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Architecture : Home & Garden
How to Prep Wood for Veneer
Veneer is a useful and quick way to remodel wood cabinets or furniture. Although veneer can be applied quickly, it is important to prepare the wood properly for the veneer. Without the proper preparation, wood veneer can appear badly applied and may deteriorate quickly.
What Is Corian Material?
Corian is a solid surface material manufactured by the DuPont manufacturing company since 1967. The material is commonly used as counter top material because of the wide array of colors and textures available.
Homemade Cellulose Insulation
It probably never occurred to you that you can make your own cellulose insulation. The process is fast, safe and relatively easy. The insulation is just as good as or better than insulation you buy on the market. It is fire retardant and resists insects and rodents. You will follow the same basic pr
Cement Board Floor Installation
When homeowners decide to replace a carpeted or hardwood floor with a new tile floor, they must first install a subfloor made of cement backer board. This provides the strength and stability needed for the new tile floor. Cement board is a building material made of concrete and reinforced with fiber
How to Install a Walk-in Shower in a Bathroom Cheaply
A walk-in shower adds another useful appliance to your bathroom. However, it can be expensive to install if you choose to build your own custom shower. Installing a pre-formed shower base with fiberglass shower walls will cut down on costs, giving your bathroom a new shower for under $500. This proj
How to Build a Patio Wind Deflector
At some homes, one issue with sitting out on a patio is the constant wind that blows through during various parts of the year. A breeze is fine, but when the wind knocks over planters or messes with place settings on the table, then it is just too much. To counteract a windy area, build a deflector
How to Apply Oil Sealer to Raw Wood Floors
Freshly installed wood floors do not have the glossy or slippery finish most treated wood flooring has. This may be the exact look you want for your hardwood; however if it is not treated with some sort of sealer it can easily be damaged by any kind of water or moisture. Because of this, you might w
How to Block Noises Outside Your Door
Windows and doors are weak areas when it comes to blocking sounds from the outside. If outside noises coming through the door are bothering you, consider having the door replaced with a solid-centered one. Many interior doors are hollow, meaning that sound waves can penetrate them quite easily. If y
Options for Outside Flooring
Outdoor areas around the home can be dressed up easily with the addition of outdoor flooring. Great strides have been made in the outdoor flooring product lines since the early days of outside flooring when homeowners were limited to Astro Turf-type green plastic carpeting and indoor/outdoor carpeti
How to Clean Wood for Finishing
Finishing a piece of wood furniture involves applying a protective coating or stain to alter the color and protect the surface. Before finishing the piece, you must take preparatory steps to ensure an even finish. Cleaning and sanding the wood exposes the grain by removing dirt and imperfections. Cl
How to Deal With a Damp Cement Floor
A damp cement floor can cause problems not only for the floor but also or the structure that contains the floor. The moisture within the floor can cause a breakdown in the floor’s structure, leading to a shortened life span, scaling and cracks. In addition, the moisture will rise from the floo
How to Adjust & Align a Wood Exterior Door
Wooden doors add warmth and charm to your entrances. A properly maintained wood door can last for a century or more but from time to time this requires adjusting your doors for proper alignment. By realigning the jamb you can correct all drag and sag issues and make your old door work like new again
How to Grind Porcelain
Porcelain tile can be a beautiful addition to any home's flooring. It provides a shine that is often missing from standard ceramic tile flooring. The downside to using porcelain flooring is that it tends to crack and stain easily. Repairing or cleaning damaged porcelain often involves completely res
How to Cut Laminate Flooring for a Bay Window Area
Laminate floors are a choice for many homeowners seeking a hardwood flooring option less expensive than real wood and easy enough for a novice do-it-yourself remodeler. Rectangular or square rooms have a straightforward process when installing the laminate interlocking boards. However, a bay window
How to Calculate the Voltage Drop on 12-Volt Systems
Voltage drop measures the amount of voltage lost to the resistance of wires. Longer runs of wire will incur greater voltage drop because they encounter greater wire resistance. The metal in the wire also contributes to the degradation. Calculating voltage drop assists in determining the gauge of wir
What Can I Put Under a TV Stand So It Doesn't Scratch a Hardwood Floor?
Hardwood floors are expensive and often look elegant -- when they aren't scratched. To prevent scratching, figure out the best way to protect your hardwood without detracting from the decor. Ideally, you won't place any hard surface against the floor. With this in mind, there are a number of options
What Counter Tops Can Withstand Heat?
Kitchen counter tops are judged on several factors including aesthetic appeal, price, resistance to stains, impacts and scratches, and their ability to tolerate the heat from hot pots and pans without marring the surface. Some materials meet all these criteria, while others fail in certain categorie
How to Determine the Ripeness of Mangos
Originating in India and Southeast Asia, the flavorful mango is now grown in tropical climates around the world. Mangoes are available year-round and are shipped unripe. According to the National Mango Board, a national promotion and research organization, many people mistakenly believe that a redd
The Average Cost of a Metal Roof for a Home
There are a lot of factors that go into determining the average per-foot cost of installing a metal roof on a home. Before getting to the roof itself, labor costs vary in different parts of the country. So the same roof in Iowa, for example, would likely cost a lot less than a roof in California. Th