Q: There are some pits in our asphalt driveway in need of repair. Is this something I can fix myself, or do I have to
Q: I bought a prefab laminate countertop with backsplash, but the wall behind it is slightly uneven. How do I install it so there’s no
This rustic-style bed is a new piece of furniture I made from some very old materials. By Matt Weber My grandmother owns a house built
We show you what the pros know about four different methods of roof installation. Roofing manufacturers and industry associations are hesitant to suggest a DIY
Easy Installation makes Homeowners happy. By Matt Weber
Handy Tips for Spring Lawn Care By Mark Clement If you’re a lawn-a-holic like me and relish having a luscious and low-weed lawn throughout the
By Tom Mathews Painting is the most common home-improvement project, and the tools and supplies to do the job are constantly evolving. Here’s a roundup
When you build a deck, build it right. this is pretty dramatic photo of a deck collapse. Notably, it’s not the ledger board that fails
The Wolverine Drillbit Oil Rigger boot is designed for the roughest, longest days and offers the toughest, most durable materials combined with Boa’s one-of-a-kind lacing
Elastilon Elastilon is a patented self-adhesive hardwood flooring installation system that can replace nails, nailing guns, compressors, messy adhesives, specialized
Imagine a DIY stair kit that allows total flexibility for endless configurations, with 1 or 2 one-quarter turns (for L- or U-shaped staircases) to fit
Spruce it up for springtime. By Mark Clement No matter the material, all decks and porches require some maintenance. The good news is that regular
Q: How do I calculate the amount of roofing shingles needed for a roof? A: Roofing material is calculated by taking measurements of each
Q: What is the difference between three-tab roof shingles and “architectural” shingles? A: In roofing, the term “architectural” generally means the shingle has a
Q: If I install a pet door, will I get a lot of air intrusion into the house? A: Today’s pet doors have spring-loaded,
Q: When should I begin feeding my lawn for spring? A: Fertilizing a lawn is a great way to boost the health of the
New Requirements to Resist Lateral Loads
Here’s an easy-to-make accessory shelf for a wall-mount television. By Matt Weber If you have a free afternoon, a couple of shelf brackets and some
It’s soon to be deck-building season. Here are some new product highlights to help outfit your outdoor retreat. By Matt Weber Equinox XP Louvered Roof
Preparation, coordination and communication are your keys to success. By Rob Robillard Many people do not know how to plan a bathroom remodel. As a
Siliconized caulk has long been a favorite for sealing areas exposed to moisture and the elements. By Matt Weber Applying caulk: It’s a messy job,
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty chainsaw built tough enough to withstand the roughest ranch and farm environments, then check out the new CS-590
Q: What’s an easy way to clean grease off a stove burner? A: Stove burners can get pretty disgusting with grease accumulation. One easy
Q: What’s the best way to avoid stripping screw heads when driving them? A: When fastening screws, poor “fitment” is when the driver bit
Q: I’d like to use 6×6 lumber for the posts of a bed, but the only 6×6 material I can find at the home-improvement store
Q: Should I turn off my attic power fan and close the vents during winter? A: Although the natural instinct to keep the house
How to Install a Basement Bulkhead Door System By Rob Robillard I recently installed a new powder-coated Bilco basement door. I first saw this new
Discover small problems before they get big. The purpose of a home inspection is to examine the inside and outside of a home, including the
Designed to prevent leaks and damage caused by the gap between the toilet tank and
The future of manufacturing will probably rely heavily on 3D printing. If you aren’t yet familiar with the process, Wikipedia defines 3D printing or
If you’re heading to the 2015 National Hardware Show May 5-7 in Las Vegas, be sure to stop by the Extreme How-To exhibition booth 39087
Tips for Retrieving Items Dropped in a Sink Drain By Robert Robillard
Ever heard of “alternating tread stairs”? They aren’t exactly common in the United States, probably due to the fact that they don’t meet the strict
A little preventive maintenance can go a long way.
Wooster Lock Jaw Approaching any job from the best possible angle can make a world of difference.
Enhance a bedroom by creating custom built-in closets from stock cabinets. By Mark Clement and Theresa Coleman To convert this un-cared for bedroom into a
As a Christmas gift to my wife, I made a growth chart for our son. It’s basically an oak board that looks like a giant
Sears asked me for a few quotes on “must-have woodworking tools”. They used my feedback along with that of a number of notable woodworkers
If you have old wooden shipping pallets laying around that are destined for the garbage dump, you can use them whip up some lovely storage
Dead power drill? You might need to replace the tool’s power switch. By Alyssa Vincent
Support Solution By Rob Robillard I recently had a project where I had to cut and replace existing steel structural columns supporting a home’s main
The Equinox® XP Louvered Roof system is an adjustable roof that transforms from a solid covering to an open garden trellis or pergola style covering
I recently came across an unusual challenge (for me) on a woodworking project involving reclaimed lumber: two significantly different shades of wood used on the
This holiday season, give a gift that keeps on giving—one that can be used on many home projects yet to come. Stuff your stockings with
The Basics of Installing Crown Molding By Larry Walton
Sink some teeth into your next project with The Bad Dog Biter. Available from Bad Dog Tools, the Biter attaches to an electric drill to
Duck Tape Products The original Duck Tape brand adhesive tape has long been used for its quality adhesion and
Upgrading an Old Wood-Burning Stove with a Stylish, Efficient Gas Fireplace By Stuart Hanson When it comes to which type of fireplace is best, there
HVAC Systems Failure Prevention By Mark Clement How many of us really think about our HVAC system and its optimum performance? I mean really think
Checked on the condition of your asphalt roof lately? GAF sent me these tips for an early winter inspection. — M. Weber Is your roof
I’m always amazed at the ingenuity of people in the building trades. It’s a shame that modern society puts so much emphasis on higher education
Modern technology delivers convenience our ancestors couldn’t dream about. Of course, everything has a downside,
By Matt Weber Power tools are nice, but once America’s grid collapses in the wake of an electromagnetic pulse attack, how are you going add
Wagner Introduces the FLEXiO 590 Sprayer The FLEXiO 590 Sprayer is an indoor/outdoor hand-held sprayer for all
Organize your work space with a Sturdy Storage Rack for Sheet goods. By Matt Weber
Over the last several years impact drivers have launched to the top of the must-have tool list for DIY’ers and professionals alike. An impact driver
Shake it Up By Matt Weber Weather protection starts at the top, and a roof is not only a home’s first line of defense but
The EHT staff spent a few days in Chicago in October at the 2013 Remodeling Show/Deck Expo. We were on the lookout for new products
Smooth Moves By Rob Robillard There is an unmistakable, unique look of quality to a solid wood countertop. It is the mix of warmth, character and performance that
Post sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are my own. Professional contractors who do business at the Home Depot have a slick
By Matt Weber Drills and drivers make up the baseline of must-have DIY tools. If you don’t have one, you’re probably not getting much work
Hold it Together By Matt Weber
Bring fresh air to the Crawl Space. By Clint C. Thomas, Esq. Photography by Zoe Thomas Homes are usually built one of three ways.
Jumbo-Koter Shergrip Miniroller With its smooth-spinning cage and matching fabric choices, the Wooster Jumbo-Koter miniroller has been a hit with
Q: What is the best way for a DIY’er to install sod on a lawn for a residential property? A: Many pro builders use a
Q: My garden has a mole problem. How do I fight back? A: The most effective technique for getting rid of moles is to use
Q: What type of herbicide is best to kill the weeds that are sprouting up all over my lawn? A: Post-emergent herbicides—the type you’ll need
Q: How often should I water my lawn after planting grass seed? A: During the germination period, you should water the area enough to keep
Q: Is it necessary to add sand between the pavers of a flexible-base patio? A: According to the experts at Pine Hall Brick, joint sand
Q: How would I go about buying a foreclosed house for a remodel? A: First make sure that you have the resources in place to
Q: A broken drain pipe spilled sewage into the house’s crawlspace. Plumbers replaced the piping and put down a lot of lime to fight the
Q: How does straw-bale gardening work? A: Next spring you would purchase enough straw bales (not hay) to line up as garden rows. Condition the
Q: How is a composite marble shower pan made? A: Composite shower pans fall into several material groups; cultured marble, fiberglass, acrylic and solid surface.
Q: What is the best way to cut fiber-cement siding? A: Because fiber-cement contains silica, which is considered a carcinogen, you should avoid breathing the
Q: When installing a tiled shower, should I use grout or caulk at the joint where the tile walls meet the tub? A: For tiled
Q: I’d like to cover my deck shade with clear polycarbonate panels. Do they handle snow loads in the winter? A: Your local building codes
Q: I’m considering investing in a rental property, and the home inspector pointed out an attic ventilation problem, saying the attic may get hot in
Q: What is the easiest way to check a home for termites? A:Termite infestation originates from the soil, so inspect all exposed wood framing near
Q: I used a hot iron with a damp rag to repair a few dents in a piece of furniture by swelling the wood grain.
Q: How often should I drain my hot water heater? A: Proper maintenance on a hot water heater typically is to flush the bottom drain
Q: I’d like to strip the veneer off a piece of furniture to refinish it. What’s the best method for removal? A: Soak a towel
Q: I seem to have low water pressure in an upstairs faucet. How can I fix this? A: If the water performance is a problem
Q: I like the look of floating shelves for my kitchen. How do they mount to the wall without shelf brackets? A: Floating shelves are
Q: I’ve noticed some cracks in the block retaining wall adjacent to my driveway. Is this a sign that the wall is failing? A: The
Q: I need to move some electrical lines to make room for built-in bookshelves. Can I get away with tucking the lines beneath one of
Wood rot is caused by a type of fungus that destroys wood. It is as damaging as termite or other insect infestation, and can wreak
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Renew the look of your home’s exterior to boost its curb appeal. By Matt Weber
How to make Floating Shelves with a Table Saw By Matt Weber
In this two-phase project old windows are upgraded with energy-efficient vinyl replacements, plus the surrounding wood trim is protected with aluminum wrap. By Matt Weber
Joint Health By Tim Walton Photos by Larry Walton
This synthetic shake roofing from DaVinci Roofscapes looks like real wood but lasts for decades without maintenance. — M. Weber
Our friends at GAF, North America’s largest Roofing Manufacturer based in New Jersey, offers these tips for how to get your roof ready for
StormPave Pavers StormPave permeable pavers are designed to be installed just a bit farther apart than conventional pavers. Instead of being installed atop gravel and
Storage and Organization make the garage a project-friendly workplace. By Matt Weber Is your garage a disorganized black hole where tools and supplies mysteriously disappear
By Rob Robillard This story starts off simple enough: Last winter an elderly client of mine decided to go the
The Right Tools, the Right Techniques By Matt Weber
Cable railing has become one of the fastest‑growing trends in outdoor living design, and for good reason. Homeowners want cleaner sightlines, modern aesthetics, and materials that don’t require constant upkeep. Builders want systems that install cleanly, tension reliably, and hold up to weather without callbacks. DeckWise Cable Rail Kits hit that sweet spot by combining […]
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