Since 1938 Barber & Haskill has been a family owned business serving the Barrie, Midland and Orillia areas. We are dedicated to providing you with the best in products, services and pricing.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

What Size Mattress Should You Buy?

Buying a mattress that is too small is one of the biggest mistakes we see from new bed-buyers. Many couples start out sleeping on a "double," also known as a full size mattress.  These full size mattresses are 53” wide which –when divided by two – leaves each sleeper exactly the same space as a crib mattress!  In my opinion, this is not enough room for the average adult to get a consistent good night’s sleep.  Here is some info to help you choose the right sized bed for your needs.

Twin Mattress 
A twin mattress, also known as a single mattress, is the smallest possible mattress size we have available.  Twin mattress dimensions are approximately 38 inches wide by 74 inches long. Both twin and full sizes are approximately 74 inches long, which may be too short for some adults, especially those over or close to six feet tall.  There is an extra-long version for taller people that are approximately 38 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Recommendations: Twin mattresses are great for bunk beds or in rooms that are tight for space. The XL twin is a popular choice in college dormitories and other smaller bedrooms with taller users. 

Full Mattress
A full mattress, also known as a double mattress, is approximately 53 inches wide and 74 inches long. This is the size of mattress that most convertible cribs use once it becomes a “big kid” bed.  Like the twin, full sizes are approximately 74 inches long, which may be too short for users close to or above six feet tall.

Recommendations: In my opinion, a full size bed has enough width for a single adult sleeper.  We have seen full pass twin mattress in popularity for teenage bedrooms. Due to convertible cribs, and many parents’ desire to spend quality time with children during their bedtime routine, full size beds are being used more frequently with young children as well, as they provide a comfortable place to rest, read or snuggle together at bedtime. 

Queen Mattress
Queen mattress dimensions are 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – approximately six inches wider and six inches longer than a full size mattress. These extra few inches can make a big difference for couples. This, and the fact that it fits easily into most bedrooms, has made queen size mattress by far our best selling size.  However, with only 30 inches of personal space for each adult, this is nine inches less width than if you were sleeping in a single mattress.

Recommendations: Queen size is a great choice for guest rooms, couples that have space issues in their bedrooms or for couples who prefer to sleep close to each other

King Mattress
The king size mattress dimensions are 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – this is the equivalent space of each partner having space equal to two twin XL mattresses.  This is a big mattress: its size might make it tough for you to fit it into a room, maneuver around corners or haul up a set of stairs, so make sure you measure first.

Recommendations: In my opinion this is the ideal choice for couples.  Every year, the king size seems to grow in popularity.  I think this is largely to do with the size of the master bedroom found in most new homes.  Not only does it allow both partners enough personal space, it also allows room for the mornings when your “alarm clock” is a welcome visit from kids or the family pet.
If you are in the market to buy a new mattress please visit our website or come into the store and salesperson would be happy to assist you with your purchase.

Barber and Haskill services; Honey Harbour - Coldwater – Orillia –Barrie –Wasaga Beach- Tiny- Midland - Penetang- Wyevale- Elmavale- Wyebridge- Waverly- Victoria Harbour- Waubaushene-Port McNicol- Perkinsfield- Lafontaine-Moonstone- Craighurst

Thursday, July 23, 2015

How to Maintain your BBQ this Summer!

How to Maintain your BBQ this Summer!


With amazing summer weather and glorious long weekends comes BBQ season! However, the more and more we opt out of the kitchen for some delicious BBQ we never seem to clean up the way we would inside. Ever open the lid of your BBQ and see a peeling lid or a greasy grill? Well, worry no more – here are some steps to make your neighbours think you got a brand new grill this BBQ season!

Regular maintenance methods and common cleaning myths



Normal cleaning of the cooking grates is best done after preheating your grill. Brush the grates using a brass bristle grill brush or a Weber stainless steel grill brush. The flavourizer bars can be brushed after the grill has cooled once cooking is done, using the same brush you use for the grates.

Why is the paint peeling inside the lid?

That peeling you see is not paint, just baked-on grease. This occurs frequently with high temperature grilling. To remove the build-up, brush with a brass bristle. Brush before preheating the grill. To prevent buildup, wipe the warm (not hot) lid with a paper towel after cooking.

Putting a cover on my grill is not necessary.  

This fact is true, but we at Barber & Haskill recommend the use of a cover to protect our Weber grills from the elements and to keep the grill clean.  It will help extend the life of the grill, too.

If you are a grill master, then you should consider doing an intensive cleaning to give your BBQ a brand new look! Follow the basic steps in this video and come to Barber & Haskill for all the maintenance tools and tips needed for this BBQ summer season!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Welcome Ron To Our Team

Welcome Ron To Our Team!


Ron Adams started off his career in Publishing Distribution. He started off at Random House Canada moving up from the warehouse to Director of Operations. Ron also worked closely with Sales and Marketing to properly execute programs and coordinate distribution of printed matter in Canada. This experience set out the path for Ron’s next career move with Wye River Flooring, where he worked selling carpeting, hardwood, tiling, and also assisted in the coordination of installations and scheduling installers.

During his years of selling tiling and flooring installations he met Tom Barber from Barber and Haskill.  It was an easy transition to join the Barber and Haskill Team this spring as a Retail Sales Associate.

What can you expect as a customer of Ron’s? Ron looks to build a foundation for his customers, through experience and exceptional service! He loves to learn about new products and work with his customers to select the best product for their needs. 

Ron isn’t just passionate about his career; he also has a strong passion and love for nature. If he isn’t going above and beyond for his customers, you can find Ron spending time with his beautiful daughters and wife enjoying the beauties of this area. Ron can also be found snorkeling for small treasures, canoeing or kayaking, and biking. Ron is a true outdoorsman.

Another great quality about Ron is his passion for others. Ron spends time assisting seniors with projects like lawn maintenance, small repairs and of course in this area snow removal. He was also awarded with the Medal of Bravery, in 1986 by former Govern General Jeanne Sauve, for a drowning incident in Algonquin Park. Ron’s kindness for others does not end there; he also supports the Canadian Blood Agency, where recently he reached his 100th donation!

Ron never wants to leave Georgian Bay. It is a perfect place for him to give back to the community and enjoy the nature around him!

Barber and Haskill services; Honey Harbour - Coldwater – Orillia –Barrie –Wasaga Beach- Tiny- Midland - Penetang- Wyevale- Elmavale- Wyebridge- Waverly- Victoria Harbour- Waubaushene-Port McNicol- Perkinsfield- Lafontaine-Moonstone- Craighurst