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How To DIY

 

A Fantastic Glass Tile Backsplash Idea: Plus Tips On DIY Installation

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Have a viewing of this custom made glass tile mosaic kitchen backsplash. One thing is for sure...it is entirely unique.

It is the centerpiece above the soon-to-be-installed (humongous) gas range cooktop. There are a total of 940 1-inch square glass tile pieces. As you can plainly see, the colors are red, black, white and clear amber. Two of those colors happen to be the school colors of the new homeowner's alma mater, the University of Georgia School of Law. Not sure if that's by design or if it was simply chosen to coordinate with the adjoining grand family room...or both. Either way...it looks great and really injects a nice punch of vibrant color to liven things up.

 

10 Easy Steps for DIY Roll Roofing Installation

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shed_ready_for_roll_roofing_installation.JPG Roll roofing is the perfect material for the novice roofer who wishes to finish a shed or porch roof with a slight slope or flat roof. Produced in large rolls that are cut and nailed into place, installation is incredibly simple and can be completed quickly.

  Never install roll roofing unless it is at least 50 degrees to prevent cracking.

The heat will make the roll roofing easy to work with, so leave it on the roof for a few hours to warm up.

While you are waiting, install a drip edge all around the perimeter of the roof to prevent the water from working underneath the edge of the roofing. Normally made of plastic, a drip edge will further protect your roof and give it a finished edge. 
 
 

 

Five Green Ways to Remove Paint

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While many consumers may think that paint removal requires a chemical stripper and hours of work, there are plenty of options that are kind to the environment and your lungs as well as guaranteed to save you time.

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Of course, if you plan on repainting, use a low or no VOC paint to finish the job in the greenest way possible.


 

 

How to Cover a Concrete Cinder Block Wall

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concrete_cinder_block.jpg Concrete cinder block walls are sturdy and easy to build, but can often be unattractive when compared with the rest of your home. By covering the wall with surface bonding cement, you can increase the water resistance of the wall as well as the durability while creating a uniform surface that will blend with most architectural styles.

While many people may think that stucco should be used on a cinder block wall, surface bonding cement is actually what should be used. A good surface bonding cement will contain fiberglass as well as acrylic to further enhance the strength and flexibility of the product. These additives also make surface bonding cement easier to work with for first time users.

 

 

Three Ways to Cut Cast Iron Pipe

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snap_cutter_for_cutting_cast_iron_pipe.jpg If you own an older home, chances are part of your plumbing is made from cast iron.

Cast iron pipe holds the unique distinction of being very brittle as well as very strong, making it difficult for homeowners to modify it. While cast iron pipe is seldom installed, it is often removed and replaced as it fails.

For this reason, knowing how to cut a cast iron pipe is essential if you intend to work on your house's plumbing.

 

 Image courtesy Plumbing Supply

 

 

Easy Steps for Replacing Damaged Bricks

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DIY_brick_replacement.JPG While larger masonry projects are often reserved for the professional, smaller projects, such as replacing a few damaged bricks, can be tackled by the ambitious homeowner.

Just keep in mind that any project that involves a structural element or chimney flue should be completed by the professional mason.


Match Your Existing Bricks and Save Leftover Bricks for Future Replacement Needs
 
Before attempting to replace damaged brick, it is important to locate brick that will match the existing structure. If the area you are repairing is comparatively new bricks are often saved for repairs, but older structures may require that you call salvage yards to find appropriate replacements.

 

How to Build a Composite Handrail

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unfinished_porch.jpg A composite handrail is often as easy to build as a traditional wood handrail, without the associated maintenance concerns and with a lesser chance of rot.

It is also an excellent way to evaluate the workability and durability of a composite material before investing in a larger project.


Be Safe: Know Your Local Building Code

Keep in mind when installing any type of handrail that your local building code should be consulted for height and spacing between balusters, as well as other requirements. By following these guidelines you can help ensure that your new composite handrail will not be a hazard.

You should also consider whether what type of composite handrail will best fit your home.

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Photos

  • Notice the deep shadow lines that 3/4" lap siding creates.
  • More pre-primed cypress lap siding ready to be put to use.
  • This cypress lap siding is planed smooth for this Victorian application.
  • It's very important to fill all of the nail holes and caulk all gaps prior to painting.
  • You can see the raw edge of the siding from this angle.
  • A quarter dollar is 15/16" in diameter, used here for scale, to show the 3/4" thickness of the siding.
  • The is the three-car garage with the cypress clapboard painted in a classic white
  • Solid 3/4" cypress lap siding is used throughout the exterior of this Victorian Home
  • master bathroom suite
  • furniture sink vanity in bathroom
  • Palmdale entry with side lights and transom window
  • Palmdale foyer with alcove

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