a complete listing of products and pricing.

Planning a Memorial Day Party!

The weather is warming, spring is coming! If you are like many and are thinking about having a Memorial Day get-together, now is the time to start planning! Here are some handy tips to make your event not only fun but hassle free!

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Budget – Create a budget that you can work within and that allows some wiggle room for any unexpected expenses.

Theme – Choosing a theme is sometimes the hardest part of planning! Pick a theme that fits you and your style.

Guests – Create a guest list and make sure to get the invites out in plenty of time for guests to get your event on their calendars!

Food – Determine your menu (if you are cooking, make as much as you can ahead of time to minimize cooking on the party day! Make a timeline for cooking, freezing, thawing, reheating etc.) If it is a potluck, assign the dishes. Consider any extras you might need and make sure you have the serving dishes that you will need as well.

Timeline – Create a timeline of events / tasks that you need to accomplish for the party! Plan realistically, and don’t overload yourself right before the party, try and spread as many of the tasks as possible out over time. Also, make sure to include any tasks that you need others to do on this list as well.

Ice and coolers – With warmer weather, make sure you have enough ice and coolers on hand for your event.

Music – Use music to help set the atmosphere to match your theme! Playlists can be created well ahead of time, and all you have to do on the party day is turn on the music!

Relax and have fun – This is the piece of advice we give people most often. You’ve done your planning, now, relax and enjoy time spent with friends and family.

For help planning your next party, stop by and see the experts at Action Rental and Sales! We look forward to showcasing the wide variety of party rental items we have. From chairs to china to lighting to tents to linens and more we have everything you need to have the best event in town! Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.

Project Safety and You!

Whether you are at home or on a job site, safety is of utmost importance! The entire Action Rentals team takes safety seriously and we encourage our clients to as well. Here are some handy tips to help you stay safe during your projects!

Project-Safety

–     If your project involves using chemicals, make sure to read the labels and FOLLOW all manufacturer instructions and warning labels.

–     Before you dig, call the local utilities to make sure that you will not be digging where you could get hurt.

–     Protect your vision! Safety glasses or dust glasses will help protect against flying particles and chemical goggles will protect against exposure to fertilizers and pesticides

–     Be observant. Be aware of anything that could harm you or your family (power lines, water lines, trees, etc).

–     Check your lawn for any debris prior to mowing.

–     Ensure that any tools you keep at home are in good working condition. Damaged tools should be repaired or replaced. If it is a tool that you don’t use frequently, check and see if we carry it and that way you will know it is always in good condition.

–     In any project, use common sense. If something feels dangerous or potentially harmful, then it probably is.

We are more than happy to provide any knowledge or experience we have to make sure that your project is done with a minimum of hassle and a maximum amount of safety! We look forward to helping you with your next home or business project! Check out our website or call us at 423-246-5181

Spring Lawn Care Tips

As spring approaches, many of us start to focus on our lawns! Remember, spring is a very important time for your yard and here are some tips to help your lawn be spring and summer ready!

While it is important to do yard work, we urge you to wait until the soil is drier. Foot traffic and hard raking will compact soggy soil and can damage tender new grass shoots. As the soil dries, remove leaves and fallen debris. Also, gently rake as this helps not only fluff up but also separates the grass shoots!

Spring is also a wonderful time to conduct a soil test to determine if your soil needs any alterations. You can apply lime to acidic soil (pH below 6) anytime during the growing season, contingent upon the grass being wilted or covered with frost. Note – do not apply lime within 3 weeks of fertilizing as the ingredients will react and become less effective.

If you decide to aerate your lawn, make sure to wait until the lawn has been mowed 2 – 3 times in that season so that you can make sure it is growing fast enough to recover from the aeration.

As soon as you see that your yard needs to be mowed, begin mowing! Remember, grass blades do best when cut no more than a third of the blade’s length at a time.

Spring is also a great chance to make sure your lawn equipment is ready for the coming season! Make sure the blade is sharpened and everything on the lawn mower is ready to go!

For more information and for all lawn care and light construction needs, come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.

DIY – How to Install A Ceramic Tile Floor

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If you are like many, this New Year has brought you a new list of “To-Do” items. If installing a ceramic tile floor is one of those “To-Do’s” here is a list of instructions on how to do it! At Action Rental & Sales Equipment Division, we have the tools you need to turn your next “To-Do” item into a “Done” item!

Step 1: Before you begin, get a general sense of how level the floor is. If you see any deep holes or dents, it might be necessary to prepare some quick-drying, self-leveling cement from a hardware store. Pour the cement mixture into any deep trenches and let it sit for at least 24 hours.

Step 2: Once the floor is level, chip away any old mortar and then thoroughly clean the surface. To make sure the surface is truly clean, you will probably need to do this more than once. Remember, the less dirt on the floor, the easier it will be for the cement to form a strong seal between the tile and ground. Next, remove any trim or other fixtures around the wall at floor level. Make sure to check and see if you have enough clearance by stacking two tiles on top of each other near any doors.

Step 3: Now that the surface is clean, lay out and diagram exactly how you want the tile to be placed. Measure the dimensions of the room, and pick a spot in the center to start. Use blue chalk to mark a cross pattern into the floor. Work your way out from the center. This will save you time so that you are using mostly whole tiles and only have to cut the ones that will be placed along the wall edges.

Step 4: You will want to get the mortar to a peanut-butter like consistency. You can do this by adding water. Helpful Hint – prepare small batches as you go as the mixture hardens as time passes. An easy way to do this is by attaching a paint-mixing bit to an electric drill. Use a notched floor trowel to scoop out a glob and spread it evenly across the floor using the flat side. You don’t need a lot but enough to evenly coat the floor. Once the area is covered, flip the trowel and use the grooved side to spread it at a 45-degree angle.

Step 5: Spread tile adhesive on the back-side of the tile in a fairly thin layer. This application, along with the trenches on the floor, will ensure a permanent and strong bond between tile and ground. Gently place (do not slide) the tiles. Use spacers to maintain constant grout lines if you prefer, but it is also fine just to eyeball it. Repeat until all whole tiles have been placed. Once you hit a wall or a space that requires a cut tile, simply measure out the dimensions and use a tile cutter to form the proper shape.

Step 6: Once the floor is completely covered, mix the grout to a frozen-yogurt-type consistency, keeping in mind that small amounts go a long way. You want the grout to fall into the spaces you’ve left between the tiles yet, still be easy to spread. Next, place some of the grout on the tiles and use a grout float to spread it evenly around. Make sure there aren’t gaps or bubbles. Scrape off any excess by wiping diagonally across the tiles. Follow the scraping with a wet sponge. Helpful Hint – Have a bucket filled with water on hand to wash out the excess. It will take a few passes with a sponge to remove the entire residue from the tile surfaces. Let tiles stand for 24 hours.

For help with this and any other DIY project, come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. We have the tools and expertise to help you finish your “To-Do” List. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website  or call us at 423-246-5181 for a complete listing of products and pricing.

 

Planning a Valentine’s Day Party

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It may be early in the year, but now is the time to start planning your spring get-togethers! If you are planning on celebrating Valentine’s Day with a party, here is a handy timeline to follow! Also, remember, just because it is Valentine’s Day you don’t have to use just red, pink and white! Feel free to think outside of the box and use any colors that inspire you!

Four Weeks Out

  • Create a budget
  • Choose a theme
  • Write a guest list
  • Choose a location
  • Send invitations
  • Decide on a menu (If you are cooking, make as much as you can ahead of time to minimize cooking on the party day! Make a timeline for cooking, freezing, thawing, reheating, etc.)
  • If it’s potluck, assign the dishes.
  • Order any extras you might need (cakes, pies, cupcakes, etc).
  • Confirm your rental items (plates, cups, glassware, coffee urns, tables, chairs, table linens, serving pieces, etc. Arrange for early delivery on party day.
  • If it is a large group, consider hiring help for kitchen, serving, or bartending.

Two Weeks Out

  • Confirm everything from 4 weeks out has been done
  • Assemble party favors, if desired.
  • Start compiling party music, games, and other entertainment.

One Week Out

  • Review Menu Preparation Timeline: are you on target with make-ahead dishes?
  • Purchase non-perishable food items and candles, firewood, etc
  • Finalize RSVPs.

Two Days Out

  • Make sure the venue is ready.
  • Purchase perishables such as meat, dairy, and produce.
  • Make sure camera is charged and ready.

One Day Out

  • Set table, decorate buffet, set-up the bar.
  • Purchase and arrange flowers and/or decorations.

Party Day

  • Purchase fresh seafood.
  • Buy party ice.
  • Take delivery of rented equipment.
  • Garnish party platters with fresh herbs, edible flowers, and fruit.
  • Eat something light before guests arrive.
  • Seriously. A relaxed host makes for happy guests.
  • Spin the tunes and greet your guests.

For help planning your next party, stop by and see the experts at Action Rental and Sales! We look forward to showcasing the wide variety of party rental items we have. From chairs to china to lighting to tents to linens and more we have everything you need to have the best event in town! Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website at www.actionrentalkpt.com or call us at 423-246-5181.

 

Create Atmosphere with Linens

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Event planning is exciting. You’re pulling all the pieces together to celebrate with loved ones. But let’s face it. Event planning is also hard work. At Action Rentals, we’re here to help. Our experienced event personnel have years of success in helping event planners and hosts choose just the right items for their events.

One of the key decisions for any event is the choice of linens. Like much of the event planning process, linen selection is very subjective, and it’s focused on aesthetic appeal. At Action Rental, we carry a broad selection of colors and styles. Whether you want a solid or a pattern, traditional white or a color to complement your other decorations, we can help.

If your event has a color scheme you would like to match or complement, please bring some examples of pieces featuring your chosen color for your linen selection appointment. If you are earlier in the selection process, or if there isn’t a set theme, please bring along items with colors, textures, patterns, etc. that appeal to you. These could be magazine pages, postcards, photographs… anything that really speaks to your sense of color.

With a little insight into your preferences, our team can show you options that coordinate or complement your selections. The important part is that the decision is always yours. We can provide as much or as little input as desired.

So as you prepare for your next event, please keep in mind that the professionals at Action Rental are ready to make your event unforgettable! Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.

Brrrr… It Is Cold Outside

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Brrr… it is cold outside! While a chill in the air can be nice,  Action Rentals reminds everyone that too much cold can damage your home if precautions aren’t in place. Cold weather can cause the pipes in your walls, attic, under the floor, or in unheated parts of your home to freeze. As water freezes, it expands and this added pressure can cause pipes to burst or crack, leading to expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to greatly reduce your risk of frozen pipes, thus keeping your plumbing lines thawed and in good working condition.

  1. To help protect the pipes in your exterior walls, you can simply open the cabinet doors at the sinks that are served by the exterior wall pipes. This will allow the heated interior air to warm and help protect the pipes. You can also place a portable heater a safe distance from the wall and any other combustible material to aid in this process. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for heater placement.
  1. Running water can also help keep your pipes from freezing. It’s easier for standing water to freeze, so by keeping a small trickle of water running you’re your faucet, you help prevent your pipes from freezing. When you run your water, run both the hot and cold water. This warmer water also keeps your pipes warmer and helps to keep them thawed. Also try and run the water from the far end of the house. This helps to protect the main water lines.
  1. For longer lasting solutions, consider using expanding insulating foam to fill any voids in the interior walls. Carefully follow the instructions provided when you purchase this foam. Make sure you calculate the approximate volume of space between the studs to keep from using too little or too much foam. If overused, expanding foam can bow or crack drywall.
  1. Utilize insulating material, such as the molded foam pipe wraps, to place around any exposed pipes in your attic, basement, crawl space or other unheated areas.

As always, before you start any home improvement or preventive maintenance project, carefully review all safety information provided with your purchases. Take careful steps to properly shut down any equipment that may be damaged due to shutting off water supplies. If you need any equipment for this or other home maintenance jobs remember to contact Action Rentals Renting– the smart way to get things done!

Come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.

How to Use a Trencher

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First, turn the fuel switch on and give it a little bit of choke. Next, turn on the key switch and lower the throttle a bit. Once that is done, shift the transmission into neutral and ensure that the hydraulic pump is off. When trenching, the wheels will need to be locked in place. To move the unit, disengage the wheels. Once the unit is running, give it some gas, activate the hydraulic pump and pop the transmission into forward.

Once you are located where you want to start digging, make sure to engage the wheels so they work together. Turn the throttle up, start the chain and auger spinning and then lower the bar into the earth. Next, lower it to the depth you want. Remember, getting it to the depth you want can take a few moments, so be patient. Once you are at the depth you want, the auger will be pushing dirt off to the side. You can control the speed by using the transmission controls.

Now you are ready to move! Once your bar is all the way down, shift your machine into reverse and start moving backward. Make sure that you are NOT in front of your machine while it is operating as it throws dirt and rocks in a forward direction.

As always, make sure you call 811 before you dig!

For trenchers and all your other light construction needs, come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.

How to Winterize your House

Although it might not feel cold outside, now is the perfect time to start preparing their home for winter, a.k.a. winterizing. As the temperature drops, it won’t be as easy to get out and do the projects needed to help keep your home in great shape through the colder months.

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1. De-clutter gutters

Even if you don’t have trees close to your home, rain gutters are still able to collect debris and should be cleaned out before winter. By keeping gutters clean, you are helping prevent ice from building up which can cause gutters to come loose or damage to the roof. While you are cleaning the gutters, make sure to check for loose joints or any other structural problems.

2. Say No to drafts

An easy way to help winterize your home (and help with the power bill) is to find and stop drafts in your home. Start with your attic areas and access panels followed by the basement and then windows and doors. Once you find any areas that are letting air in or out, you can seal them with a good quality insulation, caulk, weather stripping or window film. One helpful hint, when caulking, make sure to remove the old caulk first.

3. Seal the drive

Snow, ice, salt and shovels can really take a toll on your driveway. If you have it sealcoated every three years, that will help to prevent costly repairs or replacement down the road. In addition to not only looking nicer and protecting the asphalt, the darker color will also help to melt snow more quickly in the winter.

4. Trim the trees

Winter weather can mean ice, snow, cold windy days and more. All of these contribute to breaking limbs off of trees and potentially causing home and property damage. First start looking for obvious problems, such as limbs hanging over wires, the driveway and most importantly the house.

5. Chimney check

Thinking about having the fireplace cleaned and serviced when you are still using your air conditioner is tough, but it is one of the most important winterizing projects possible. By keeping your fireplace cleaned and properly maintained you not only increase its heating efficiency, but you also ensure your family’s safety during the winter months.

For more winterizing tips, come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.