Decorating and furnishing a new Isla Mujeres home.

Having probably furnished a number of homes in the States over the years it would be reasonable to assume that it could be done with the same ease with a new Isla Mujeres home or apartment. However Mexico is Mexico and things don't work they same. The first surprise for Americans is when they see the sofa or dining room furniture they want to buy, only to find there is sixteen week delivery, and very often the store won't deliver to Isla Mujeres. The other difficulty is just not being able to find items, especially when it comes to the kitchen; there always seems to be one short of the set needed.
Although it is far from the cheapest place, Liverpool at Plaza la Americas can be the most convenient store, when furnishing a home. Also at Plaza la Americas is Telebodega, for everything such as washing machines, dishwashers and televisions, and its a lot cheaper than Liverpool. It may be worth checking with them, because recently there has been talk of Telebodega no longer delivering to Isla Mujeres. This will mean you need to arrange you own transport, for the difference in cost it may still be worth it. Although Liverpool isn't as expensive as it first appears, because they almost always have discounts, up to 40%.
When it comes to anything metal, such as outdoor furniture. Iron and steel can be used on the interior of a home without too much of a problem but anything that is exposed to the elements should be in aluminum, this also applies to metal railings. Due to the very high humidly and salt content on the island anything else will very quickly rust. For all metalwork such as metal and glass coffee and dining tables and chandeliers, it's worth having them made locally. There is a reliable Herrero on the Island who has been here for years can make to order everything required, Henry +52 998 300 3595
For woodwork; furniture and fittings. one wood that is very suitable and readily accessible on Isla Mujeres is ceder. Any hardwood is helpful when it comes to combatting the real problem the island has, which is termites. Hardwoods tend to have a high content of natural oils and silica, making them unattractive to termites. We use cedar for new kitchens, but we also treat the wood before it is installed. The real problem with termites getting into a home, is although it is not their main target, once they are in the home, they will start to attack hardwoods as well. Often the cause of termite infestations is the builder not treating the ground before starting the building process. Once they are under the property they will often find a way in.
. For woodwork we have always used Wilbert a local carpenter, he doesn't always keep to deadlines and sometimes makes mistakes, but he is honest and always willingly rectifies errors. Wilbert +52 998 301 4503. Neither Henry or Wilbert speak English, so if you don't speak Spanish, you will need an interpreter.
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