In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, we’re playing back some of our favorite segments from the past year. We wish you a happy new year and hope you look at 2023 as an opportunity for you to get things done around your home.
Cutting crown molding is easy when you use our Simple Solution. (DepositPhotos)
Cutting Crown Molding: To make miter cuts in crown molding, turn a panel upside down on the miter saw table. This allows the angled back edges to rest against the fence and the table during cutting.
Holding the molding in the right position while you make a cut is the difficult part.
The solution is to hot glue a piece of 1-by-2 wood to the saw table so it acts as a cleat to hold the molding in the proper position.
Use plastic liners in your apron to easily switch between nails and screws. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Easy Nail Apron Liners: Make interchangeable liners for your nail apron or tool pouch out of one-quart plastic motor oil bottles.
Cut off the spout, wipe the bottle clean, fill it with nails or screws, and slip the liner into the apron pouch.
Fill up several bottles with various types and sizes of fasteners, so you can quickly and easily switch them in and out without having to dump out the apron.
This week, a poured concrete patio turns a decaying patio into an outdoor living space this homeowner can truly love.
Gretchen Bayley lives alone in her mid-century home, but the house is always full of friends and family. We’re transforming her old, crumbling patio into an outdoor living space to give her more room to entertain.
First, frame the area 12-by-23-foot area with 2-by-4s. Place the boards level with the existing carport concrete slab, then slope slightly downward so water will flow away from the carport.
Use a framing square to ensure each corner is at a 90-degree angle. To keep the form boards in place, screw them to evenly spaced wooden 2-by-4 stakes.
We use a masonry line to make sure the depth of the newly poured concrete patio will match the existing one. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Once the final form board is installed, check the depth across the space to ensure there’s enough depth to use the old patio as a foundation and pour the new slab directly over it.
(Because the pavers are below the top edge of the carport concrete slab, we don’t need to dig them up.)
Finally, lay the reinforcement wire.
Steel reinforcement wire adds strength to the newly poured concrete patio. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Once the forms are complete, a professional concrete finisher pours the slab. As the forms fill up, we tap the outside of them to release the air bubbles trapped in the concrete.
The concrete finisher moves a bull float over the freshly poured slab to smooth the surface. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
The concrete finisher uses special tools to smooth the top of the slab and create expansion joint lines to prevent cracking.
Once the concrete has cured for a bit, we drag a broom over it to create a textured finish.
The new picket fence has a functioning gate that’s easier to open and close. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Add Picket Fence Panels
Gretchen’s improvised roll fencing serves its purpose of containing her dogs in the backyard, but it’s not pretty. So, we’re adding some prettier (and sturdier) white picket fence panels.
This post anchor allows us to secure the fence right onto the concrete slab. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Instead of using a zip tie to keep the fence closed, we’re adding a gate at the corner of the carport to offer easier access to the new patio. To secure the post for the gate, we place it in a post anchor that can be drilled into the concrete.
The new outdoor entertainment area features bar seating and an adjustable TV. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Create Entertainment Area
Two large, empty shelves are wasting space in Gretchen’s carport. So, we remove the top one to make room for an outdoor TV and use the bottom one for bar seating.
These drop cloth curtains give this outdoor entertainment area warmth, texture, and the option for privacy. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
To create even more separation between the carport and the new outdoor entertainment area, Chelsea hangs drop-cloth curtains.
The curtains not only add some extra texture to the space but they also can be closed to hide Gretchen’s car when she’s entertaining.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf and Danny Lipford pose with homeowner Gretchen Bayley. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Post-Production Thoughts
Even though it was a good size, Gretchen’s patio was decades past its prime. The crumbling pavers were more than unattractive — they were downright dangerous.
The roll fencing added along the edge to contain the dogs wasn’t helping the look of the space either. There was nothing about this outdoor living space that invited you to enjoy the spacious backyard.
But now, the new poured concrete patio that replaced the old patio is both stable and attractive. Its clean edges clearly define the space, while it flows almost seamlessly into the existing covered area.
The new fence suits the yard perfectly and its new location creates the ideal boundary between the carport and the covered patio area.
Chelsea’s curtains help reinforce that line while they soften the edges and add refinement. What was an overbuilt shelf has become a modest bar top and the refurbished patio furniture creates plenty of comfortable seating to enjoy the expansive backyard.
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When you’re planning a concrete slab, it’s important to consider drainage. If it’s exposed to the elements, the slab should have enough slope so water can drain off of it.
For example, in the video above, we want the new concrete patio to be flush with an existing slab, so we slope the forms in the opposite direction by about one or two percent.
It’s also important that a slab be thick enough to be durable.
The thickness depends on what you’ll be using the slab for. Concrete driveways and patios need to be at least 4 inches thick, whereas concrete countertops only need to be one and a half inches thick.
In the video above, we want this patio to be at least 3-1/2 inches thick because we’re pouring the concrete over old pavers. So, we use a 2-by-4 gauge block to ensure we have that clearance.
Steel reinforcement wire helps to keep the concrete slab from crumbling. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
3. Forgetting Reinforcement
Concrete slabs are high in compressive strength, which makes them great at resisting compression forces and impact. But when it comes to tensile strength, or the capacity to resist pulling-apart forces, concrete doesn’t fare as well, according to ConcreteNetwork.com.
This is where steel reinforcement wire can help. Steel reinforcement provides additional structural support for concrete slabs. This is especially important if it will be exposed to heavy traffic.
It’s not uncommon for air bubbles to develop inside the slab as the concrete is poured. So, it’s a good idea to tap the exterior of the forms to help release them and improve the slab’s strength.
As the concrete cures, it will shrink some and may crack. To accommodate for this shrinkage, use a concrete groover to add some expansion joints as the slab cures. This way, if the slab expands, it’s more likely to do it inside these shallow grooves, where it mars the finished surface of the slab.
This week, we’re transforming a breezeway that looks almost accidental into a more inviting entrance.
Delane Caldwell’s breezeway to her front door is just a narrow hallway to the backyard, but we’re going to find a way to incorporate it more as a living space.
The Projects
Grinding the concrete smooths out the uneven surfaces of the patchwork slabs. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Refinish the Concrete Slab
The concrete in the breezeway looked like a patchwork of slabs. So, to create a uniform-looking slab, we smooth the concrete surface with a grinder.
Coating the breezeway with concrete epoxy paint creates a uniform color throughout the breezeway. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
After we sweep the dust away and rinse the slab off with a water hose, we paint the new smooth slab with a base coat of white epoxy paint.
After the base coat dries, we pop a chalk layout line on the slab to start our stenciling.
This stencil pattern is based on traditional Portuguese Azulejos tile designs. We used black epoxy paint to fill in the tile pattern on the concrete.
Curtains make this space feel more like an outdoor living room than a breezeway. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Hang Curtains
To make the breezeway feel more like a living space, we remove the chain link fence at the end and add curtains.
The fence posts are set in concrete, so to remove them, we’ll need some leverage. After digging up the dirt around the base, we place a concrete block next to the post to act as a fulcrum for our shovel.
To make the curtain rod wide enough to fill the breezeway, we connected two galvanized pipes together with a tee fitting. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Our curtains are going to hang the curtains from a galvanized threaded rod. We first measure the breezeway to ensure our rod is long enough to span the entire opening.
Etching the galvanzied pipe with vinegar ensures the spray paint will stick. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Before we install the rod, we paint it black to match the wrought iron. But, before we can paint, we have to etch the rod with vinegar to ensure the spray paint adheres to it.
Green leafy plants with varying heighth add depth and breadth to the garden space. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Fill Garden Bed
Our next project is to transform the garden bed inside the breezeway from a dirt pit to a green oasis.
We add a mix of green, leafy plants to fill the once-defunct garden space.
We surprised Delane with a smart lock deadbolt to not only dress up her front door but also make her home a little more secure.
The Kwikset Halo Touch Wi-Fi Fingerprint Smart Lock uses Delane’s unique fingerprint to open and lock her front door. This single-cylinder deadbolt also can be locked or unlocked by using the keypad or key from the outside as well as the turn button from the inside.
The smart lock has built-in Wi-Fi that connects directly to the home Wi-Fi network and smartphone for a secure smart home that does not require a third-party smart home hub, panel or subscription.
We also:
Touched up the paint on ironwork with spray paint
Painted front door and patio door dark teal
Today’s Homeowner TV host Danny Lipford and co-host Chelsea Lipford Wolf pose with Delane Caldwell and her father, Tim Caldwell. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Post-Production Thoughts
Delane’s breezeway is the main entrance to her home, but before it had a very tired and haphazard feel to it the random collection of different slabs on the floor only left visitors with questions about what the space was supposed to be.
The sad empty planting bed made the house feel a lot older than it actually was, and the chain link fence made it feel more like a cage than a relaxing space.
But now, the whole Space is taken on the field of a courtyard in a fancy hotel the consistency of the stencil floor ties everything together from the wrought iron gates to the lush green planting beds.
The door adds a pop of color while the fountain adds a cool visual element and a peaceful soundtrack for the space.
The simple curtain rod and the curtains frame the backyard and somehow make it all feel like a resort and we did it all for less than $1,200.
This week, hear how to fill in scratches on a wood floor, relevel a brick walkway, and more. (Joanne Millum/Terri Dudley)
Hour 1
Listen to hear how to fill in scratches on a wood floor, relevel a brick walkway, and more.
Fixing Scratched Floors
Scratches on wood floors are an eyesore, but you can lessen the look of them. (Joanne Millum)
Joanne Millum has beautiful hardwood floors in her mid-century home. Unfortunately, when a repairman moved the fridge to check a filter, it left gouges and scratches across the wood grain.
She wants to know: “Is there any way to fix that? One side is worse than the other.”
The only way to completely get rid of scratches is to refinish the floor.
But first, go to The Home Depot and get some Rejuvenate Wood Floor Restorer. This product is like a cleaner/filler for wood floors.
Clean your wood floors first, and apply it to the damaged area. This will help blend in the scratches to the rest of the floor.
Here’s our suggestion for preventing future scratches near the fridge — Cut a thin piece of paneling to the width of the refrigerator, and store it in the garage. Whenever you need to take the fridge out, tip it and slide the paneling under it to prevent any scratches.
Releveling an Uneven Brick Walkway
These unlevel bricks on this walkway are a tripping hazard. (Terri Dudley)
Tree roots have shifted the bricks on Terri Dudley’s walkway, and it’s now become a tripping hazard. The tree has since been cut down, but the roots are still intact around the stump and under the walkway.
“I am a widow with a disabled daughter. Do you have any suggestions on how to make it safe?” she asks.
In a situation like this, it’s hard to tell what can fix the problem until you start removing the bricks. Depending on how the bricks are installed, it could damage the bricks bringing them out of there unless they’re loosely laid.
Don’t touch the bricks that are flat and smooth. Remove all of the ones that are displaced, and use a reciprocating saw to cut the root from the walkway. Pack in some soil or some crushed rocks, and replace the bricks. Fill in any voids with sand.
This may not get it 100 percent level, but it will eliminate the trip hazard.
Hour 2
Listen to learn how to fix peeling paint, drill into tile, correct gaps in bamboo floors and more.
Fix for Peeling Paint in a Bathroom
Warm, moist air can cause paint to peel from walls. (Taveesaksri, Getty Images)
The paint is peeling off the ceiling in Philip Costa’s bathroom. He says the ceiling was plastered with a swirled pattern, and only a few areas are peeling.
“Do you have any ideas on how to fix this,” he asks.
First, you need to make sure your exhaust fan is working to remove all the hot, moist air in the bathroom.
The problem with exhaust fans is they get dirty and become ineffective. Try this test: take one square piece of toilet paper, turn the fan on, then hold it about an inch away from the grill. It should attach itself immediately to the fan, indicating the fan is drawing air up.
Make sure the exhaust fan is vented all the way to the outside. Make sure the air is coming out outside.
First, scrap all the paint off and sand the ceiling. Next, paint the whole ceiling with a bonding primer. Then, repaint it with two coats of acrylic latex paint. This binds it well.
This, coupled with making sure the hot, moist air is vented out, should eliminate the peeling paint.
Tip for Drilling into Tile
When drilling through tile, apply masking tape to keep the drill bit in place. (Getty Images)
Louis Sanchez just remodeled her master bathroom, which included tiling around the three walls of the toilet alcove. The tile extends up about 36 inches and is trimmed along the top edge with a natural-stone chair rail.
Before installing the tile, the toilet paper holder was screwed to the drywall.
“How would you suggest I attach the holder to the tile? I’m pretty handy, but I’m concerned about cracking our brand-new tile job.”
Trying to drill through a ceramic tile surround can be a challenge. The slick, glazed surface makes the masonry drill bit walk all over the tile.
I’ve heard some suggestions about using a nail to tap a slight indentation in the tile for a starting point, but this may end up cracking your tile.
Instead, try this: Place an “X” made from masking tape on the spot you want to drill. Use a pencil to mark the location on the top of the tape. The paper surface of the tape will keep your drill bit in place, allowing you to drill the hole where you need it.
Once drilled, simply remove the tape, and you’re ready to install the toilet paper holder. I recommend using a toggle bolt that goes through the tile into the cavity in the wall.
Of course, if you’re worried about ruining the new tile, you can do away with the attached toilet paper holder and opt for a free-standing one instead.
Gaps in Bamboo Floors
Bamboo flooring can expand and contract like regular hardwood. (gyro, Getty Images)
Cathy Cooly had bamboo hardwood floors installed in her dining in 2013. She’s since noticed a gap that’s about 4 feet long and about 1/8-inch wide.
“What can I do to stop it from gapping or what can I do to remove the gap in the floor?” she asks.
A bamboo hardwood floor is typically glued down, so you can’t move the boards as you can with laminate floating floors.
You can try to fill in the gap with wood putty, but consider that the gap could be caused by thermal expansion.
In the wintertime, wood contracts, so that could be why the gap is noticeable. If you wait until summer, the wood might expand and fill the gap on its own.
Fill it with something flexible, like caulk to accommodate for the expansion.
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Simple Solutions
Carving jack-o-lanterns offers an opportunity to show your creative side. Give that pumpkin a personality — but light it without a flame! (DepositPhotos)
Jack-O’-Lantern Tips — After carving your Halloween pumpkin, dip it into an ice bath with one cup of bleach. Let it soak for several minutes, then dry it off and rub petroleum jelly onto the edges of all the cutouts.
This will help seal in moisture and make your jack-o’-lantern stay fresh throughout the holiday.
Many modern range hoods have LED lights that are flush with the surface, making them difficult to remove for replacement or cleaning. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Bulb Removal Tip — Many modern range hoods have LED lights that are flush with the surface, making them difficult to remove for replacement or cleaning.
Plus, the bulbs aren’t threaded into a socket, but instead must be pushed up into the housing and rotated slightly to disengage it from two protruding lugs.
So, here’s how to remove flush bulbs: Take a length of duct tape and pinch it in the middle to create a T-shape with a tab that will serve as a handle. Stick the tape to the bulb, push up and twist it counter-clockwise.
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