« January 2007 | Main | March 2007 »
February 28, 2007
Icy Walkways
Icy walkways are a nuisance and extremely dangerous. Bob Vila provides us with tips for de-icing your walkway including salt alternatives.
If you are building new and live in a snowy climate we prefer the use of radiant heat for outdoor walkways and driveways as its cleaner and "greener" than salts.
Posted by at 10:52 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usSubway Tile
The rage in bathroom remodels are subway tiles and as easy and clean as they look they are often not as easy to find or install. Subway tiles also don't have to always be all white, throw in some red, green, or blue, glass tiles if you want a bit more contemporary look.
Subway Tile Resources
Subwaytile.com
Subway Ceramics
Restoration Tiles
Natural Built Home
Daltile
Subway Tile Installation
Houseinprogress
Subway Style
Brownstoner goes for subway tiles
Donrobin House Subway Tile Install
"Plunging" into the History of Your Bathroom
DIYNetwork - Shower Wall Tile
Alligator Lopper
Black and Decker's Alligator Lopper is safer (bottom guard) and more powerful (4.5 amp motor) than your standard pruning loppers. They are also quite intimidating.
Posted by at 12:39 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usFebruary 27, 2007
Top 10 Most Dangerous Tools
Ever wonder which one of the tools in your shed are responsible for the most injuries? The best folks to ask would be those who have worked for years with these tools on a daily basis. Toolcrib has done this and compiled the answers from forum respondents at WoodNet.net and FamilyWoodworking.org.
#1 may surprise you as it's not in your shed but it's YOU! The glorious chainsaw comes in at #4. Check out the other tools on the list and add your own in the comments.
Posted by at 2:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | post to del.icio.usFebruary 26, 2007
Dwell.com Relaunches
Dwell.com is no longer just a front for the magazine - they are now offering video, podcasts, and have a blog. If Dwell's primary online offerings aren't enough you can interact with other like-minded readers who may be designers, architects, or builders at Dwell Connect.
Posted by at 10:34 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usThe $10K Kitchen Remodel
We just came across this great journal of a kitchen remodel that the homeowners are trying to achieve in under $10k. They are almost complete and it looks like they'll be just a tad over the budget which is great considering a project of this scope can easily hit $40-$60k or more. Check out the progress.
Decorative Drawer Pulls
If you have tired of the standard brass or plastic drawer pulls that you find on most cabinets and dressers, fear not as you do have other options. Shelteriffic points out some great finds from places as convenient as Home Depot or Restoration Hardware, and Anthroplogie continues to expand on their houseware items.
If you're looking for glass in particular then check out these beauties from Tracy Glover and if steel is more your look then these pewter pulls from Spectra Decor look sharp and are eco-friendly.
February 20, 2007
Green Cleaning Products
There have long been homemade cleaning products that are as effective as over-the-counter chemical based cleaners and now you can find green cleaning products that are environmentally friendly as well as healthier for your family. Look to the following companies which are producing non-toxic household cleansers:
Seventh Generation
Method
Imus Greening the Cleaning
And check out the household products database to find out what you are really spraying on your countertops and cleaning your dishes with.
Posted by at 9:52 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usReclaimed Wood
This month's Domino magazine unveils their green list and recognizes five companies who specialize in reclaimed wood which can be used for flooring, siding, or other home building needs. These woods come from old barns, industrial buildings, railroads, and any other site where quality lumber is being disposed. Some of these suppliers also acquire wood that was harvested according to the Forest Stewardship Council's guidelines which promotes responsible logging worldwide.
Restoration Timber (CA, NY)
Trestlewood (UT, ID)
Conklin's (PA)
Ecotimber (CA)
Pioneer Millworks (NY)
February 16, 2007
Front Door Fanatics
Well maybe they aren't all fanatics but there are quite a few housebloggers who are having issues with front doors. From the Wedgewood Ranch choosing a new door, the Georgetown House replacing faux-wood grain doors, and door envy from the Reluctant Remodeler.
Here are some successful door replacements and renovations from House in Progress, Hewn and Hammered, 1912 Bungalow, and Chicago 2-Flat.
Posted by at 2:03 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usFebruary 13, 2007
Frozen Pipes - Prevention and Repair
This winter has been relatively mild for the northeast but it has returned with a vengeance this month and catching many homeowners off guard who didn't properly prepare for the cold weather. One of the most vulnerable parts of your house is not easily seen but when attacked by the cold will make their presence known. Frozen pipes can ruin not only your plumbing but once they burst the water damage inflicted can be severe. Here are some methods for prevention as well as how to repair the pipes if it's too late.
Preventing Frozen Pipes [Red Cross]
Before the Cold Hits [State Farm]
Take the Chill Out [My Great Home]
Thawing Frozen Pipes [Old House Web]
Repair a Frozen Pipe [Home Addition Plus]
February 12, 2007
Where's the Trash?
Here's an innovative way of removing the unsightly and sometimes smelly kitchen garbage can to a convenient and easy to use place. We also love the idea just cutting a hole in your countertop where you can slide scraps and trash right off the cutting board and into the trash. A bit like those holes in the Starbucks sugar/milk counters.
Posted by at 2:27 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usCreative Uses For...
...old CD's
...dryer sheets
...old photos
...lemons
...waste paper
Posted by at 2:10 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usFebruary 9, 2007
Dirt Floors
In keeping with the "green" theme this week, the NY Times takes eco-friendly flooring to the next step, or shall I say below the step. Dirt floors were installed by this couple in their El Cerritos, CA home and they love it. The dirt is mixed with lime and sand to harden and after two weeks is sealed with linseed oil and beeswax. These floors can be cleaned with soap and water or shined with another coat of oil. Sounds easy but finding the right folks to help you get the proper mixture and installation right can prove to be difficult.
Dirt floors are at the forefront of the movement towards "natural building" which is defined by using materials that have had the least amount of processing. Similar to the way millions of people live around the world.
Posted by at 2:17 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usFebruary 7, 2007
"Green" Insulation Options
Making your home more energy efficient is the single most eco-friendly improvement that you can do. Why not start with your insulation. Whether you already have standard fiberglass insulation or not, there are now "green" options that are healthier for you, are little to no impact on the environment, and often times work better than traditional fiberglass solutions. The following sites breakdown some great options and list the pros and cons of each.
New Ideas for Green Insulation [Inhabitat]
Treehugger Picks: Green Insulation [Treehugger]
3 Easy-to-Install Green Insulation Options [GreenHomeGuide]
Eco-Friendly DIY Insulation [Sietchblog]
February 5, 2007
Searching Houseblogs Just Got Easier
Our friends at Houseblogs.net have just launched a new feature to the site that allows users to search the latest houseblogger entries by topic. It's now much easier to commiserate with fellow homeowners with leaking roofs or celebrate victories such as kitchen remodels.
And if you are a log cabin blogger make sure you're registered with Houseblogs as they are partnering with the DIYNetwork to bring content to their DIY Blogcabin special.
Posted by at 3:15 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usFebruary 2, 2007
AOL does Do-it-Yourself Videos
Eric Stomer could be one of the most annoying of the new breed of home improvement tv show celebs a la Ty Pennington but he does get his point across and you don't miss a word he says. He's the featured personality of the new AOL DIY videos that have just launched and to our surprise they are pretty slick. The videos load quickly and are accompanied by nice step-by-step photos and a brief description that is to the point and easy to understand. The selection of videos could improve as there are only two that feature home repairs but this is one of the better video rollouts we've seen in some time.
Posted by at 12:45 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.us
