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Architecture : Home & Garden
How Does It Work: Retractable Outdoor Awnings
Retractable outdoor awnings provide instant shade when needed yet retract out of the way when not in use. Both styles of retractable awnings – lateral arm and side arm – can extend to a variety of projections. These types of awnings use the simple method of winding the fabric body around
How to Build a Japanese-Style Partition
Japanese-style partitions, or shoji screens, are both elegant and functional as decorative pieces for the home. Shoji screens are typically composed of multiple hinged panels so the partition can easily be folded, moved or rearranged. Whether they are plain or painted with a design, the screen offer
How to Build a Tile Shower Room
Whether your shower is a small stall or an entire room, the process of setting the tile walls is generally the same. Tile protects the structure of the wall from moisture, provides a hard, easy-to-clean surface, and looks great. Choose a well-sealed tile that will stand up to moisture (ceramic is al
Front Step Railing Ideas
The steps in the front of houses can be dangerous, especially when there is snow, ice or rain falling. One of the best ways to protect guests and residents alike is to add a railing to the steps so there is something to hold onto while going up and down the stairs. There are several different option
How to Keep Fingerprints Off Stainless Steel
Stainless steel requires regular cleaning because dust, dirt, grime and fingerprints are noticeable on the shiny surface. Fingerprints, in particular, are impossible to keep off, and the oil from your skin also can put the stainless steel at risk for rust and corrosion. Cleaning stainless steel wit
How to Buy Interlocking Roofing Shingles
Interlocking roofing shingles are designed for buildings in areas of high wind. Because the shingles interlock, it is much more difficult for them to blow away. Because interlocking shingles are somewhat of a specialty item, not all shingle manufacturers sell them. The benefits of interlocking roof
Fiberglass Fountain Advantages
Whether used indoors or out, fiberglass fountains provide a number of advantages for people who enjoy the sight and sound of moving water. Fiberglass is a durable, lightweight material that uses a mixture of minerals including recycled glass, which are heated until they melt, typically around 2,500
How to Get Rid of Efflorescence on Cinder Blocks
Efflorescence refers to salt-laden moisture dissolving from a surface and leaving the salt behind as a powdery or crystalline residue. Concrete and masonry are vulnerable to efflorescence, due to the flow of moisture through the material. This salt and moisture can come from an external source or it
What Damages a Solar Panel?
Solar panels are an assembly of connecting cells that collect photons or light from the sun to generate electricity. Damage to solar panels is caused by different factors or for different reasons. There are some common causes of solar panel damage and most of these causes damage the cells as well.
How to Apply Waterborne Floor Finish
If you want to protect your wood floor, but do not want to deal with the strong smells that can emanate from standard solvent-based floor finishes, consider purchasing and applying a waterborne floor finish. Waterborne floor finishes are water based, dry quickly, and provide wood floors with the sam
How to Fasten Corner Blocks for Door Trim
Corner blocks used in trim around doors and windows serve two purposes. They give an elegance and classic architectural look to the trimwork, especially if the blocks have an ornate design. Secondly, they make the trim far easier to install because you use all straight cuts without having to deal wi
Mosaic Backsplash Ideas
Create a mosaic backsplash.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty ImagesA mosaic backsplash may be put into place to cover up a stained wall or protect a wall from future splashes but functionality doesn't rule out decoration. Take advantage of the artistic style of mosaics, made up of ceramic...
About Travertine Flooring
Travertine is an increasingly popular option for home flooring because of its ability to look warm and worn (while still being brand new!). It can also be polished and shiny (like the picture). It's an excellent stone option that is found in historical sites from the Sacre Couer to the Coliseum.
How to Replace Patio Screens
Having a hole in the screen of a patio door can be a nuisance. Bugs can get into the home and the hole also makes the door look unsightly. Replacing that screen, though, is an easy process and does not cost very much.
Hardwood Flooring Finishing Techniques
Selecting the right finishing technique for hardwood floors ensures that it suits the style of your home. Hardwood floors add a natural touch to a home when left in their original form. For the do-it-yourself decorator, refinishing or finishing wood floors for the first time offers a variety of opt
How to Design a Grape Stake Fence
Whether training grapes to grow on an arbor or fence, it is important to remember to trim the grapes every year. Grapes are vigorous growers and if allowed to become overgrown, the dense leaves will prevent the sun from reaching areas where fruit would have otherwise formed. A two-wire stake fence i
How to Make a Patio Table
Patio tables are a nice way to be able to hang out in your own yard. However, patio furniture can be very expensive, and is not always made of a good, lasting quality. Making your own patio table is a great alternative to the more expensive furniture options, and can look just as good and even last
How to Build a Handicapped Accessible Home
Due to aging, disease or an accident people find it difficult to function in a house that is not adapted to their needs. With advances in medicine and people living longer, there are many individuals who need modifications to their home to be able to use it in its entirety and live comfortably. To b
How to Calculate Roofing Materials Needed
Calculating the roofing materials needed for your home or business requires an understanding of the geometry and the ability to complete some basic math problems. For basic roof designs, this is a fairly easy task to accomplish. For roofing designs that are more complex, it is a bit more challenging