How to Not Split Wood While Hand Nailing

Imagine working with some beautiful pieces of cherry or mahogany, and the project underway is almost done, and in hopes of finishing early for the day, you hammer a little faster than necessary, and ping, the wood splits. A project is now delayed and/or potentially ruined.

  March 28, 2008 | Comments ()

How to Make the Right Door Decision

Need a new door for the entryway? Or maybe one to replace an existing bedroom or closet door? If you aren't schooled in the differences between interior and exterior doors, you could end up purchasing the wrong type of door, only to have to go out and purchase another one.

Exterior doors should be heavy duty and weatherproofed. Insulated metal or steel doors offer long-term wear and help keep out the cold. They're also more secure. Wood doors don't last as long, as they can warp, rot,
and shrink.

  March 28, 2008 | Comments ()

Cushion Your Step

When you get professionally installed carpet, you know it comes with padding underneath. But did you know just how important that padding can be? If you're thinking of installing wall-to-wall carpet yourself or are buying a large area rug, read these tips before you do it.

  March 25, 2008 | Comments (1)

Attention Allergy Sufferers: Spring Has Sprung

Don't let spring cleaning get in the way of your allergies--in fact, make sure your "big clean" isn't simultaneously stirring up dust mites and pollen that will only make things worse for your allergies. Take a look at this article on for advice on minimizing allergens.

  March 24, 2008 | Comments ()

DIY Maven: New Uses for Tin Ceiling Tiles

DIY Maven shares the virtues of tin ceiling tiles: Tin ceilings came to the U.S. during the Victorian era via Europe and became a popular, inexpensive alternative to decorative plasterwork. In this century, thinking of tin ceilings as an inexpensive alternative is downright laughable--considering the alternative is now Sheetrock!

  March 21, 2008 | Comments (1)

DIY Maven: Faux Stone Pavers

Today DIY Maven takes on faux stone pavers: If you've ever laid pavers, you know how exhausting it is. And even though you did it yourself, it probably wasn't cheap. Those bricks and stones add up! For smaller jobs, a viable alternative is going the faux route using molds and ready-mix.

  March 19, 2008 | Comments ()

The DIY Maven does Doorknobs

It's our pleasure to introduce guest blogger DIY Maven as a contributor this week to Charles and Hudson. She is an active member of the Curbly community and has written many great posts that cover design, decorating, and diy. This week she is tackling a number of different home improvement challenges for us starting with what to do with the ubiquitous brass doorknob.

  March 18, 2008 | Comments (3)

Conserve Water While You Shower

What if simply changing your showerhead could save you over 2,700 gallons of water per year? With one of the worst years for drought behind us, as evidenced by the extensive California wildfires, water conservation is no longer an option. Lucky for homeowners, new technology is constantly entering the market to help minimize water usage and simultaneously reduce utility bills.

  March 7, 2008 | Comments ()

How to Countersink a Screw

There is nothing more aggravating than screws that poke their heads out and expose the lips of their conical top. An easy method to hide those unsightly blemishes is to countersink.

It is common knowledge that the best way to get a job done is to have the right tools, and thankfully there are countersinking bits available that make the job much easier. It is a process as simple as knowing the length and diameter of the screws you are going to use, and buying the appropriate bits.

  March 2, 2008 | Comments (1)