Building a Retaining Wall

In this video, learn how to build a retaining wall. The perfect foil for sloping soil.

Diamond Cuts With Tile Saws

In this free video clip, learn about safely using a tile saw, and how to do a diamond cut with a tile saw.

How To Prune Apple Trees Between Autumn And Spring

VideoJug: How To Prune Apple Trees Between Autumn And Spring
Tom Cole from Capel Manor College in London shows you how to prune apple trees between late Autumn and early Spring.

Concrete Countertops: Design, Form, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath

At first, the idea of using concrete for kitchen countertops has the same appeal as using cardboard boxes for cabinetry or dining on the floor. Naysayers are in for a surprise as architect Cheng elevates this pedestrian building material to a new level, using it to create beautiful and functional countertops. They are a far cry from rough sidewalks, having polished surfaces that can be colored or have interesting objects cast into them. Cheng shows the entire process: design considerations, mold-making, concrete selection, installation, and maintenance, all using straightforward instructions supplemented by excellent illustrations. Showing an innovative use of a common and inexpensive material, this title should be part of comprehensive public library home improvement collections.

Available at Amazon.com.

Get Your House in Shape for Football Season

Summer is coming to an end and you know what that means -- the 2008 football season is just around the corner. In less than a month the season begins, and if you want your home to gain a reputation of being “the place” to enjoy the game, now is the time to start getting ready.

A good place to start is by stocking up on supplies: disposable cups, plates, napkins, serving trays and utensils; soda and bottled water; chips and pretzels; and all the right gear to cheer on your team. You’ll also have to decide where everyone will gather to watch the big game, keeping in mind, as long as the weather is nice, the “best place in the house” won’t be in the house at all, but in your outdoor living room.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), extending the footprint of your home by creating living space outside is one of the hottest trends in home remodeling right now. Gone are the days when all you had outside was some patio furniture.

These days, people’s backyards have all the comforts of home -- a relaxing place to sit, electrical connections for televisions and stereos and a refrigerator where snacks and drinks can be stored. People are also putting in outdoor ovens that do double duty, not only providing a place to cook brats and burgers, but on those upcoming cold winter days, warmth as well.

If you don’t have a barbeque oven yet, but want to create an outdoor living space in time for football season, start by deciding where it should go, then invite some friends over to help you build one. Here’s how:

Required materials:

Sakrete All-Purpose Gravel

Sakrete Type N Mortar Mix

Two (2) Metal grates


Required tools:

Plasterer’s trowel

Hoe

Mixing box

Level

Four (4) wooden posts (2x4s)

Optional: sill plate


Directions:

1. Map out area for concrete footing with wooden posts and secure them in the ground. Lay a level bed of Sakrete All-Purpose gravel and pack it even. Pour a concrete footing about four to six inches thick. Let the slab cure for 24 to 48 hours before beginning to lay the brick.

2. Begin building walls with a layer of Sakrete Type N Mortar between the footing and the first layer of brick. You should begin at the corners and work inward. Check after each layer with a level to make sure your finished product will be level.

3. When the structure is 2/3 of its scheduled height, place a row of bricks protruding to the inside to create a ridge for the metal grate (purchased at your local hardware store) to rest on, then do it again several layers up to create enough space between grates for charcoal.

4. Once the barbeque walls are complete, to install a sill plate to provide a means to set and anchor the roof or floor joists. The sill plate is also anchored with bolts into the block cells filled with Portland cement grout.

5. Place metal grates inside grill and fill the lower with the charcoal.

6. Enjoy!


For more detailed directions on constructing a slab footing and laying block and brick for your barbeque, log on to http://www.sakrete.com/ and click on the link that says “Take Me to the Sakrete Project Center.” Sakrete products are available at your local hardware and building supply retailer.

Once the barbeque is built, take the time to trim back any overgrown vegetation and, of course, mow the lawn the day before your guests are set to arrive so the yard will look neat, tidy and inviting -- just like a well-manicured football field. Sit back, crack open your favorite beverage and listen to your friends talk about your house being the entertainment mecca.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Faux Marble Painting

In this video from DIY Network, learn a faux marble look with DIY Real People guest Susie Goldenberg.

Redwood: A Beautiful, Environmentally Smart Fencing Option

A fence can be one of the hardest working features of your home. The right fence will define your space, create privacy and shade, and retain its beauty while standing up to even the harshest weather.

The perfect fence will also reflect your commitment to living “green.”

Before you design or build your fence, you should consider certain questions that can help ensure that your fence complements the character of your home. Are you defining a boundary or shielding yourself from unwanted noise? Which views do you want to keep or block? What activities or traffic patterns occur in the area? Would planter boxes help convey the mood you want?

Whether you are building a utilitarian, hard-working barrier fence or sprucing up the front yard entry to your home, a redwood fence can do the job in style.

Redwood can capture the feel of the great outdoors and is naturally resistant to insects, fire and decay. It’s easy to work with so you can add intricate details and personal touches so your fence reflects your style. You can also choose from a variety of finishes to give your redwood fence the exact color and look you want.

Redwood lumber comes in several grades to help you get exactly the look you’re after. Posts are generally made from 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 Construction Heart grade redwood that contains knots and durable heartwood. Fence rails, which run horizontally, are most often 2-by-4 or 2-by-6. Standard fence boards are 1-by-6 but can be custom-cut to the pattern of your choice.

Remember to pay attention to detail. For example, gates often become the focal point for a fence and can enhance an entryway. A trellis or pergola over a gate often provides the perfect accent.

Using redwood for your fence can create a distinctive appearance, and it is a sound environmental choice, too. Redwood is a renewable resource grown and harvested to the highest environmental standards in the world. Plus, choosing redwood can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Redwood forests are among the most efficient scrubbers of greenhouse gases on the planet. Because redwood is the fastest growing softwood species in North America, redwood trees excel at absorbing the greenhouse gas carbon from the air. When redwoods are harvested, the carbon trapped by trees is stored in the wood that becomes your fence or deck. Harvested sites are always replanted, so redwood forests will endure and clean the air for generations.

Redwood works for just about any style fence you can imagine. Lattice fences feature a light and delicate design that can be readily pre-fabricated in square or rectangular frames. Picket fences are usually no more than four feet high and make excellent decorative boundary markers. Board-on-board fences make wonderful “good-neighbor” fences because they look the same on both sides, and panel fences provide solid barriers.

Regardless of the style you choose, redwood’s natural beauty holds up well in all types of weather. Left alone, redwood fences will take on a distinguished gray look. The California Redwood Association notes that protecting your redwood fence with a water-repellent finish that contains a mildewcide and sun-blocking ultraviolet inhibitor can extend its life.

Good fences do make good neighbors, so it is important to consider the view from both sides of your redwood fence. Some fences look wonderful on your side, yet present neighbors with a less appealing view. Other designs look equally attractive from both sides. A friendly talk with your neighbors can lead to a design that pleases all parties, and they may even be willing to share the cost of materials and labor.

The California Redwood Association offers a 16-page booklet, Redwood Fences for All Reasons, free online at http://www.calredwood.org/ref/lit.htm. It includes dozens of idea-starting color fence photos which are accompanied by how-to details and material specifications. It also contains a construction guide that takes the do-it-yourselfer through every step of the designing and building process.

For other project plans and redwood information, log on to www.calredwood.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Building Concrete Countertops

A step by step guide to fabricating beautiful concrete countertops by hand.

How to Solder Copper Pipe

Soldering copper pipes is an important skill for many home improvement projects. Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com shows you how to solder copper pipe to get a water tight seal.

Specialty Glass as a Mulch Alternative

Landscape designer, Michael Glassman, offers specialty glass as a mulching alternative that offers all the benefits of mulch, adds a unique accent and won't break down.

Revive Your Summer-stressed Lawn This Fall

People associate lawn care with spring and summer, but the fall is actually the optimal time to take steps toward a healthy, greener lawn.

“Autumn gives lawn owners an opportunity to repair summer damage and prepare the lawn for winter,” explains John Marshall, head of the Scotts Training Institute. “Taking action in the fall will lead to a healthier lawn in the spring.”

Rout the Drought

This summer’s drought has left many lawns across the country straw-colored and dormant. Fall lawn care can help your lawn recover. During a drought, you should continue to fertilize your lawn every eight weeks with a slow-release fertilizer. A lawn that has the proper nutrients grows dense, deep roots and recovers from drought faster. A regularly fed lawn will also be healthier and thicker than an unfed lawn. Couple feedings with infrequent, deep watering to promote deeper roots, which provide a larger reservoir of water to draw from.

After the drought passes, keeping this feeding schedule up through the fall should help your lawn green up quickly. If brown patches remain, fall is the time to consider raking those spots out and reseeding to get your lawn healthy for the following spring.

Feed the Need

Even lawns not stricken by drought need nourishment in the fall – and autumn feeding can make a big difference. Fall feeding can bring a dramatic improvement as the lawn recovers from summer damage. Treatment with a product such as Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard helps “winterize” the lawn, storing vital nutrients so that underground root development can continue until the ground freezes to ready the lawn for fuller growth in the spring. Two feedings -- timed around Labor Day and Halloween -- are recommended for Northern lawns, while Southern lawns are best-fed four-to-six weeks before the first frost occurs in your specific region.

Let It Breathe

In order to grow, a lawn needs air. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t see the grass due to leaf coverage, then it’s time to remove the lawn debris from the yard. Clearing leaves and clippings in the fall will help by removing clutter that keeps air and sun from reaching the growing grass. Heed caution if mulching leaves, as a thick layer spread onto the lawn actually does more harm than good.

One great way to let your lawn breathe is through core aeration, which promotes deep root growth. Aeration removes cores of dirt, thatch and grass and reduces soil compacting that can keep grass from developing roots deep enough to absorb rainwater. For best results, choose an aerator that removes plugs of soil, with the remaining holes at least 3/4” in diameter, 3” deep and no more than 3” apart.

Overseed

Once the lawn is aerated, look for weak spots in it. Drought, thatch, insects, disease or seeding too lightly at first planting can make lawns thin or patchy. Overseeding -- the spreading of grass seed directly onto soil within an existing lawn -- can improve a lawn’s appearance dramatically and eliminate the need for a total lawn renovation.

Fall is the prime time to overseed because the warm soil promotes rapid seed growth and typically, fewer weed problems emerge at this time of the year. If the thatch layer of dead roots and stems below the green blades is more than 1/2” thick, you should de-thatch the lawn before overseeding. If the presence of tree roots has resulted in an inadequate topsoil layer, spread a layer of topsoil, like Turf Builder Seeding Soil, no more than 1/4” over the lawn.

The day before you overseed, mow the lawn slightly lower than normal. Be sure to use fertilizer when you seed. For the next several weeks after overseeding, keep the top inch of soil moist to permit growth.

“People often neglect these steps for fall lawn care, but when they finally try them, they’re amazed by the difference in the spring,” says Marshall. “The old saying, ‘Beautiful lawns are made in the fall’ is true.”

For more information on fall lawn care and tips on preparing your lawn for winter, visit www.scotts.com or call 800-543-TURF (8873).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Miter Saw Basics

In this free video clip, learn how to properly and safely use a miter saw.

How to Avoid Big Homeowner Headaches This Winter

Labor Day signifies that summer is quickly drawing to a close and that colder weather will soon be setting in over many parts of the country. For homeowners, the holiday also means they’ll soon be facing a long list of home improvement and maintenance activities in preparation for winter.

Already time-starved homeowners can spend countless hours working on fall fix-up projects rather than enjoying what’s left of the warmer weather. Add this to the increasing day-to-day activities Americans are facing, such as longer work hours, less vacation time and increased family and personal commitments, and you can you see why there’s a growing trend toward finding creative ways to balance work, family and the demands of owning a home.

If homeowners can’t find the time to do the projects themselves, it’s still best to take some preventative measures or consider hiring a professional now rather than waiting until a problem occurs in the dead of winter.

To help homeowners make the best use of their time and streamline their home winterizing tasks, Mr. Handyman, the largest employer of handymen with 250 locations nationwide, offers the following tips for improving your home’s efficiency and avoiding costly winter problems:

Proper Insulation Is Key

Knowing the adequate amount and type of insulation for a home’s attic and walls can save homeowners a significant amount of money. Seventy-percent of the average homeowner’s energy bills during the winter are spent on electric heating costs, so it’s easy to see why one of the biggest mistakes many homeowners can make is not taking the time to properly insulate.

Determining how much insulation you need is the first step. You’ll want to consider, among other things, if your home is more than 10 years old, what type of home you live in, whether or not you have cathedral ceilings, if your home has a basement or if it’s built on a slab, and how you heat and cool your home.

Also know that not all insulation is created equal. Insulation is identified and labeled by R-value. "R" stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power so the colder the climate you live in, the greater the need for a higher R-value.

Crack Open the Caulk

Investing your money in extra insulation for the attic and walls can be a waste of time and money if you fail to properly winterize your windows and doors. Once you’ve checked for any air leaks or drafts in your windows, apply caulk to seal any potential air leaks. Re-caulking your windows will help keep moisture out of your home. Snow and ice that thaw and then refreeze can wreak havoc if the water seeps into windows and settles on sills and ledges. A fresh lining of caulk will drastically reduce the potential of damaged windows. After caulking, you might want to take one step further and install weather stripping on the windows and doors. This will help further reduce drafts and also protect against water and moisture.

Make Plumbing Paramount

While failing to adequately winterize your windows and doors can potentially cost you a few hundred dollars a year, neglecting to insulate exposed piping can lead to burst pipes, which would cause significant damage to your home. Heating tape should be applied to all pipes that are at risk of freezing. Additionally, all exterior faucets should be drained and have their water source turned off.

Don’t Forget the Furnace

One of the simplest tasks that many homeowners overlook is changing the filter in their furnaces. A new, clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, allowing more warm air to reach all the rooms in a home and saving homeowner money by reducing heating costs. Because the furnace can run all winter long, make sure to check the filter at least once a month. The simple motto “change the filter on the first” is a great way to develop a pattern for checking the quality of the filter.

While these tips don’t cover all the tasks that need to be completed to properly winterize your home, they should give you a good head start this fall. Remember, sufficiently winterizing your home does take time and money, however it will not only improve your quality of life in the short term, but in the long run will add value to your home.

For more information on Mr. Handyman services available in your area, log onto www.mrhandyman.com, or call (877) 674-2639.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Build a Firepit

A "Do it yourself" video to show how to build your own firepit in one day as simple and easy as possible. In the video you will find step by step instructions and lists for tools and materials.

Eeeeck I Have Squeaks

As you delicately try to tiptoe past that familiar creak in the floor, your foot is inevitably drawn right to it and that terrible squeak is heard, loud as ever, throughout the house. It’s happened to everybody, and at times it wakes up the newborn (or anyone else who is asleep), interrupts home-office calls, and lets everyone in the house know about your midnight snack run to the fridge.

Sound familiar? If so, you probably assumed a squeaky floor was something you’d have to live with. Contrary to popular belief, however, a squeak in the floor is relatively easy to repair. One product that makes this home improvement so simple is Squeeeeek No More, a squeaky floor elimination kit that works on carpeted, vinyl and hardwood floors.

It used to be that home improvement experts advised only going underneath a floor to fix a creaky floorboard. However, second floors cannot be repaired this way, due to the first floor ceiling. Your grandparents probably advised using talcum powder, liquid wax or powdered soap between the floorboards of that hardwood floor to stop it from squeaking.

With new products like Squeeeeek No more, all of these old-fashioned remedies can be forgotten. There is no need to lift up any carpet or floorboards and the task can be performed on top of the flooring. All it takes is a power drill and the provided hardware from the kit.

Squeaks occur when shrinks and gaps develop around different flooring elements. For example, in most creaky floors, a nail that was used to fasten the floor has become loose and a squeak happens as a result of the nail rubbing on the sub floor. Or it’s a possibility that wooden planks have loosened from the joist below them and are rubbing against one another.

Squeeeeek No More works on carpeted floors by using a tool that will find the location of the floor joists from above the floor. After locating the joists, an alignment and depth control fixture allows you to drill through the carpet with one of the provided screws into the joist where the squeak exists. The screw will tighten the floor planks back onto the joist without ruining the floor or having to go underneath it.

The alignment fixture has a screw gripper on one side that will snap off the screw head. The screw will break off below the surface of the floor, leaving no visible hardware. The squeak is gone and there are no dangerous nails or screws sticking out of the carpet.

Squeeeeek No More will also work on stairs and thick carpet, and is safe to use in new homes where new builders are constantly called back to remedy creaky floors. Doing away with creaky floors can also be a big aid when it comes time to sell a home. There is nothing more unattractive to prospective homebuyers than noisy squeaks and creaks coming from the floor.

Squeeeeek No More is a good choice for nurseries and bedrooms. Parents with babies or small children will appreciate giving their little ones a good night’s rest, free from loud creaks. More importantly, hungry members of the household will finally be able to reach the refrigerator at midnight without waking up the entire household!

For more information about Squeeeeek No More, call (800) 459-8428 or visit http://www.squeaknomore.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Smear the Paint on the Wall for a Faux Finish

Learn how to smear the paint on the wall for a faux finish, in this free video.

Roses For Small Spaces

Horticulturalist Eric Johnson gives gardening tips about roses for small spaces.

Color Trends 2008

Fashion runways have long been the inspirational source for home furnishings and decorating color choices. Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute shares 2008 trendy paint palettes.

“Consumers’ increasing color confidence and personal style makes any color fashionable for 2008”, Zimmer says. “From glass-like blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences or an increasing awareness of important environmental causes.”

Zimmer’s Top Three Color Palette Choices for 2008:

“Go Green”
“Green may just become the newest “neutral” color.” Used as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness and social responsibility, green will be representative of the growing environmental movement. Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Sandy tan and adobe brown can be intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel.

While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces.

“Sophisticated Elegance”
Gaining popularity in 2008, black and white paint hues will enhance opulent living spaces filled with accessories, lighting, mirrors and rich fabrics. Silver metallics and high sheen finishes along with rich textures benefit from the sophistication of this striking palette. Zimmer suggests, “For an unexpected color punch, add cause related hues such as dramatic red or maintain the room’s classic undertones with subtle pink or taupe.” Dramatic and sophisticated, black and white is becoming the backdrop of choice for glamorous spaces.

Master bedroom suites and living rooms are two of the spaces that can benefit from sophisticated elegance.

“Crewel Colors”
Many consumers continue to strive for simplicity in their technology-driven overloaded lifestyles and seek a return to a gentler way of life. The crewel color palette reflects consumers returning interest in crafts, home cooking and family focused activities. Like a rich and color filled needlepoint pattern, these hues add a soulful and personalized feel to any space. “Handcrafted items create a sense of stability and security and these warm, creamy rich colors will do the same in your space,” says Zimmer. Rich cranberry reds, warm browns, along with pumpkin orange help to create a nurturing and caring environment. Mix in deep-toned blue and the tapestry is complete.

Crewel colors remain an excellent choice for kitchen or dining areas and can be warming, like a knitted afghan, in family spaces.

“No matter which paint hue or palette attracts your individual attention, consumers continue to have an increased appreciation for paint quality and value. After all it’s a personal choice for a personal space—your home,” Zimmer says.

About Rohm and Haas Company
Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Our innovative technologies and solutions help to improve life everyday, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.2 billion in 2006. Visit http://www.rohmhaas.com/ for more information. imagine the possibilities™

About The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (sm), based in Spring House, Pa., was formed by the Rohm and Haas Company, a worldwide producer of specialty materials, in 1989 with a charter of independence and objectivity to educate painters everywhere on the advantages of using high quality paint, as well as to inspire them with information on innovative ways to use paint and decorating and color trends. Please be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute Web site at http://www.paintquality.com/.

Source: PRWeb

Making a Chess Board the Quick and Easy Way

Master craftsman George Berry, "The Woodguy", shows how to quickly and easily make a chess board.

Michelle Kaufmann and Flux, Inc. Launch Green Lighting Line

A leader in sustainable design, Michelle Kaufmann Designs (MKD) has made the leap from sustainable homes to sustainable home products.

In an effort to bring sleek, affordable, eco-friendly lighting to the industry, MKD has teamed up with Seattle-based industrial design studio, Flux Inc., to build a line of modern, energy efficient lighting fixtures. With one tenth of all electricity in the United States consumed by lighting, the sector represents a huge opportunity for conservation through new technologies like compact fluorescence and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

First in the new series from MKD and Flux, VESSEL is a vase-like fixture designed as an entry way light or wall sconce. The tall, slender, steel and glass form features a secure mounting base that dramatically lights a large, durable, blown-glass vase from below. VESSEL not only casts light upward, illuminating the vase and its contents, but also downward, offering a great design solution for lighting house numbers or entry steps.

VESSEL is beautiful on its own, or filled with personal objects like colored glass marbles, polished stones, or dried flowers. Water brings life into the lit chamber of the vase. Add flowers, bamboo, or even goldfish (the fixture's efficiency will keep the water from getting hot!).

VESSEL is available with compact fluorescent lamping or an optional LED assembly and complies fully with ADA (American Disabilities Act.)

These lighting technologies:

• Last up to 15x longer than traditional, Edison-style bulbs.
• Use less than 1/5th of the energy of the old-fashioned bulbs.
• Produce light with a fraction of the heat of incandescent bulbs.
• Stand up to extreme weather conditions (-5F to 122F).

About Michelle Kaufmann Designs
In 2002, architect Michelle Kaufmann founded Michelle Kaufmann Designs (MKD) in an effort to bring thoughtful, sustainable buildings accessible to all.

MKD is a full service architectural and design firm that specializes in sustainable, innovative, high quality living. MKD is a proud partner of ENERGY STAR and is fully committed to creating highly efficient and healthy buildings. They have LEED accredited architects on staff and are a member of the US Green Building Council. MKD's mission: to make thoughtful, sustainable living accessible to all.

About Flux Inc.
Flux Incorporated is a Seattle-based industrial design studio founded by Bradley Sweek in 1994. The company specializes in building lighting products from modern forms with clarity and a thoughtful engagement of materials and craft. Flux designs and manufactures its products in-house from its 45,000 square foot, UL certified, fabrication plant south of downtown Seattle. Previous clients and design partners have included Dodd Mitchell, Marriott Hotels, Eddie Vedder, The Roosevelt Hotel and Sub Pop Records.

Sweek describes the relationship with MKD as a natural meeting of the minds, "Michelle Kaufmann's commitment to the long view has put her well ahead of the curve with the innovations and planning that make sustainable building practices the new norm. These are the values that energize us at Flux too. It's what makes it fun to go to work. We relished the opportunity to collaborate and learn from her leadership."

Source: PRWeb

Growing Basil

In this video, learn how to grow basil in your own garden.

New Design Tips Make Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Room Easy

Creating an outdoor living and entertaining area can be just as trying as creating an interior space and, often, just as costly. Today, with the many options and possibilities available, it's important to cover all aspects of creating the perfect outdoor space. The Concrete Network, the most comprehensive resource for concrete information on the web, has highlighted top tips and design ideas to tackle this tedious task. Throughout its sections, the site includes tips to consider for creating a beautiful outdoor area by incorporating concrete.

Below is a sample of the many tips you can find on The Concrete Network:

1. Furniture templates drawn to scale can help to layout patio size and shape. For this, large sheets of construction paper can be purchased from your local hardware or school supply store. Ultimately, patio size will need to be determined. Patios should be kept to a minimum size of 12 ft by 12 ft.
2. It is important to remember to build for the long term, especially when adding new concrete hardscapes, or permanent structures like a barbeque or fireplace. One must consider weather conditions, property views, and views from a home's interior as well.
3. The atmosphere of the overall space is also important. Areas can be modified easily by incorporating plants, fresh cut flowers, colorful umbrellas, lanterns and more to set specific moods.
4. Choosing the right surface materials, furniture and hardware will determine how resistant these items are to withstand the elements of all seasons, and will determine how often items must be replaced. Consider concrete countertops to provide a solid, clean surface for cooking. Concrete furniture, such as benches and tables, can also be included. Hardware, including faucets, door handles and knobs should be made of stainless steel to avoid rusting.
5. Incorporate decorative concrete. Long gone are the days of drab, grey concrete. Through methods of stamping or staining, there are hundreds of color choices, patterns and designs that can be used to personalize any concrete surface.

These are just a few of the many factors to consider when building an outdoor area. Browse through the site's Outdoor Concrete sections for many more tips and tricks. Get inspired by photos of completed outdoor projects by visiting the photo gallery, where artisans from around the country show how they incorporate these tips in creating the perfect outdoor space.

Established in 1999, The Concrete Network's purpose is to educate consumers, builders, and contractors on popular decorative techniques and applications. These include stamped concrete, stained concrete floors, concrete countertops, polished concrete, and much more. In July 2007 The Concrete Network Website had over 1.3 million visitors researching decorative concrete.

The site excels at connecting buyers with local contractors in their area through its Find-A-Contractor service. The service provides visitors with a list of decorative concrete contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is fully searchable by 23 types of decorative concrete work and 200 regional areas throughout North America.

Source: PRWeb

Black Plants

Horticulturalist Eric Johnson gives gardening tips about the wonderful benefits that black plants can have for your yard or garden.

New Concrete Colors Semi-Transparent Concrete Stains from Seal-Krete Offer Simple Beauty and Protection for Concrete Floors

Convenience Products, maker of SEAL-KRETE brand products, introduces new Concrete Colors semi-transparent stains for concrete surfaces. SEAL-KRETE Concrete Colors are available in four (4) pre-mixed colors, a tint base, and a clear low-lustre sealer. A range of 30 colors is available with base tinting. Concrete Colors were developed to provide a premium decorative finish and exceptional protection to bare horizontal or vertical concrete surfaces. A 20% solids content means Concrete Colors is durable, long-wearing, resistant to stains, oil, gas, salt and chloride, and extends the life of concrete surfaces. Concrete Colors penetrate deeply into concrete surfaces, and depending on the porosity, can be applied to achieve a variety of different looks. Adding a topcoat or sealer will add gloss, without it Concrete Colors stays low-lustre for an aged look.

“There are a number of concrete stains available now, but none that offer the simplicity, the range of looks, and the strength and protection that comes with SEAL-KRETE Concrete Colors,” says Tim Franklin, Product Development Manager for Seal-Krete. “Like all SEAL-KRETE products, Concrete Colors have a high-solids content to add protection with your beautiful finish. You don’t get that with any other stain,” says Franklin. Larry Pennock, Vice President of Sales and Marketing says, “These products are just so easy to use. You can use sprayers, rollers, brushes, a mix of colors - even stencils, and still get a great finish. Not many other stains actually increase the life of the concrete,” says Pennock. “These products represent an easy-to-apply system for the DIY audience as well as the emerging DIFM customer. We want to make it simple, and we have.”

SEAL-KRETE Concrete Colors are water-based, low odor, with 20% solids and less than 100 grams VOC per liter. The line is available nationwide in one and five gallon containers. Seal-Krete is a Convenience Products’ brand, a division of Clayton Corporation, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, please visit http://www.seal-krete.com/.

Source: PRWeb

Repairing a toilet supply line

In this video, learn how to repair a toilet water supply line.

How To Dead Head Roses

VideoJug: How To Dead Head Roses
Roses need to be 'dead-headed' throughout their flowering season. This process involves removing dead flowers to encourage new ones to grow. Steve Redman from Holland Park in London takes you through the technique.

How to Remove Hinges

In this video, learn how to remove the hinges from a door.

Laying Sod

Do you want a great lawn instantly? Sod is the answer. Roll up your sleeves and let's get started!

Tips and Tactics to Finding the Right Exterior Door

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Believe it or not, this sound advice – attributed to American humorist Will Rogers – also applies to your home and the exterior door that welcomes visitors.

A beautiful entryway can make a memorable first impression; it is after all one of the first things people see. It is also essential in boosting the curb appeal of a home when it’s for sale, and can help add value through heating and cooling efficiencies. But when it comes to exterior doors, how do you know which one is the best for your home?

“Not all entry door products are created equal,” says Shirley Wang, CEO of Plastpro, Inc., a producer of fiberglass door products. “Because some are more durable, attractive or insulate better, homeowners need to familiarize themselves with what’s available and choose what best suits their needs.”

More than ever before the perfect door is one that combines optimal insulation, easy maintenance, and great design. Take a closer look at your front door. Does it represent your personal taste, is it low-maintenance, and does it maximize your home’s energy efficiency? If not, it might be time for a change.

Technological advances and evolving designs mean there are more types of exterior doors available than ever before. Here are some tips for finding a door that is right for your home:

Material
Wood doors represent about 30 percent of the total market, according to industry insiders. Metal doors are very durable, but often are less visually pleasing. Fiberglass doors are an alternative option that combines the best of both worlds by offering a look similar to wood and the strength of steel, but with less overall maintenance.

Wood doors have long been favored in older homes for their aesthetic appeal. However, wood is porous and can allow cold to seep into the home. Wood doors also tend to warp, rot, chip, and splinter, and need to be replaced more frequently.

While metal doors are a durable alternative, they tend to hold in the cold. Additionally, they can ding and dent easily, causing the door's exterior paint to chip off, leaving the unattractive metal core exposed.

Fiberglass doors have become a popular alternative to steel and wood because of their aesthetic appeal and easy maintenance. Indeed, new technologies and manufacturing techniques allow fiberglass doors to simulate the warmth and texture of real wood but without its inherent problems such as cracking and warping. They also have many of the same durable qualities as metal, yet are more resistant to damage. Finally, fiberglass doors provide excellent insulation, and expand or contract very little with weather changes.

Glass
Whether you want to protect against solar heat gain, prevent heat loss, or simply create a more decorative effect with your door, there’s a type of glass available to suit every situation. Insulating, tinted, noise-deadening, tempered, distortion-free, impact-resistant, opaque, and translucent glass are just some of the possibilities.

Companies like Plastpro are also manufacturing entry doors with built-in mini-blinds. Sealed between tempered glass, the pre-installed mini-blinds can be tilted as well as raised completely up and down to provide as much or as little light and privacy as desired.

Color and Style
In addition to realistic graining that makes them difficult to distinguish from wood once they’re stained, fiberglass doors also come in a wide range of styles and wood textures including smooth skin, oak, mahogany, or fir grain.

While door styles often vary by region, a basic four or six panel design is generally the most popular style in both Smooth Skin and Woodgrain. Regionally, a Rustic design is very popular in the Southwest and California, while a Craftsman style door is preferred in the Northwest. Plastpro has also developed a True White Oak door which features a completely white skin that hides scrapes and scratches – that are often visible on wood and metal doors – with a color guarantee of 10 years.

Frames
While doors are often blamed for air leakage and related energy losses, it’s often door frames that are in poor condition (or just very old) that are the culprit.

“When replacing an exterior door, homeowners should also consider replacing their frames,” says Shirley Wang. She adds that while door frames are often made with the same materials as the door itself (i.e. wood or metal), companies like Plastpro now manufacture frames made of a fully composite “poly fiber” material that resist moisture, rot, rust and insects. “These frames are more durable, require minimal maintenance and are less expensive than other frames over the lifetime of your home,” said Wang.

No matter what door you choose, remember that it is an important representation of your home . When making an impression, the first one matters most.

For more information on doors, visit www.plastproinc.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Tips To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Homeowners everywhere are giving inefficient windows and doors the cold shoulder this year.

According to a recent study commissioned by JELD-WEN, a leading manufacturer of windows and doors, nearly 26 percent of homeowners say what they dislike most about their existing windows and doors is that they are drafty and inefficient. As the temperature outside drops, homeowners notice that these inefficiencies quickly turn into rising utility bills.

As much as half of the energy used in a home goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To minimize the energy and dollars spent to heat a home this winter, it’s essential that windows and doors are energy efficient.

“Energy efficient windows and doors are crucial to maintaining a home’s comfort during even the coldest months,” says Brian Hedlund, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. “Homeowners who replace single-pane glass windows with ENERGY STAR qualified products can save $125 to $450 on energy costs annually, according to ENERGY STAR.”

To maximize a home’s energy efficiency, consider the following tips:

1. Start at the front.

A home’s front door can play a vital role as one of the first lines of defense against the elements. If a door does not close properly or lets in a draft, a homeowner’s utility bills can pay the price. Homeowners should check the weather-stripping and any gaps around the door that can let heat escape. If these features cannot be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door.


2. Glass matters.

Choosing windows with insulated Low-E glass is an important step in making a room more energy efficient because the special coating helps reflect some of the interior heat back into the home. These double-paned windows also greatly enhance energy efficiency, compared to single-paned windows.

Vinyl windows have become exceedingly popular because of their low maintenance and energy efficient features. For homeowners who prefer wood windows, manufacturers like JELD-WEN have introduced “pocket” replacement windows that come with Low-E glass and are designed for installation into existing window frames, which makes the process simpler, quicker and less damaging to a home’s structure.


3. Drive home efficiency.

The garage is often forgotten when it comes to energy efficiency, but it’s one of the largest entry points of the home. The temperature of a garage greatly affects the overall temperature of the entire home. For energy savings in the garage, find a proper-fitting garage door and make sure that the door leading from the garage to the inside of the home is also energy efficient.


4. Energy efficiency pays off.

Beyond the initial purchase price of a product, consider the long-term value that energy efficient products offer in terms of annual measurable savings. Homeowners who make energy efficient updates to their home, including windows and doors, can qualify for up to $500 in federal tax credits if installed by Dec. 31, 2007.

Specifically, the tax credit for replacing exterior windows is 10 percent the product cost, up to $200. The credit for exterior doors is 10 percent of the product cost, up to $500. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements is $500.

For more information about energy efficient windows and doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com or call (800) 877-9482.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Easy Home Remedies for Water-stained Glass

If someone were to ask you what the hardest room in the house to clean is, you’d likely say the bathroom. Sure a little bleach and cleanser will keep the mirror and countertops looking nice, and toilet cleaner works well in the bowl, but what about your glass shower doors?

You’ve likely noticed they are not as clear as they once were anymore. It’s a problem that’s more common than you may think.

Shower doors get cloudy when soap scum and dissolved minerals from the water supply cling to microscopic crevices in the surface of untreated glass. So what can you do about it? Some hard water stains will yield to scrubbing with white vinegar and a non