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Rusted tin adds an old-fashioned and rustic touch to its surroundings. Whether you use it as a wall covering or a design element, rusted tin is a warm addition to your room. You can find rusted tin at flea markets, second-hand shops and salvage stores. Oftentimes, you can purchase rusted tin panels of old buildings before they're demolished. Wear gloves and cut your rusted tin panels to shape and size using tin snips.
As baby boomers get older, they often find themselves in situations where their parents or in-laws move in with them due to financial or health-related concerns. If bedroom space is full because of kids still living at home, one option to consider is converting an existing room, such as a garage or basement, into an in-law apartment. This allows your elderly relatives to live in your home, while still allowing them a sense of privacy and independence with their own apartment.
Sheet metal can be used for various types of home projects. However, if the sheet metal you're using has been sitting around for a while, it may have some rust damage, along with other caked-on dirt and debris. These problems can be difficult to deal with. One solution is to sandblast the sheet metal. Sandblasting is the process of cleaning a hard surface by using a mixture of sand and either steam or air. It's not tough to do once you get the hang of it.
A home office is a room that many people find beneficial. For those that work from home, it provides a workspace away from the rest of your home and other family members, which can add a degree of professionalism if you have customers visit your office. Even for those who work outside the home, an office space can provide a place to study, do work-related tasks or do simple household tasks such as pay bills. A garage can be an ideal place for a home office as it often has a separate entrance so clients don't have to enter your…
Wheatgrass are the small, young saplings that germinate from wheat grains. These young sprouts have rich nutritional content and are widely used in their fresh form like bean sprouts. Wheatgrass juice is also used by people as a home remedy for a number of ailments and is also an ingredient in baby foods. It is easy to cultivate wheatgrass at home. The grass requires a certain level of light to thrive well.
From everyday spills to making messes while helping out in the kitchen, kids can be rough on countertops. There is no magic countertop for children, although some are more practical than others. When remodeling a kitchen, parents should be mindful of this fact and consider the pros and cons of each material in order to choose a countertop that can stand up to the wear and tear that their kids will inevitably cause.
It is possible to paint over paneling with the proper preparation and the correct type of primer. Paneling has either a wood or vinyl veneer and usually a wood grain and grooves. Recognizing the surface and using the proper materials and techniques will yield a quality painted surface.
Elmer's Probond Wood Glue is a type of glue that is best used to attach pieces of wood together. Carpenters use it to attach joints in wood before they apply wood screws or nails. Elmer's makes a number of different types of glue, all of which have a specific type of cap. These caps prevent children from being able to access the glue and they keep the glue from drying out.
Wheatgrass is a species of ornamental grass belonging to the Agropyron genus. Gardeners, landscapers and farmers grow this crop to suppress weeds, seed barren areas and provide grazing to cows and sheep. Wheatgrass also figures prominently in diets suggested by a number of books on healthy living. Growing wheatgrass begins with meeting the proper soil conditions. This entails the right type of dirt, the proper amount of moisture and more.
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that is made up of different forms of calcium carbonate known as calcite and aragonite. Limestone is most commonly found in areas that are occupied or formerly occupied by clear, warm and shallow saltwater. It forms as a result of a buildup of coral, shell and algal debris in the ocean. Limestone is often found as a source of construction materials for buildings and homes.
When you think of all the plant projects you'd like to complete, it may seem overwhelming and seem like you'll never get to all of it. Think of projects in terms of a weekend craft, however, and you're set to tackle your plant and garden aspirations, slowly, over time. Get the first project done, and you'll feel inspired and geared up for next weekend's challenge.
You can make your own pave stones using cement mix and a mold. Molds come in a wide variety of styles so that you can make just the right type of pave stones for your project. Select a quick setting cement mix to create attractive and durable pave stones. Learning to make pave stones from molds is a versatile skill for homeowners. You can apply this technique to make your own stepping stones, bricks or cobblestones for garden paths and patios.
All kitchens and bathrooms need counter space. Kitchen countertops must be durable, standing up to heat and heavy use. Bathroom countertops must resist water and moisture. You should also consider the cost of materials and installation, as well as the ease of maintenance and, possibly, whether materials are earth-friendly.
Yards, decks, patios and porches are great places to decorate with handcrafted wooden items. Adults and children get a great deal of satisfaction out of creating these items themselves. This is also a good way to save money on the finished project. Easy wooden projects are fun to build in a weekend and there are more projects other than just birdhouses, planters and window boxes you can make yourself.
The home that seemed so roomy when you bought it can begin to feel cramped as your family grows and changes over time. If moving or adding-on are not options, you may be able to turn an attic, basement, or garage into living space. A garage conversion is cheaper and less intrusive than an addition, and there is less bureaucratic red tape. Much of the work can be done by a do-it-yourself homeowner armed with the proper tools and knowledge.
Grinding wheels are typically made from a synthetic or natural abrasive material pressed together in the shape of a wheel. These tools are used commonly to sharpen drill bits, knives and other metallic objects with ease. While the general public may not use grinding wheels very often, commercial industries use grinding wheels on a regular basis to maintain various metal tool sharpness. You can make a crude grinding wheel by yourself with a few common items.
A home is a work in progress. It seems there's always something a homeowner wants to change or upgrade. Part of the fun of homeownership is dreaming up projects to make your home more comfortable and hopefully more valuable. One of the most expensive home improvement projects is building an addition, which involves both financial and personal considerations.
If your home needs some serious and necessary repairs, like a new roof or a new furnace, you may be able to find a grant to cover the cost of the repair. Although many grants are available to homeowners for necessary repairs, the number of grants available each year is limited, and income is typically a large factor in determining eligibility for most home repair grant programs. However, if you're not eligible for a grant, many agencies that offer grant programs also offer home improvement loans at very low-interest rates.
Concrete blocks are a widely used product in construction. They are made in factories by the thousands and sent out to be used in everything from houses to military bunkers. Many people take these blocks for granted without considering where they came from. The process to make concrete blocks involves several steps, including measuring and mixing of raw materials, molding the concrete and curing the finished blocks.
Wheatgrass is a cereal grass used for health enhancement. Wheatgrass users can choose from a variety of types and methods of consumption. Comparing -- and experimenting with -- different types and methods of consumption is the best way for users to decide which wheatgrass is most beneficial to them.
Calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully and has been practiced by civilizations throughout the world. When working on paper, most calligraphers use pens with metal nibs and wood, plastic or metal handles. The calligrapher holds the pen at a 45-degree angle, which gives the letters their distinctive look. On large paper or cloth for a wall hanging, however, these pens usually cannot make letters that are big enough for the project. Instead, calligraphy brushes, which have a flat edge similar to the flat-edged pen, create calligraphy effects on a larger scale.
A sandblaster propels pressurized air toward a surface to cause abrasion. People primarily use sandblasting for cleaning rust, paint and dirt off metal or concrete. A sandblaster has a tank to contain the abrasive media. A hose and nozzle is attached to the tank for aim and control.
Homemade concrete dye involves some type of pigment, either liquid or powdered, being added to the actual concrete mixture. Concrete is mixed with water and therefore, any concrete dye must also be water soluble. Oil-based colors will not work to dye concrete, so care must be taken when choosing and mixing the correct pigments together. This will be a trial and error procedure that will only achieve the desired results depending upon the amount of the dye that is added.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that can be found in at least six countries around the world. Germany, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, British Isles and the United States each carry types of the stone. Thirty-five types exist in all, most of which exist in the U.S. and the British Isles. Limestone is formed in part through the erosion of seashells and fossils and is often used in home and commercial construction projects.
Flagstone is a material used for cladding exterior walls and surfacing patios and walkways. The stones are large, roughly flat pieces that are split from larger pieces of natural stone and then laid onto beds of gravel and sand or mortared in place against a concrete wall. As an outdoor material, flagstone does weather and get dirty over time. Sandblasting removes dirt, or spilled paint and mortar from flagstone by spraying abrasive grit (not actual sand) from an air compressor nozzle at high speed.
Home improvement projects that utilize mirrors are an inexpensive way to add a touch of class to any room in your home. A mirror is luminous and sparkles as rays of light bounce off its surface. Mirrors can also create a sense of depth and spaciousness for smaller homes to really bring the space to life. There are several do-it-yourself home improvement projects that you can complete in a day or less.
Like many do-it-yourself-at-home projects, wheatgrass growing has a wide number of choices for the supplies that make it happen. Technology is improving all the time and wheatgrass is a legendary "Superfood", so the goal above all else is creating the most nutritious plant possible. Knowing a little about the essential products involved can open the door to successful growing on the scale you want.
PVC is a lightweight, rugged material you can use for a variety of home projects. PVC tubing is readily available in the plumbing section of most home improvement stores, where you can find various types of connectors. Putting together a PVC shade structure is a bit like playing with a life-size version of a children's construction set, and it allows you the flexibility to get creative with outdoor areas.
You don't have to dip deep into your savings account to make home improvements that make a difference. Small, affordable home improvement projects exist all around you. You just have to know where to look and decide which of these projects are equitable to your skill level. Some home improvement projects will update and improve the look and style of your house, while others will benefit in ways such as conserving energy and saving money.
Many residential garages are simply outdoor rooms for vehicles or unorganized spaces that hold boxes and other items out of sight. Some homeowners want to improve their garages to either make them more efficient and organized areas or turn them into completely different rooms. If you are planning to make over your current garage, you can choose from many different project options.
Improve the appearance and value of your home with a selection of inexpensive preformed concrete block projects. Masonry constructed with these blocks provides soil stability, especially in regions with earthquakes or uneven building gradients. Blocks are resistant to weather damage and a versatile medium; types with a textured finish are suitable for staining or painting to match existing structures.
Cabinets are a significant part of any home improvement or decorating project. Several types of cabinet door options are available depending on your decor, practical needs, price point and personal preference. The main types of cabinet drawers are flush inset, beaded inset, regular overlay and full overlay. Each of these types comes with different detail options.
If you are starting a home improvement project that involves painting large outdoor areas, you may consider using an airless sprayer. Airless sprayers are an efficient way to apply paints and are powered by a hydraulic pump that releases paint into a high-pressure hose. Before using an airless sprayer, it is essential to find the correct sized reversible spray tip. The reversible spray tip varies in sizes, with larger widths releasing more paint per square inch.
All buildings need a roof to protect the interior of the structure from the elements. Roofing, like other construction materials, comes in several styles. The type chosen for a particular building project depends on several factors, such as cost, durability and aesthetics. According to home improvement guru Bob Vila, most roofs fall into one of two shapes - gabled or hipped. These types of roof are defined by slope lines and where roof and wall meet. There are several variations on gable and hip roofing.
A 4-inch grinding wheel (more commonly referred to as an angle grinder) is a hand-held power tool with many uses. These tools allow for various types of grinding wheels to be attached depending on what the user is cutting (such as a metal grinding disc or a diamond blade for ceramic cutting). Flooring installers often use them for cutting pieces of tile that can't be cut with a wet saw. Woodworkers often use a sanding wheel on their projects.
Elmer's Ultimate Glue can be used for home improvement, carpentry and construction projects. Unlike older versions of home and office glue, Ultimate Glue creates a permanent, strong, waterproof bond between almost any surfaces. The polyurethane glue doesn't need to be mixed prior to use, making it ideal for getting started quickly on a range of hands-on projects.
Style a bedroom with a new look by creating a garden or country theme. A child or adult will appreciate the novelty of a fence as a headboard. Recycle or purchase a piece of picket, lattice or log fencing for a custom made headboard. The price will be a fraction of the cost of a headboard from the furniture store. Wood, vinyl or metal fencing can be painted to match any color and theme used to decorate the room.
A grinder is one of the most useful power tools for the home workshop. Grinders can be used for sharpening tools, shaping parts for construction projects and improving the surface finish of items. In addition to the standard bench grinder, various types of hand-held grinders are available. All of these grinders should be fitted with the proper grinding wheel for the job at hand.
Grit blasting is the process of cleaning hard surfaces using abrasive granules that are projected by compressed air. Also called media blasting or sandblasting, the procedure can clean the most stubborn residue and coatings almost instantaneously. This includes dirt, rust and thick layers of paint. Grit blasting is also effective in simply smoothing out or restoring a weathered surface. You must handle the blaster using the proper safety measures for the best results.
A variety of countertop material options are available for home improvement projects, each of which has its own benefits and disadvantages. For kitchens and bathrooms, use materials that are resistant to water and mildew. You can replace countertops yourself or with the help of a professional, depending on your experience and comfort performing the job. Allow plenty of time to shop around for the best deals before purchasing your countertop materials.
It wasn't that long ago that a house that regulates itself seemed decades into the future. Smart home technology is very real; while it's not that old, it's possible to make any house into a "smart" house.
Since 1974, the Community Development Block Grant program has provided financial assistance for home improvement projects through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through the CDBG program, low and moderate-income families can apply for grant assistance for home improvement and renovation purposes. On a yearly basis, the CDBG awards grant monies to 1,209 state and local government agencies.
Wooden projects for outdoor living allow you to increase the value and enjoyment of your home by creating a beautiful wooden project of which you and your family can be proud. With the addition of a few projects, outdoor entertaining, relaxation and play will be simple and easy. Pre-designed project plans from home improvement stores simplify many projects for novice woodworkers. Hire a helper if you're not confident in your own skills.
Woodworkers have a huge variety of products to choose from for their work, with hundreds of species of wood and some manufactured materials available at hardware and home improvement stores. One such manufactured material is melamine. This material is similar to laminate products, and requires no sanding or finishing when the project is completely. There are a number of tips and techniques that you can master to make working with melamine even easier.
Gone are the days of clumsy, heavy drills and old-fashioned ones. Modern hand drills have more easy to use functions beyond drilling holes that often makes them appealing to first-time users. Whether a seasoned pro or a home improvement novice, a hand drill is a necessary tool for many home and commercial projects. Save time, effort and money by choosing the proper hand drill.
Asbestos is a cancer-causing substance that can be found in both homes and businesses. Asbestos was widely used in construction projects in the early 1900s as the hazards of the substance were not yet known. While asbestos is a hazardous substance, it is only hazardous when disturbed. Therefore, if you have a questionable substance that has been disturbed you may want to know these asbestos sampling procedures.
Designing a landscape feature using paving stone can add beauty to your outdoor living space. Creating your own paving stones from concrete will allow you to tailor the stones to your landscape, in addition to giving your landscape a unique look.
Home improvements are not all equal. While adding a swimming pool may be a great idea for your own family, that hole in the backyard may actually scare off potential buyers who are afraid of the insurance cost or safety concerns. A number of other home improvement choices can increase the value of your home and potentially make it easier to sell.
Making home improvements can increase the value of your home and its selling appeal. Something small like repaving your driveway, replacing a window pane, or fixing a noisy step can convince a potential buyer. Step back and analyze what flaws your home has or what details are lacking and if it would be profitable to change them.
If you have recently completed a concrete project in or around your home, you may be wondering, "What next?" If you finish their home projects correctly, they will look perfect and last a long time. There are some concrete finishing steps that are optional, and just change or improve the look of the concrete. Other finishing techniques are essential for all concrete and will ensure that your concrete surface lives up to all that it can be.
Taking on weekend home projects yourself not only saves you money, but gives you a sense of accomplishment that simply can't be matched by writing out a check to a professional. Many home improvement solutions and repairs can be made over the course of a weekend. You don't even need fancy tools to accomplish some projects.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used for insulation and building in the early to mid-1900s. It was later found to cause cancers and other health issues. Contract companies work to remove asbestos from older houses, and all new houses are built without using asbestos.
There are several home electronics projects that almost anyone can do that can help save you money and even raise the value of your home. When you are doing electronic projects at home, be sure to turn off the power to the section of the house you are working on from the breaker box, and wear leather gloves to protect yourself from shock in case there is a charge left in the line. Always wear goggles when working on electronics and also be sure to protect your arms with a long-sleeved shirt.
Recycled or reclaimed barn tin can be used to create a rustic look with a bit of a twist and a bit of history to your home. A green building product, recycled barn tin is taken from existing, old barns when they're torn down. Reclaimed tin can be purchased from many home improvement stores, or if you're lucky, you may find a farmer willing to sell directly to you.
Calculating a linear foot is an important process to learn if you are in the home improvement industry or if you work with wood measurements on a regular basis. The linear foot is used most often to designate measurements of wood; however, the measurement disregards the thickness or width of the wood in question. While calculating a linear foot may sound like a difficult task, it is actually quite simple with the proper information.
If you have room for it, a pond can be a great way to add character and life to a parcel of land. The process of digging a pond is relatively easy; the hard part is getting the equipment necessary to do the job right. Since many of the machines required cost thousands to buy, you're probably going to be renting the equipment. A few practical considerations can help ensure that you get the job done on time for as little money as possible.
Many homeowners are unaware that the beautiful backsplashes that add color and creativity to a kitchen have a functional purpose as well. A backsplash is generally a tiled surface that is easy to clean and maintain, while protecting the walls of a kitchen. It is located behind the stove, sink and kitchen prep area. In addition to choosing a backsplash that serves its purpose, choose one that is distinct and visually interesting to add flair to your kitchen space.
Carports are great: They keep the weather off your vehicles, they provide shade on a hot day, and they are an attractive place to store outdoor equipment. But garages are even better--you can lock the doors to keep your valuables safe, and the enclosing walls help to hide the clutter from public view. You can quickly convert your carport to a garage--just keep a few key tips in mind.
The garage is one area of the home that doesn't receive much attention for the possibility it presents. It can become an extra room for a home office, family room, playroom for the kids or a workshop. Converting the garage can be a simple project that adds more living space and increases your enjoyment of your home.
If you have bare windows, you will probably want to cover them up for privacy but may want an attractive decorative feature as well. Curtains are your best bet for getting the privacy you desire in a format that doesn't look out of place in your home. Purchasing curtains can be expensive, but with a little know-how, you can make your own curtains and save a bundle.
Cleaning and removing paints from hard surfaces such as brick and stone sometimes requires something stronger than a power washer. Sandblasting is easier and faster than washing or using paint remover to remove deeply seated dirt or numerous layers of paints.
When you think of sand you might reminisce about sandcastles at the beach or playing in the sandbox as a child. But sand is used for more than recreational purposes. Hardening sand is used as a sealant for a variety of outdoor projects. It can serve as a deterrent for bugs to get through the seams of your patio, and it prevents weeds from popping up in driveways and walkways. It also gives your project a natural look and feel.
You've likely heard stories about -- or have been unfortunate enough to actually experience -- a bad contractor or service company working on your most prized possession: your home. To avoid this happening, do a little research; the time spent on it could save a lot of stress (and thousands of dollars).
When a homeowner is approaching a house wiring project, she should consider hiring an electrician for projects that involve old wiring. Learn about wiring options, such as copper, aluminum or silver, with help from a professional carpenter in this free video on home improvement and wiring.
Whether you are clearing trees on your property or cleaning up deadfall in your woodlot, making use of the wood makes sense. A custom sawyer with a portable mill can cut your lumber to your specifications on your property without the need to transport the logs. Finding a custom sawyer can be a bit of a challenge, but it is well worth the effort.
Folding screens can be attractive room dividers or placed to add interest to a corner or large wall. You can easily make your own folding screens with a few materials, minimal tools and these simple instructions. Custom-built folding screens can be designed to fit any space in your home; you are not restricted to standard size screens found in department stores. Embellish your folding screens with mirror tiles, framed pictures or decorative painting techniques for added interest in your home decor.
If your list of home improvement projects is getting out of control, it’s time to take charge of your planning process. The task of home improvement may seem overwhelming, particularly if your home is older and needs lots of love. You probably already have an idea of the home improvement projects you want to complete but making a list and prioritizing can give you direction and increase productivity.
Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is a much cheaper alternative to solid wood for many home improvement projects, and it is often created from recycled sawdust. Use pressed and rolled medium density fiberboard for a variety of projects with instructions from an experienced carpenter and construction specialist in this free video on carpentry.
Making a foam model can be a way to make prototypes of products and buildings. Foam is light, portable and easy to work with, allowing you to basically make it into any shape you can imagine. While making a model is not that hard to do, it is suggested that you start with a simple project before creating your masterpiece. That way you can be sure that your technique is right.
Concrete dye is quickly becoming a leader in concrete products. Concrete dyes can be used to simply change the color of concrete from grey to a designer shade, or it can be used to create a work of art. Dying concrete is a good do-it-yourself project. Because most concrete dyes are water soluble, they are safe to use, easy to clean up and quick to dry. For most home projects, you can expect to complete the dye job in a weekend.
A stone can be decorated by sandblasting. Sandblasting uses sand carried by a blast of air or steam at a high speed. You can clean metal, etch glass or decorate and clean stones by sandblasting. Sandblasting has been used to revive or clean old stone surfaces like a fireplace surround or mantle made of stone or an exterior surface of the house made with stone material.
An expert shows how to mix grout, plus gives tips on what consistency the grout should be for a bathroom or kitchen countertop tile renovation project, in this free online home improvement video.
How to know what projects are best for using a block plane; get professional tips and advice from an expert on carpentry tools in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to calculate circumference of a circle for a building or remodeling project in this free home improvement video from a remodeling expert.
Learn about drywall in this free DIY home improvement garage remodel project on video.
Learn tips for making your own inexpensive paint tray liner for all your DIY home improvement projects in this free online DIY home improvement video.
A cherry picker is a bucket located on the back of a truck that raises a person high in the air to do work. This method is safer and more convenient than a traditional ladder. You can stand safely in the bucket and have all the tools you need at your disposal. Instead of purchasing one for only a few jobs you may have around your home, renting one may be the most inexpensive way to get the work completed.
Repairing or replacing a wooden door threshold can have both aesthetic and practical benefits. If a threshold is allowing water to leak into the house, you will definitely need to repair it. Even if your threshold is doing its job, you may wish to replace it with a more attractive one. In most cases, it is best to simply replace the entire thing and seal it up properly.
You can do countless projects by simply using concrete mixed with varied additives. You will go about the project in different ways depending on exactly what you need to pour. Buy and add the appropriate additives per the instructions with your concrete mix.
When you're working on a home improvement project, you might want to add some color to the concrete that you're pouring. This can make the concrete more aesthetically pleasing and can help bring together the look of your project. Read on to learn more.
Gravel is inorganic mulch. It can be used in a landscaping plan most places where organic mulch is used, but beware, gravel is difficult to remove and does not add organic matter to the soil. Gravel products are varied ranging from crushed granite to lava rocks. Landscaping with gravel can add a new dimension to your garden plan and create a low maintenance, visually interesting addition to any garden plan.
