Changing the color of the mortar on your fireplace can give the whole room a new feel. Mortar is the “grout” in your rock fireplace. The term grout is more commonly used when referring to ceramic tile installations. Grout fills joints between tiles, and mortar joins stone together. In addition to providing a solid bond … Read more
Ingredients are key when it comes to purchasing good-quality paint. A thin film of good paint, only a few thousandths of an inch thick, protects, seals, hides, decorates and is not hazardous to the user. It gives surfaces long-term protection at a very moderate price, for some. It’s in millions of homes and businesses, in … Read more
Did you know that there are building code rules and regulations about how much natural light and natural ventilation must be present in each and every room of a home? Before your building department approves a house or an addition, or even a window change, certain light and ventilation rules must be met. Closets, bathrooms, … Read more
Creating a clean, on-trend look when replacing balusters just got easier. L.J. Smith® Stair Systems has introduced a new Concealed Iron Baluster Installation Kit, making it simpler for homeowners to tackle the DIY project of installing half-inch hollow square iron balusters. “A popular practice these days is to remove some (or all) of the old balusters on … Read more
Can a new stairway system truly set the stage for an entire home remodeling project? Homeowner Joe Hanna believes the answer is yes. “The horizontal metal panel system was a game-changer,” says Hanna, who resides in Auburn, Ala. “This stairway and the accompanying railing system allowed us to accomplish what we dreamed of. It’s the … Read more
In this episode, we’re helping first-time homeowner Dawn Nelson, who’s in over her head with her kitchen renovation. Dawn wanted to take down one wall that separated her three main living areas, the dining room, kitchen and living room. But then realized she removed all the drywall on a load-bearing wall. Before, Dawn’s kitchen was … Read more
Adding an arch gives your fireplace character and enhances its visual interest. Are you looking to finish a fireplace arch with glass, pottery shards or other materials, and need some tips to do the job right? Or are you building a small patio and don’t know the best materials to use? How about making a … Read more
Smart thermostats have been around for a while now. In fact, Google Nest was actually one of the first companies to introduce the technology — now they have a new product. By now, most of us know the value of a smart thermostat, even if we don’t have one yet. They can save energy by … Read more
Moving out doesn’t have to be stressful. You just need a plan — and the right moving products. (©3M) [0:27]: The importance of planning your move [1:15]: Meet the 3M products that make moving easier [4:54]: Why you should use Command Hooks [8:04]: The packaging tape you need to prevent your boxes from popping open … Read more
You can easily update your kitchen cabinets by painting them. However, a good paint job depends on a great prep job. Prepare the surface properly so the paint will adhere and not peel or chip over time. While you can paint cabinets with a brush, a sprayer is faster and leaves a smoother surface. Sanding … Read more