There are so many projects out there that require drills. Sometimes even the smallest projects end up needing drills. Instead of forcing the screw into the wall, door, or the surface of whatever it is you are working on, self-centering drill bits make holes for the screws to go in. Certain projects require drills to …
As you know, the bathroom is one of the most high-moisture areas in the home. This primarily is because there is so much vapor concentrated in one area from the toilet and the shower. Since this is a moisture-rich area, you must make sure that you use the proper flooring material in the bathroom to …
To use a vapor barrier or not is indeed a profound question. There are many arguments for or against the use of them. It will ultimately depend on the moisture levels present in your home, whether you should use one or not. Should you use a vapor barrier? The answer is yes, especially if a …
Do you need a vapor barrier under a plywood subfloor? Read More »
Perhaps the most fun part of home renovation is the demolition. If you watch any home reno show, you’ll find that the people beginning the projects get downright giddy about demo. A popular, fairly inexpensive change that many DIYers and professionals tackle is removing old tile flooring to replace it with new flooring. The problem …
Every summer the heat rises, and with it, the humidity. For those with breathing problems, humidity causes issues because it means there is too much water vapor in the air to comfortably breathe. The same cause of difficult breathing causes a common issue in the home: swelling wood. The cells of the wood swell from …
Planer vs. Sander: Which is the right tool for you? Read More »
The majority of us are quite content only understanding certain aspects of the building of homes and furniture. We expect it to be safe and stable. Outside of that, we’re usually unconcerned with the exact materials that go into the building. Many people look at wooden furniture and simply don’t care what type of wood …
I’ve painted rooms and furniture at least 100 times throughout my life. Friends and family have paid me to paint rooms. A dear friend owns a painting business, and I’ve done some moonlighting for her. I feel I’m pretty knowledgeable in the materials needed and the process to paint professionally, though I wouldn’t call myself …
Having carpenters in my family makes me partial to the beauty of wooden construction. Whether it’s painted, stained, or naked, wood is a great product for building, carving, and finishing projects. One area wood often is used in is casings, crown molding, and baseboards. A newer product has emerged on the market called MDF for …
It’s said that the devil is in the details, and I feel like this is entirely true because a small finish can ruin what could have been a beautiful project. I’ll give you an example. When I purchased my 1969 home a few years ago, every room needed painting badly. I chose beautiful beachy colors …
When it comes to flooring, there are so many small details that you have to think about. There is more to it than just picking out the right flooring. Whether building a home or replacing your floors, questions about the subflooring will quickly arise. It makes sense that there are so many questions about subfloors …
Everyone has their own design style when it comes to their homes. One type of style that is very popular right now, and has been for the last couple of years, is a sleek, modern design. Now the sleek, modern design style can also be even more present in your bathroom thanks to tankless toilets. …
Tankless toilet problems: Are they worth the hassle? Read More »
Let me tell you about my home. It was built in 1969 and still has the original hardwood floors throughout. When I purchased it, there had been some renovations completed to restore the old wood from what once was carpet. Other rooms, like the bathroom and kitchen, have a beautiful laminate laid over – well, …
When you have a table saw, it becomes your go-to saw for every project, big or small. They are relatively easy to use and can be used for many different projects, from cutting big beams, to pieces of plywood, and even more detailed woodworking projects for those with enough experience. Table saws can be kept …
We’ve all been guilty of going at a home renovation project with the incorrect tools. I’ve used a butter knife countless times on outlet covers rather than searching out a screwdriver. When I didn’t have a tub drain wrench, I used a pair of pliers instead. As DIY home renovators, we tend to look for …
Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive Table Saw: Which is Better? Read More »
So, we’ve been renovating my home for a few years. It seems to be a never-ending cycle of finding new projects. My husband once joked that when we finally have the house how we want it, it’ll be out of date, and time to renovate again. I stand by the fact that some projects need …
My husband is Swedish. Because of this, we’ve taken the big leap across the very big pond to visit family in Sweden. I’m always taken by the beauty of the land, including the Scandinavian architecture. Just like in America, houses are built in all different styles and colors, but on your first visit to Sweden, …
