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Architecture : Home & Garden
How to Paint or Stain Steel Doors With a Grain Pattern
If you have a boring steel door, applying a faux wood-grain finish will give it a facelift. Your friends will be shocked to learn the door is actually steel and not a beautiful wood grain door. You can choose any color you would like, though a light cream, tan or brown color is ideal. Practice the t
How to Clean Bluestone Slate Hearths
Bluestone slate is a beautiful natural material, but only when it's clean. Bluestone slate installed on a hearth or other frequently soiled area should be cleaned regularly to keep it looking its best. Bluestone is a member of the siliceous stone family and known for its durability. Repeated cleanin
How to Get a Fresher Basement
Basements often have a musty, damp smell. Moisture, lack of ventilation, mildew and old belongings packed in boxes all contribute to the odor. Molds that are harmful to your health can take hold in such conditions and lead to allergies, respiratory problems and headaches. Taking steps to freshen up
How to Spackle Drywall Corners
Drywall is the most versatile building material used in the interior construction of modern-day homes. It is an inexpensive wall covering material that can be papered, painted or covered with some other types of decorative wall covering. Taping and spackling corners are among the finishing touches n
How to Stop Wood Decks From Leaking
A wood deck is a desirable addition to the exterior of any home. When initially installed, there is very little maintenance needed to keep the deck in top shape. Over time, however, exposure to the elements can take its toll. If your deck is leaking, there are a few basic repairs you can make to sto
How to Make Kitchen Laminate Shine
Laminate is the perfect alternative to authentic hardwood when this expensive product is out of your price range. Laminate closely replicates hardwood, yet costs only a fraction of the price. Laminate comes with a signature gloss shine, which protects the laminate from scratches and adds a polished
How to Pull a Section of Carpet Up After a Water Leak
It is vital that you pull up carpet after a water leak to prevent mold and mildew growth on the damp flooring. Mold gives off an unpleasant, musty odor. It also may cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks in family members who are sensitive to it. Pulling up a carpet section is not complicated if
How to Build a Wooden Dock Walkway
A good way to create a relaxing ambiance to your waterfront property is to build a wooden dock walkway. Planning this project from start to finish before beginning saves time and money. Check your local building codes to be certain there are no restrictions concerning docks and waterfront property.
How to Install Tile Using a Backer Board
Tiling requires patience and precision, but it shouldn’t be something that DIY enthusiasts avoid. With the right preparation, tiling is not that difficult. The most common tile preparation surface, or substrate, is ceramic tile backer board. Backer board is not only a strong surface for ti
How to Make PVC Glue
PVC glue, also known as PVC solvent cement, is a specific type of cement that is commonly used in home repairs. Although it is not recommended for use with iron or copper, it can fill holes and cracks in PVC pipes, securely connect new PVC pipe plumbing and keep lose pipes together. There are a vari
What Are the Four Basic Kitchen Layouts With a Work Triangle?
The three major components of the work triangle include cooking, cleanup and food storage. In between those three major zones is the preparation area. Any one leg of the triangle should never be more than 9-feet long. An island in the kitchen can provide additional food preparation space. If there i
How to Install a Granite Tile Bullnose Counter
If you want to dress up an old countertop, and the existing wood or laminate surface is solid, you can often lay granite tiles right over it. One issue you'll have to deal with is how to border the front of the counter, so the sides of the tiles aren't forming a sharp edge. Have your tile dealer rou
Roof Algae Removal
Keeping your roof aesthetically beautiful and functioning properly can be time consuming. While algae buildup on your roof will not cause any structural damage, it can be very unsightly. Roof algae can also be quite slippery, which may be dangerous if you ever have to walk around up there. Fortunate
Can You Wax Bamboo Floors?
In short, no, wax should not be applied to bamboo floors. Although it may be tempting to increase or restore the shine of the bamboo flooring, this can cause severe damage to the bamboo floors. Instead, incorporate a cleaning routine that will keep bamboo floors looking their best for years to come.
How to Install an Air Return Grille in a Sheetrock Ceiling
Return air ducts inside your home increase the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling units. Much like a pump, air is heated or cooled by your furnace or air conditioner and circulated throughout the home. However, the system needs an intake of air to supply the process. Properly sized and pl
How to Paint Formica Tops
Formica is a durable plastic laminate that is commonly used in the construction of counter tops for kitchens. Formica is manufactured in many different colors and patters, which gives consumers many different style options. Additionally, it can be long-lasting if you take care of it. If your Formi
Floor Design for Kitchens
There are multiple floor plans that you can choose from for your new kitchen, but there are some things to consider before making a final decision. The first big thing to consider is how much space you have to work with and the second is where you want your main appliances to be. In the world of kit
How to Install Crown Molding on an Angle
Crown molding is installed at the tops of walls where the wall meets the ceiling. It is meant to add style and elegance to a room. Crown molding is found in dining rooms and kitchens. There are different widths and styles of crown depending on the height of the ceiling and personal preference. All o