Building Materials & Supplies

Removing paint from cedar lumber works much the same as removing it from regular wood. There are three primary methods that are used; sanding, chemical stripping, or applying heat and scraping the...

Shellac is a more traditional version of modern gloss finishes like polyurethane. Made from insect secretions, shellac has been around for centuries, providing a warm, slightly soft, clear surface...

Your project calls for grout and you wonder if there are any safety considerations. What things do you need to do to protect yourself, your family or pets and your home while you are doing...

If you have ever used sandpaper or a power sander to smooth out a wood, concrete or metal surface you know how effective it can be. Rough grit like sand and silica can break down and smooth...

Sandblasting is used for many different purposes, and it can be a surprisingly effective way to clean a number of surfaces. Sandblasting is often used to etch decorative designs into freshly...

The recipe for mortar has changed through time, having been around for thousands of years in differing regions. Modern mortar is made of either cement powder or lime (or a combination of the two)...

Making adobe blocks for houses is a simple process but is labor intensive. The large number of blocks needed for a home, the long cure period and the potential for needing hired help can make the...

Before we had the ease of ready made concrete mixes, you had to mix your own. Many people still prefer to make their own. Here’s how to make 1 cubic foot of concrete:

Adobe is a natural building material with a long history of human use. Examples of adobe buildings, which are found in many places in the world, are Bam Citadel in Iran, the largest adobe building...

A sandblaster can be used for a variety of things, such as giving your jeans a bit more of an acid wash look or taking the finish off something to add a fresh coat of paint. You can purchase a...

If you are to begin a project that involves using man made stone you should follow these simple instructions so that you can have a great bonding material. The process for making the mud should...

Concrete in its simplest form is created from aggregates, sand and water. The aggregates are used to form the paste, the sand is used for texture and the water holds it all together. In ancient...

Fences are an addition to many homes. They add privacy and security, as well as define property lines. Installing a fence is a project that most homeowners can undertake in just a couple of...

Refinishing wood floors is a project for a determined craft person,but is well worth the effort in beauty and money savings. Pine is a soft wood, unlike oak flooring. Oak is much harder because...

You don't need a drum or a machine to mix concrete by hand, but just a shovel or two.

Sand casting enables manufacturers to create very large metal parts from steel, aluminum, cast iron, brass and other metals at a relatively low cost. Sand casting is the most common and one of the...

It is possible to cure concrete during the winter, as long as the concrete is kept warmer than 50 degrees for at least five days or warmer than 70 degrees for about three days. One way to do this...

Mortar mix is an adhesive and is used to lay items, such as brick or tile. There are a few different types of mortar used for different types of jobs. Thin set mortar is used for floors and...

If you are working on a construction project that requires laying bricks, creating a solid foundation or doing stonework, you will need to create a bonding material known as mortar. Mortar is a...

Our planet is priceless and we, as her caretakers, need to be aware of the ecological ramifications our actions have. Whether you are completely living "green," or you are simply searching for an...

If your new home will have a basement, there are some basic ways to estimate the cost of completing it. While basements are still one of the least expensive construction projects when figured on a...

Cob is an ancient building material that is composed of sand, earth high in clay, straw, and water. These materials are mixed together by hands and feet to form a mud that when dry, is nearly as...

The use of crushed glass in construction projects is gaining in popularity. Thousands of tons of glass bottles and jars enter landfills each day. Recycling this glass is an excellent way to reduce...

The world has grown accustomed to Portland cement as a key element in construction projects. With changing times, people must think of alternatives to keep their options open. Make alternative...

The ingredients that are used to make adobe bricks couldn't be more simple: soil and water. It's cheap and can be very durable in dry climates. The only trick is making sure you have the right...