Gorilla Tape

Duct tape is one of our all-time favorite tools but there are certain applications where it just won't work as effectively such as with rough surfaces. This is where Gorilla Tape takes over. Toolsnob is a fan and if the tape works as well as their Gorilla Glue then so are we.

  August 6, 2008 | Comments ()

Easy Tin Ceiling Tiles

We've always liked the look of tin ceiling tiles even when they weren't on our ceiling. But these drop-in tin ceiling tiles are easy enough for anyone to install and can add character to an otherwise vanilla looking room or office.

  July 29, 2008 | Comments ()

Radiation and Radon in Granite Countertops

Besides the ubiquitous nature of granite countertops and almost boring combination of granite and stainless seen in kitchens everywhere, there's another reason you may wish to reconsider granite countertops.

  July 28, 2008 | Comments ()

Asbestos Siding and Home Values

When buying an older home you are sometimes faced with outdated materials that in some cases can be considered harmful such as lead paint and asbestos. Asbestos was used in different applications and in some older homes it was used in a "cement form" that doesn't allow the particles to be released unless the siding is cut.

  July 25, 2008 | Comments ()

Green Siding Options

Calfinder brings us some green siding options any of which are a great alternative to vinyl but they all have drawbacks as well as positives. I think our favorite of the bunch is fiber cement siding that looks like wood and costs just a bit more than vinyl but less than wood and is resistant to weather, rot, and termites.

  July 3, 2008 | Comments ()

Drywell Rebuild with the Help of Oakum

The folks at Chicago 2-Flat tore up a concrete slab in their backyard to discover a 100-year old drywell located just next to the house. They considered setting up rain barrels as the only gutter drained into this drywell but decided against this due to the weather and limited space in their yard.

  May 28, 2008 | Comments ()

Soundproof Drywall

The home crowd turned us onto QuietRock, which promises to cut sound to the equivalent of 8 layers of drywall. Obviously you won't have a wall that thick and if QuietRock can deliver on this statement then that's got to be one soundproof room.

  May 27, 2008 | Comments ()

BKLYN Designs 2008 Rocks our World

We checked out BKLYN DESIGNS 2008 this weekend held in various locations throughout the vastly changing DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. The exhibitors on display were top-notch and really showed the best of Brooklyn. It's safe to say that the furniture craftsman in Brooklyn rival those of any in the world.

  May 12, 2008 | Comments ()

Crown Molding Made Easy

If you don't have the time or intention of going through this process there are easier options for installing crown molding such as using Easy Crown Molding. According to their website you just peel and stick.

  May 8, 2008 | Comments ()

Lincoln Logs and Erector Sets Rocked my World

Planting the DIY seed in your kids can start with these builder toys selected by ohdeedoh, a home design blog with a focus on children and their living environment.

But for the older kids read on for favorites from my childhood.

  April 24, 2008 | Comments ()