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March 30, 2007
How-To Stain Wood
You may think that staining wood is an inexact science but there is a method to the madness. Understanding the type of wood you are working with as well as the technique used to apply the stain can alter the color of the stain dramatically. Here are some tips to achieving the best results in wood staining.
March 27, 2007
Enlarge a Room
Easy ideas for enlarging or just altering the mood of any room in the house. It's amazing what a little color can do.
Posted by at 8:55 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usInstalling a Bathroom Vent and Exhaust Fan
This catskill houseblogger faced a problem that many homeowners with older homes must deal with and that is proper bathroom ventilation. His bathroom is located in the middle of the home which makes this problem a bit more complicated but his installation went smoothly and it all started with determining the proper CFM (cubic foot per minute) for his bathroom size.
The basic standard for a bathroom ventilation fan is it must be able to change the room air 8 times in an hour. To calculate that is pretty easy if you have bathrooms with 8 foot ceilings. Basically it is 1 Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM) for every 1 square foot of floor space, so if you have a bathroom that is 10 ft by 10 ft (or 100 square feet) a 100 CFM ventilation fan is needed. For bathrooms larger that 100 square feet, the ventilation rate depends on the number and type of fixtures in the bathroom.
He also mentions "make up air" which is necessary for proper ventilation and not always covered in DIY guides.
Some How-To's for bathroom fan installation
Home Depot
Lowes
Decorative Fan Choices
Building Adjustable Wood Shelves
There are many options in building adjustable wood shelves.
Posted by at 8:51 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 26, 2007
Switch Plate Covers
Don't neglect the finishing detail that a period appropriate switch plate cover can provide. The art deco and arts and crafts switch plates are sharp but the brass options are great in almost any home.
Spring Riding Mower Inspection
It's officially Spring and lawns are back. If you use a riding lawn mower you should inspect it similar to any other vehicle that you would have stored for 3-5 months. John Deere has some great tips for inspecting your mower after the jump.
1. Check oil and fluids.
Similar to maintaining an automobile, it is important to check the oil, replace the filter and change the transmission fluid and engine coolant to ensure quality performance and operation. In addition, fuel can break down over the winter and cause hard starting. Drain and replace all fuel before the first cut.
2. Sharpen and balance blades.
Keeping mower blades sharp and balanced prevents vibration. Healthy blades make a clean cut on the grass blade, which helps eliminate the possibility of fungus, disease and infestation,
ensuring a healthy and hearty lawn.
3. Inspect belts for wear.
Be sure to check all belts and adjust tension as needed. Ensuring all engine operations are working properly is vital for top performance.
4. Check tire tread and pressure.
For maximum maneuverability, tires should be filled to capacity with a deep tread. This also helps prevent the risk of slipping on steep or uneven terrain.
5. Call Ready To Mow.
A factory-trained John Deere technician will come to your doorstep in order to perform the necessary maintenance on any outdoor power equipment (John Deere brand or not). This
convenient service allows you to spend more time with your hands in soil rather than oil!
March 22, 2007
Install Your Own Concrete Countertops
Decorative Concrete of Central Virginia
There are many countertop materials available to choose from, but we have been really liking concrete lately. We've seen some great examples of what the gray stuff can do and now you can build your own concrete countertops with the help of this primer from the Natural Handyman.
Posted by at 12:45 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 21, 2007
Tree Pruning for Spring
Here's a tree pruning guide from easy2diy.com. Now is the best time to get your trees and shrubs into shape for Spring and Summer.
Essentially, proper pruning is essential for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing tree. Pruning is needed when first planting a tree to control its growth and to help develop its shape. Pruning can help spur growth in foliage, fruit and flowers as well as remove diseased and damaged areas. Late winter and early spring offer good tree and shrub pruning opportunities because it's far easier to see the shape of the tree and the branch patterns without the foliage.
Posted by at 11:02 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 20, 2007
Infinity Bathtub
Kohler has introduced an infinity bathtub made for two that will make even the most die-hard shower takers indulge. It's extra deep and offers "chromatherapy and champagne-like effervescent bubbles" whatever that means it sounds divine.
Posted by at 12:24 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 19, 2007
Energy Saving Bulbs
We just switched some lamps over to IKEA Energy-Saving bulbs. We have always loved the glow of incandescent bulbs over fluorescent so we were skeptical that these lights would have that harsh "too-bright" glow. We have been pleasantly surprised and adjusted easily to new light and plan on replacing more bulbs.
Here's a guide for selecting the right energy-saving bulb for whatever fixture or need you have as well as some other articles regarding energy-efficient lighting.
Change a Light Bulb: It Really Can Make a Difference [Treehugger]
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs [Energy Star]
Spring Cleaning Lists
It's already been a year since our last spring cleaning list and not much has changed (in terms of what and how to clean). But we thought we'd give you some new resources this year that might shed some light on different tips and help you start the summer right. Starting with the Queen of keeping a house clean.
Martha Stewart Spring Cleaning 101
Real Simple
Good Housekeeping
Organized Home
How to Clean Anything
Fitsugar
Move.com
Bob Vila
Washington Post
Consumer Reports
Homemakers.com
March 16, 2007
Domino Celebrates the 2007 Green List
Last night we attended our first "green" party in celebration of Domino's Green March issue. It was a dreary evening in NYC but the turnout was great. The event was held in a stark open studio space with the focus on two large shelves of earth-friendly products, not to mention a bar serving organic cocktails and snacks. Totes made of recycled canvas were provided to assist you in shopping and we came away with some "green" cleaning products we've been looking forward to trying.
Domino has partnered with one of the leaders of the "green" movement, Treehugger.com, and created a 2007 Green List that highlights some of the most stylish eco-products available. We hope this list becomes a regularly updated editorial feature and foresee Domino dedicating a portion of their mag to "green" products in every issue.
We also think this is the perfect opportunity to launch our own "green" feature so we've added a "Green" category to our list on the right where you can now find all of our posts on tools, materials, and techniques that impact our environment in a positive way.
Rejuvenation Lighting Collections
If you are staying true to the period and style of your home it can be difficult to select the proper light fixtures that you may find at Home Depot or Pottery Barn. A great resource we've found is Rejuvenation which specializes in period-authentic lighting and hardware. They have retail locations in Portland and Seattle but they also sell online. We particularly like how they've broken down their selection of lighting by: collection; historical style; types; decades; and rooms.
Posted by at 12:20 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usBuild an Outdoor Shed
Wikihow has a simple plan for building an outdoor shed. A quick trip to your local big box hardware store or lumber yard should net you the materials you need. They also suggest using corrugated fiberglass for the roof to add more natural light and if you are skilled enough you could frame a window or two.
Posted by at 1:49 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 14, 2007
Great John Toilets
Face it, Americans are big people, so why are we still stuck with wimpy standard sized toilet seats? One-size does not fit all when it comes to a comfortable seat to do your business. Great John toilets offer "~150% more sitting area than a standard elongated toilet seat and ~200% more than a standard round toilet seat". They have a 12" rough-in so installation is straight-forward and there are no plumbing modifications to make.
Glass Roof Sunrooms
Take advantage of the early daylight savings and adding a sunroom. We like the glass roof sunrooms but ultimately the design you choose will probably be dictated by the style of home you have.
March 13, 2007
Rentometer
We stumbled across Rentometer which is a nifty tool that will give you comps on rents in whatever area you choose. It worked well here in New York city but I'm sure it's all depends on how large and how current the sample rents are.
Posted by at 11:04 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usIsland Home
In Chongqing, central China, a land dispute has created an unusual island home. Apparently the homeowners have won the battle against the developers and are 'well connected' and will not be forced to accept the compensation offered. We'd love to see this same photo after work is completed.
Update: The NY Times is onto this story
Update 2: The homeowners give in after a valiant fight
March 12, 2007
Landscaping Plan
Landscaping your home should not be considered an afterthought if you are planning to upgrade the value of your home through remodeling or other renovation. A nicely appointed home landscape can also increase the speed and value at which your home sells.
Before taking a run to your nearest nursery or cutting down that hedge, create a well-devised plan for implementing the look you want in relation to the needs and capabilities of your home.
Planning the Home Landscape [Texas A&M Horticulture]
Lanscaping Photos [Flickr]
Compost Bin
We like this bamboo composter we posted about on ReadyMade but if you need better aeration then check out this bin made of recycled black plastic that has plenty of holes to keep your compost growing.
Posted by at 10:06 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usWeekend Home Workout
Chris Wondra figures that working on your home could replace a few trips to the gym.
Mowing
Men—500
Women—395
Weeding
Men—328
Women—296
Raking
Men—361
Women—283
Planting flowers, shrubs and trees
Men—340
Women—250
Sweeping outside (e.g., sidewalk)
Men—336
Women—263
Bagging grass and leaves
Men—336
Women—263
Wheelbarrow chores
Men—420
Women—329
Cleaning out the garage
Men—420
Women—330
March 9, 2007
Rubber Sidewalks
What's that bounce in your step? It may be the rubber sidewalks that can be found in 20 states across the country. Another eco-friendly and functional solution for walkways, the primary advantage of rubber sidewalks is their inherent flexibility and allowing for root growth while traditional concrete slabs will crack or raise creating a dangerous and costly situation. The rubber sidewalks are made of 100% recycled tire rubber and can also be reused themselves.
Rubber Sidewalks [Inhabitat]
Green Paving
Bio-Paver
March 8, 2007
Choosing an Architect
When planning your new home or an addition, the right architect can make or break the building process. The American Institute of Architects provides some helpful suggestions for selecting an architect.
Posted by at 1:40 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 7, 2007
Build Your Own Hand Plane
We love the simplicity and beauty of well-crafted hand planes. If you'd like to build your own here is a step-by-step which allows for a bit of customizing.
Posted by at 9:18 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usWood-Paneled Libaries
If you love the classic look of a wood-paneled library and are considering one in your own home then check out these beauties from Library Designs.
Posted by at 8:34 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usDetermine Pipe Thread Size
Here's a handy chart for determining pipe thread size. You can find thread sizes for both male and female joints.
According to plumbingsupply.com:
"Two common pipe thread sizes exist, the tapered National Pipe Thread (NPT) and the straight National Standard Free-Fitting Straight Mechanical Pipe Thread (NPSM). The tapered threads are for joining and sealing, the straight threads are only for joining."
Posted by at 7:06 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMore Pretty Pulls
We just posted about pretty drawer pulls but we couldn't ignore these.
March 6, 2007
The Antique Roadshows Tips of the Trade
Stop perusing second-hand shops and antique stores without knowing what it is you want and how to recognize it when you see it. Antiques Roadshow on PBS gathers the best experts in their field and helps folks identify the market value of pieces they've bought or cherished heirlooms. This guide can help you finally answer the question of whether or not the authentic Kachina doll and Winchester you bought on your trip to Arizona is the real thing as well as other helpful tips.
Posted by at 11:34 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usThe Ultimate Home Improvement Glossary
If you can't find the name of any tool, technique, or material, that's related to home improvement from this list then it probably doesn't exist. If you think you know it all maybe you'll learn something. Have fun.
Glossaries
Lowes
Bob Vila
Contractor School Online
Remodeling Online
HGTV
Old House Web
Move
Repair-Home.com
DIYonline.com
US Department of Housing
Dave's Shop Talk
Homebuilding Manual
Tjader's Kitchen, Bath, and Plumbing
McAfee HVAC
Friendly Plumber
Flood Company
Mortgage and Home Buyers
Clutter Free Home Office
How do you get a desktop this clutter free??? Check out what's underneath!
March 5, 2007
Wooden Tape Measure
This wooden tape measure would look great on your Dordoni table.
Posted by at 10:21 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usScrewhead Types
From the Quadrex or Pozidriv to the Torx or Torx Plus, here's a handy guide for determining the proper driver for the type of screwhead you are using. The detailed photos of the drivers are also helpful.
Posted by at 3:35 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usMarch 1, 2007
Strong Wood Joints
For the aspiring or weekend woodworkers out there, make sure you've got these basic wood joint techniques down.
Posted by at 3:35 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usFold-out Balcony
Personal outdoor space is hard to come by in most urban environments but the Bloomframe from Hofman Dujardin Architecten in Amsterdam has created a solution that not only allows for an impromptu balcony but also serves as a window when closed.
Posted by at 3:05 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.us
