The Basics of Repointing Brick | Ep. 173

Repointing the brick on this historic home will help the exterior upkeep for longer. (Photo by Scott Evans) Repointing brick is the process of renewing the pointing, or external mortar joints, in between them. Over time, weather deteriorates the mortar, which could then cause water to leak inside the brick wall.  Repointing a historic brick … Read more

Quikrete Calculators: Get Concrete Answers and More

Quikrete’s calculators eliminate any guesswork when purchasing building materials for home projects. (Photo provided by Quikrete) Concrete is a cornerstone element for any home project. For many homes, it’s literally the foundation upon which they are built. Concrete is also a key ingredient of hardscape elements to enhance your backyard; it provides a solid entrance … Read more

Concrete Garden Bench: Attractive, Easy-to-Build Seating

A concrete garden bench adds a hardscape element to your backyard’s lush green landscape. This simple seating lets you stop and smell the roses — literally! —  and can serve as a monument to honor a family member or remember a beloved pet. Design is all about the details, and I love this garden bench … Read more

How to Build a Concrete Wall

Whether it’s for a retaining wall or a patio expansion, you can build a concrete wall without using mortar. The secret ingredient is Quikrete Quikwall Surface Bonding Cement. Concrete block walls have many uses, ranging from residential to commercial. Want to introduce texture and unique design elements outside your home? Consider using concrete blocks for … Read more

Today’s Homeowner Radio Show | February 26, 2022

In this week’s radio show, we’re talking about concrete! Read on to learn how to resolve these common concrete conundrums. Fill in holes in a concrete slab with a vinyl concrete patcher to keep moisture out. (Courtesy Courtney from Mississippi) Filling Air Pockets Under a Concrete Slab Courtney from Mississippi is building a pole barn … Read more

Upgrade an Old Concrete Porch with a Painted Pattern

If you want to give your concrete porch some extra flair, paint a pattern on it! Using a stencil makes this a do-it-yourself friendly project. You don’t need special skills or tools to tackle this project, but do you need patience and time, because attention to detail is a must! Materials Needed Stencil kit Paint … Read more

Buying Concrete: 12 Tips to Determining Project Success

Whether a project is small, like steps, or large, like a patio, figuring how much concrete you need is calculated the same way. How the concrete makes its way to your home is another story. Define Meausrements Although most projects are expressed in square feet, when buying concrete, you measure in cubic yards — a … Read more

DIY ‘Mix and Match’ Patio Project

As most people know, one home improvement project often leads to another. After Lisa Young and her husband repainted their home exterior, suddenly the concrete perimeter foundation looked ugly. That’s when Young found SpreadStone™ Decorative Concrete Resurfacing Kits and got hooked on Daich Coatings DIY projects. For the foundation perimeter, she chose the Lake Rock color of SpreadStone. … Read more

Tools You Need to Work with Concrete

So, you’ve decided to pour a concrete pathway, patio or slab — that’s the first step toward improving your home. But do you have the right tools to work with concrete?  I don’t mean the materials to make a form and fill it. For instance, you’d need lumber, gravel base, a level, concrete mix and … Read more

How to Build Planter Posts for String Lights

Cafe lights add atmosphere to any outdoor living space! Pairing them with floral arrangements makes this patio look inviting and luxurious. How to Build Planter Posts for String Lights Our family loves to relax on the patio, and now it has some serious ambiance thanks to my latest DIY project: planter posts for string lights! … Read more