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Architecture : Home & Garden
The Proper Way to Use a Tar Kettle
Knowing how to properly use a tar kettle can mean the difference between getting a job done safely and creating a dangerous situation. Tar kettles heat asphalt and roofing tar to temperatures ranging from three to five hundred degrees Fahrenheit. At these high temperatures the tar becomes liquid, an
How to Lay a Marble Floor Without Grout
Marble flooring is available in all common tile sizes up to 24 inches square, with the larger sizes generally installed to fit tightly together without grouting. Although slightly more prone to scratching than granite, marble floor tile is typically less expensive and is characterized by a tendency
Window Glazing 101
Glazing refers to the glass aspect of windows. Several people refer to the act of glazing as the setting of new glass into a damaged window. Most older and some newer homes use a single layer of glass in windows which is simple to repair. Double-paned windows incorporate advanced glazing systems inc
How to Patch Concrete Floors
Concrete is a commonly used material for flooring. Whether you plan to leave your concrete floors exposed or cover them with a material such as hardwood or tile, it is important that they are smooth and even. Fortunately, patching a concrete floor is relatively easy and requires only basic tools. Th
About No-Miter Crown Molding
Crown molding adds elegance to any room. It is the molding commonly found where a wall connects to the ceiling. It is the "crowning" architectural feature of the area. No-miter crown molding is a specific type that is easier to install than standard crown molding. It is frequently used to transform
How to Faux Paint a White-Washed Light Gray Kitchen Cabinet
Faux painting techniques open up a new dimension of creative ideas for refinishing your kitchen cabinets. Simple paints and stains are beautiful in any kitchen, but when you are trying to create a completely different look for your kitchen, faux painting can give you some great options. Consider whi
Kinds of Staircases
An interior staircase is a series of steps designed to provide access to various levels of a home. Local building codes ensure that stairs and rails are constructed safely. Specified run, rise and rail height rules must be followed if installations are to be passed by the local building inspector. R
How to Texture Drywall Ceilings
Drywall ceilings can look fine with plain old flat paint, but it does tend to highlight every ridge and flaw in the surface. At the very least, it's also boring. Textured paint has sand or other materials in it that add a rocky or bumpy look when it's applied. Texturing a drywall ceiling also gives
How to Shade Your House From Sun Heat
With energy costs rising people are trying to keep their houses cool when it is hot outside. The sun beating down on your home can significantly change the temperature inside. Usually people cope by cranking up the air conditioner, which only results in high energy bills and damages the environment.
How to Install Prefab Hardwood Flooring
With the advent of prefabricated flooring, installing a hardwood floor has gotten much easier. Traditional wood flooring must be sanded, stained and sealed, requiring days of work. If you don't have experience sanding wood floors, you can easily ruin the wood by leaving visible ridges. However, mos
Types of Shower Floor Tiles
A variety of tile may be used to create a shower floor.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesConstructing or remodeling a shower is a big step in creating an updated, modern bathroom. It is often a good investment, as bathroom remodels tend to regain their investment upon selling. Creating...
How to Build a Shower Using Hardie Backer & Tile
When doing any wall work in a room with a lot of moisture like a bathroom or laundry room, the use of a good strong and waterproof material is crucial. HardiBacker board is a durable, waterproof, but still easy to work with material for this purpose. Once the board is in place, tiling is the same as
How to Build Bedroom Shelves
Bedrooms are notorious for needing storage and organization. Bedroom storage is usually limited to just one closet, which, most of the time, is just not enough room for all the things you need to store. Shelves can be extremely helpful in this regard. If you are thinking about adding shelves to your
Refinishing Hardwood Floors With Oil
Using oil to finish floors is a method that was around long before modern varnishes and polyurethane glosses. Some people still prefer that old method, because it gives the floors more natural-looking shine. No, the floor won't be ``oily'' when it's done. The whole idea is that the oil soaks into th
How to Use Marble Tiles on Walls
If you've decided to tile a wall, your next decision is what kind of tile to use. Ceramic is the most common because it's inexpensive, light, and easy to work with. Marble tile is expensive, heavy, and more difficult to work with, but it may be worth it to you for the elegant look it provides. The m
7075 Aluminum Specifications
Aluminum 7075 is an aluminum alloy that includes zinc, chromium and magnesium as well as copper and trace amounts of other metals and minerals. It is used in the aerospace industry, and it is also used to manufacture bicycle frames, gears and all-terrain vehicle parts. This alloy is known for its st
How to Repair Cracked Limestone
Limestone provides many uses in residential homes, from foundations to floor tiles. Limestone has a natural stone look and can add aesthetic value to a home. Unfortunately, like any other stone, it can crack. When a crack occurs, you can either replace or repair the limestone. The latter should be t
How to Repair a Rotted Wall in the Bathroom
A rotted wall of either plaster or drywall in your bathroom is usually the result of moisture in the air. Neither plaster nor drywall is designed to withstand moisture, and both get soft with sustained exposure. Patching that damage is the same process in a bathroom as anywhere else, except that you