Archive for the 'DIY' Category

Aug 15 2010

Wood Shed Kits – Some Things to Consider Before Buying

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

If it is your desire to save time and money all the time, you must consider getting wood shed kits to serve as your storage building for your home which you can place in your own backyard. But of course, before you invest on it, you should first determine which type of wood you prefer.


You must also be aware that not every kit being sold in the market always come complete. At times, you may have to purchase some hardware parts or extra lumber in your local hardware store. If the shed kit you got comes with just the hardware parts, then you can just get your timber to be cut according to the size and measurements that you will see in the plans included in the wood shed kits.


If you have the sufficient budget, then you can settle for those kits that already include all the complete parts. You can already find all the wood parts cut to its appropriate size and some are even already drilled to make the assembly process a whole lot easier.


So once you are decided with the kit that you want to purchase, you also need to consider where you will place it and prepare a sturdy foundation for it. Remember that preparing a good foundation for your kit can really help in adding extra years to your shed’s life. Finally, before you even start your minor construction or assembly, you still have to ask the authorities in your locality whether you need to get a building permit still.

For those who want to know more about wood shed kits, you had better visit http://www.good-sheds.com.

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Jun 22 2010

Learn More About What Tools You Will Be Needing in Building a Shed

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

If you are interested in building a shed, you may either follow a plan to do it yourself or probably hire somebody who can build the shed for you. You will be able to maximize your storage space through having a shed and if you plan to sell your house in the future, this will add to its value. Take note of the necessary tools you need if you would like to start building a shed on your own.


The first thing that you’ll be needing is the perfect plan for building a shed. You may be able to get access to such blueprints either for free or for a certain amount of fee. After getting access to such plans, it is necessary that you have an expert look into these set of plans so they can give you their expert advice on how will you be able to start this building project.


Having access to the right plan is essential when you will be building the shed yourself. This will allow you to build accordingly and is definitely one economic way of saving money for labor fees when you hire a contractor to accomplish this for you. Now, if you really opt to have a contractor do the building project for you, it would still be beneficial on your part to obtain the plans yourself to avoid any other expenses that you may come across in the time being.


These plans merely are the best source of information regarding how will you be able to build your shed according and at the same time get access to information regarding the hardware that you’ll be using in building a shed like for instance what screw drivers to use, what type of wrenches and pliers as well as the type of saw. This is essential because you have to make sure that these materials are available beforehand.


That is why you have to make sure that you get the right plans to build that shed. Since you will need a hand full of information to make thing right and put the pieces together, you will have to get excellent quality plans that can surely assist you in making this project successful.

For expert tips, product reviews and how-tos on shed building please visit building a shed HQ.

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Apr 23 2010

How Can a Premium Set of Platform Bed Plans Be Useful?

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

Platform beds are very popular in home decorating shows these days. They seem ideal for people who are on the lookout for an affordable bed that also looks stylish. But instead of spending a lot of money on buying this type of bed, they are very simple to build yourself if you are someone who enjoys working with wood. With the help of a high quality set of platform bed plans you will be able to create a bed for your self that could be built they way you like it with your own signature style.


Constructing this type of bed is not at all complicated for someone who loves working with wood or enjoys woodworking as a hobby. You will face some interesting challenges if you decide to construct something really stylish instead of just the plain box platform. If you decide you want an elegant headboard with storage on each side, or some storage drawers on the sides of the platform down at the bottom, the project becomes complex in nature. This is when a nice set of premium platform bed plans come into the picture. All you need to create a platform bed is just a set of day to day hand tools, a drill, and a skill saw. But if you have some fancy woodworking tools, then you will be able to do just about anything.


You should first see to it that you have all the tools you need before you start your work. Than once you have figured out the bed design, make sure you have the right woodworking plans to fit that design. And go through the plans in detail in case you find there are some other materials or tools that you might need.


One good suggestion is to go ahead and pick up the wood finish or paint you need while you are at the hardware store grabbing some nuts, bolts, and wood screws. You could paint the bed in just one color or you could do some elaborate painting to make it more stylish. You could also stain the wood in stead to give the wood a natural appearance.


Just remember to review the bed plans for recommendations. No matter whether you are building a simple or more complex bed, make sure you grab a nice set of premium, high quality platform bed plans. When you are making something you or someone you know is going to sleep on. There is not much room for error.

I built a fabulous platform bed for my son using a great set of high quality premium Platform Bed Plans. Feel free to check out my useful tips and advice for choosing woodworking Platform Bed Plans and build a high quality bed better than anything you could buy at a store.

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Feb 15 2010

Simple Ways to Add Color to a Kitchen

If you’re like most families, you probably spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen. So why not make it more interesting by adding some color to the room? Maybe you don’t want a drab and dreary kitchen, but you don’t know quite how to add the right touch. Here are some easy ways to add color to your kitchen so you can change your décor from boring to fabulous.

Add Color by Dressing Up Your Table
Dress up your kitchen table as an easy way to add color to your kitchen. Add a colorful tablecloth or placemat set, or display some colorful dishware. Add flowers in a vase or basket to the center of your wood dining table to add some instant color to the room. Look for colors that will both add interest to the look but complement the overall décor.

Add Color with a Backsplash
Don’t let your kitchen backsplash be boring. You can always keep things simple with a neutral-colored tile or laminate, but you also have to option of venturing out a little and making things colorful. Tiles and laminates come in all different colors. If you want a totally unique look, try arranging colored glass that’s been broken up in a random pattern on the wall. Not only will you create a personalized, one-of-a-kind backsplash, but you’ll be able to get a some different colors worked into the décor.

Paint an Accent Wall a Different Color
If your kitchen is painted a neutral color, then paint an accent wall to incorporate some color into the décor. Choose the wall that’s the least covered with cabinets or appliances. Be sure to pick an accent color that will work well with the rest of your kitchen’s décor. For a more subtle look, go with a matching color. But if you want the wall to really stand out, pick a color that’s complementary.

Take the Doors Off the Cabinets
When you take the doors off your kitchen cabinets, you can display all your colorful dishes and other tableware. If you have neutral dishes, add some pop by painting the insides of the cabinets a contrasting color. You don’t need to remove every cabinet door in your kitchen, but instead choose anywhere from one to four prominent cabinets and make them your “color cabinets.”

Use Window Treatments to Add Interest
Another great option is to utilize the window area in your kitchen to add color. For your valance or drapes, choose a color that will really stand out in the décor. Red or purple window treatments would be a great way to add color to the room if you have, for example, a black-and-white or otherwise neutral kitchen.

Just because you want to incorporate some color into your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to redecorate the entire room. Rather, build upon what you already have to add your own colorful touches here and there.

About the Writer….
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior decorating  business for 40 years. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They carry a large selection of American made solid oak furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room furniture. Whether you’re looking for a dining table for your formal dining room or a sofa for your living room  then they have everything you need.

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Jan 29 2010

Decorating Your Home Using Murals

You can really add some interest and style to a room by adding a mural. Murals can be used in many different types of rooms, from the kitchen to the bedroom. This is a very popular way to add some design to a large area. Read on for some basic tips on decorating with murals in your home.

What Is a Mural?
Any type of design or picture that’s painted or drawn directly on the wall is called a mural. Murals can be composed of anything, from a beach or ocean scene to a pattern of dots or stripes on the wall. In terms of application, murals can be painted on, drawn on, or even stuck on the wall.

Tips for Painting or Drawing a Mural on the Wall
If you decide to paint or draw your own mural, be sure that you properly research your supplies. There is specific paint that is suitable for murals, and you also want to be sure the paint will go over whatever surface you’re painting on. If you really want to do your own mural but you’re not sure about your artistic abilities, there are a variety of stencils and kits that offer pictures you can blow up and trace on the wall available at most home décor and arts and crafts stores. More often than not, a stencil is a wise decision, as not many people can freehand a large mural.

Sticking Your Mural on the Wall
If painting and drawing really aren’t your thing, you always have to option of using wall decals or wallpaper murals. You pretty much just have to hang these murals on the wall, but they look just like real painted-on murals. For wallpaper murals, all you need is glue and water, as they are hung just like regular wallpaper. Decals, on the other hand, come with an adhesive already on the back of them and tend to be more like stickers.

Hire a Professional to Make Your Mural
If money is no object when it comes to creating a mural, you might want to hire a professional artist to do the work. This is a great option, particularly if you have a very large mural you want done or if you’re not artistic at all. Just be aware that this approach can quickly get expensive, particularly if the mural ends up being large and intricate. Some murals can take a few days. It all depends on just how detailed they are and how large the space is. Therefore, you want to be sure that you budget accordingly.

Where to Add Murals in Your Home
Murals will make a great addition to just about any room in your home. You might consider adding a great nursery mural to welcome a new little one. Or you might want to add a mural to that large empty wall in your dining room that fits the style of the room. Bathrooms and kitchens are also great places to put murals. A wall mural doesn’t necessarily need to be huge, nor does it need to be the only thing on the wall, but you do want to be sure it’s highlighted in the room.

With so many options, you don’t necessarily have to be artistic to add a mural to your home. If you have the budget, you can always hire a professional artist. Or you can choose to go the wallpaper or decal route instead. Murals will add some design style to your décor and are also a good way to demonstrate your personality in your home.

About the Writer
Leon Tuberman has four decades of experience in the furniture and interior design industry. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid amish furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for bookcases for your family room or a oak tv stand for your family room then they probably have everything you need.

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Jan 15 2010

5 Easy DIY Decorating Projects

Do you like to do your own decorating projects yourself? This is a great way to ensure that your style and personality always come through your decorating. Try any of these 5 great DIY decorating projects for the home.

1. Paint the Walls
The easiest yet most effective way to give room a whole new look is by painting. Remember, the color of the walls is going to influence the entire room’s décor. If you begin a painting project, you want to be sure you do it properly and prepare the walls as needed. You may need to fill in any cracks and then sand them down, as you want the wall to be crack-free and smooth. You will need to first put on a coat of primer, and depending on the color and the saturation of the wall, you may have to put on a few coats of paint.

2. Install Molding on the Walls
Molding instantly adds a new touch to your walls. If your wall is boring, molding will give it some interest and appeal. You might install crown molding to the top of the wall or go a different route and install a chair rail in the middle. Before nailing it to the wall, paint or stain the molding first. The nail holes can then be touched up with paint afterward.

3. Personalize the Lampshades
Are you having trouble finding the exact kind of lampshade you want? Or do you just want something that shows your style? Consider designing your own lampshade. An easy way to do this is to find a white or cream-colored lampshade. Then cut out designs or figures with dark paper such as black or red. Then tape the paper to the inside of the lampshade and you will have created a designer lampshade that reflects your own personal style. Another way to personalize the lampshade is by adding embellishments and ribbon to it. This is wonderful way to accent a mission end table in your family room.

4. Make Your Own Artwork for the Walls
You might not be able to draw or paint very well, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come up with your very own artwork for the walls or to place on a wood bookcase. With a little creativity, you can use items you already have. You might hang photographs, postcards, and book images on the wall. Another easy idea is to put together a collage of items found in nature. Or take a frame or blank canvas and wrap it in a patterned fabric that fits the style of the room. If you choose two or three different patterns and different sized frames, you can hang them together in a cluster on the wall.

5. Make Your Own Window Treatments
For those who aren’t handy with a needle and thread or a sewing machine, there are many other techniques you can use to make your own curtains that don’t involve sewing. To create instant interest around a window, simply take a long silk scarf and drape it over a window curtain. You might also consider using such things as placemats and tablecloths to create instant window treatments. If you do happen to sew, you can pick out whatever fabric and pattern you like and make your own window treatments.

A DIY decorating project doesn’t have to necessarily be difficult. These are only 5 of the many different types of projects you can take on so you can decorate your home in your own personal style.

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Jan 14 2010

How to Build a Storage Shed – 5 Steps to the Perfect Storage Building For Your Backyard

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

If you are thinking about building your first storage shed, but wonder if you can pull it off, you’ll be able to find out in the next few minutes. Here is a basic overview of how to build an outdoor storage shed. Of course, if you decide do go for it, there are more in-depth articles about each of the steps, and I suggest you learn more about each phase of the building process.

  1. The first step in building a storage shed is to design or purchase plans. When planning your storage shed, there are several methods you may choose to use. You may choose to use a kit, buy a set of plans and build from them, or purchase software to design your plans yourself. Each option allows you to customize your shed to suit your needs for functionality and space.
  2. Next, you need to choose the shed site. An important part of building a storage shed is choosing the proper location. You will need to take in consideration many factors when deciding where to place your new shed. Items such as zoning, direction of sunlight, location of utility lines, and many other factors must all be taken into consideration. Planning ahead before you begin to build will save you problems later on. So, before beginning construction, assess your site carefully!
  3. Once you have your plans, it is time to prepare your storage shed site. There are many methods available, and you will have to choose the one that is right for you. You may choose to put your site directly on the ground, have a cement pad poured to place it on, or dig out a foundation and fill it to level with gravel. No matter which method you choose, it is important not to neglect this important step.
  4. Next, you need to frame the walls and build the actual shed. Use your plans as a guideline for measuring, cutting, and framing each piece as necessary. Soon, you’ll have a unique storage shed that you’ve built from scratch. As you build, plan what features you’d like to add to your shed. For example, do you want doors that open, or a garage type door? Do you need shelves for storage? How many windows do you want to add, and on which walls?
  5. Last, it is time to add finishing touches such as caulk and paint. It is important to finish your project with caulk and paint if you want it to withstand the weather, and last long-term. These substances will add protection to your shed, giving it beauty and durability. You can also customize your shed to complement the color of your house. These creative touches will give your new storage shed a unique appearance that you can be proud of.

You now have a general idea of the steps necessary to build a storage shed. Be sure to choose plans that suit your needs, and fit well with the color and construction of your house. Prepare the site carefully, using one of the methods above. Frame and build it according to the plans you’ve designed or purchased. Then add the finishing touches, such as caulk, paint, and trim. You’ll soon have a storage shed that will be the envy of the neighborhood, and you’ll be able to answer proudly “Yes, I built it myself!”

Check out these ArrowSheds & Buildings for inspiration.

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Jan 13 2010

Tips on How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

With the nuisance that a leaky faucet brings, and the ridiculously high costs of plumbing works, it is imperative you learn how to fix a leaky faucet by yourself. Gone are the days where you have to call up a plumber and stare wide-eyed upon the receipt of a billing. All you have to do is follow these simple and easy to understand steps in fixing a leaky faucet.

For as long as you have the right tools and materials, learning how to fix a leaky faucet can be very easy. The basic materials and tools that you’ll need will comprise mainly of a new washer (get one that is suited to the type of faucet you have at home), some rags, a wrench, and a screwdriver.

But before you start pulling your faucet apart, turn off the main water supply first. This can be done by turning the shutoff or control valve counter-clockwise (off). If you don’t know where your control valve is, you can try looking under the sink and tracing the pipes.

Other than that, you also have to plug up the drain with the use of rags. By doing so, you are preventing small parts like washer and screws to go down the drain.

Once that is accomplished, you can now start repairing the leaky faucet. But first, be informed that these steps should be followed only when you have a conventional faucet. Other unconventional faucets might be more complicated, and you might use specific repair kits for it.

1. Just below the handle, where the faucet stem is attached to the water pipe, is a nut. Use a wrench to twist the nut counterclockwise to remove it. Turn the handle counterclockwise until you are able to remove it completely.

2. Once you have detached the handle, you will see a rubber-like washer that is held down by a screw. This washer is probably very old and falling down to pieces, which could be the reason why your faucet is leaking in the first place. Remove the old washer by unscrewing it, and then install the new washer. Remember that the new washer’s size should just be similar to that of the old washer. Tighten the screws on the new washer to secure it in place.

3. Reassemble everything. Replace the faucet handle (turn it clockwise), and tighten back the stem nut to its original location.

4. Do the checking. Turn the water back on and see if the faucet still leaks. If it still is, either you need to screw things more tightly or, you need to buy a new faucet rather than a new washer. And if all else fails, seek professional help and call a plumber.

And there they are – easy to follow and simple steps that will guide you about how to fix a leaky faucet. Now you can do it by yourself! There’s no need for you to call a plumber, or even your handy neighbor to help you around a leaky faucet. By doing it yourself, you free yourself from irritating dripping sounds, nasty sink stains brought upon by long-standing drips, and water wastage due to constant dripping. Put these steps close to your heart and you will never be in distress again.

Know more about how to fix a leaky faucet. All you need is fix a leaky faucet guide!

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Jan 12 2010

What To Know Before Installing Gas Logs

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

Just imagine, after a long hard day at work, coming home and within seconds having a nice, warm beautiful fire going in the fireplace. The display that you see looks like a real wood fire, but the logs never burn down. When you’re ready to go to bed, all that you have to do is turn the gas off! This is the benefit of having gas logs. Not much heat, but incredible convenience.

But before you go ahead and install a set of gas logs, it’s important that you be aware of their pros and cons, as well as the best way to purchase a gas log set and safely use them after they’ve been installed.

First of all, if going from wood burning to gas logs, the chimney should be inspected and swept by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep.

Make sure that you buy the correct size for the size of your fireplace. If the log set is too small, it will create a poor display. If the log set is too large, the logs will sit too far forward and will vent poisonous gas into the room instead of up the chimney flue.

Gas logs do not produce creosote like you will have when burning real wood or the compressed logs wrapped in paper, but the gas logs will soot up a little with a fine black powder where touched by the flame, so stay with the darker color log sets. Usually all that you need to do is to occasionally brush off the fine soot with a soft dry paintbrush. Never wash the logs with water.

It is a requirement to install a damper lock when installing, which locks the damper open and it cannot be closed. As a result, you may have cold air coming into the room down from your chimney. The common solution for this problem is to install glass doors on the fireplace.

When gas is ignited, as it is with gas logs, it loses that telltale rotten egg smell but it is just as dangerous. Make sure that the installer uses a combustible gas detector to check the gas logs after installation and make sure that they are venting properly. After the gas logs are installed and gas tested, don’t rearrange or shift the logs!

Do not run your central air heater or furnace at the same time as using the gas logs. This will cause air to come down the chimney into the living area, and if the logs are on, the odorless but poisonous gases are also venting into the room. This is especially a problem if the house has been made more air tight by installing new windows and doors.

In closing, when gas logs are installed and used correctly, they will bring you endless hours of pleasure. And no more trips to the wood pile!

Rick Pocock is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and has enjoyed being in this industry for more that fourteen years and owns Swede Chimney Sweep along with his wife Terri in San Diego, CA. Terri is also a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep.

He also carries certification as a C-Det Certified Exhaust Technician and as a NFI Certified Gas Technician.

For more information about gas logs and things chimney related, please feel free to visit http://www.swedesweep.com a website full of information pertaining to chimney and fireplace maintenance and safety.

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Oct 16 2009

Do It Yourself Inground Pool- How To Create A Pool Without Hiring An Expert

Published by L.A. Remodeler under DIY

We are so accustomed to ‘experts’ doing most of our chores that we don’t tend to look beyond these ‘experts’. Whenever we are faced with a seemingly impossible job, we just assume that we cannot do it and so we hire experts for the job. And the truth is: this is how the experts hold the reins to our lives. They can charge whatever they want for the job, and you either pay up or you don’t get those things done. A pool is no different.

Now, if you need a baby pool or a simple three footer pool, you can visit your local departmental store to get one for yourself and save some costs in the process. But what if you need an inground pool? That is when you turn at the experts and hope that you won’t have to sell your kidneys to pay up for their costs. While your near and dear ones look up to you with hope in their eyes, you look at your budget and think whether it is feasible at all!

Well, that was until now! Not anymore! In this article I will tell you about a surefire technique you can use to create an inground pool for yourself whenever you want, without hiring experts at all! Think about it: what is an inground pool anyway? A hole in the earth that holds water.

Now, before you start the job, you might need some type of construction license. You will also need to meet the noise requirements as set by your local law. For details, you might want to check with your local city clerk. And you will also need to give your imagination a whirl. Remember that what we are describing here will cover the basics only! Much of how the pool will be designed is left to your imagination.

First, you need to choose the spot where you want the pool to be made. Make sure that the spot is a place you can do without. Plan carefully before you start digging, or you will make a huge mess of your beautiful garden. Once you have selected the spot, mark it with some form of white paint. Then call in your friends over bar-b-cues, hand them shovels and ask them to start digging. In my estimate, this project will take up an entire summer of bar-b-cues, but that is okay, because at the end of it, you will have created a nice looking pool without spending a lot of overhead costs and without hiring the ‘professionals’.

Is this is too much for you, you have yet another option: rent a backhoe for yourself. You can rent backhoes from many places but I rent my backhoes from American Rent-All Sales and Services.

When you rent a backhoe, you must know what you are doing. If you think you cannot handle this, by all means, hire an expert for your job. If however you think that you will be able to handle it, and that it is perfectly legal to use them in the area you live in, then of course you should go ahead and do it yourself and save that extra cost!

Discover How To Design Your Pool The EASY Way For more information on do it yourself inground pool, visit us at:

http://www.inground-pool.besthelptips.com/do-it-yourself-inground-pool-2.php

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