If you’re faced with ugly-, dark- or a hideous-colored paneling in a room, you have two choices: remove it completely or cover it up. If you rip it off the walls panel-by- panel, you’ll find more challenges. The paneling was likely installed on furring strips leaving the walls pockmarked with nail holes to patch or…
Believe in Your Own DIY Powers
Years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of a small company in eastern Indiana. His company, at the time, made what I believed to be the best penetrating deck sealers I could find. We used to play golf together and talk business as we wandered through the woods looking for our stray…
Make Certain New Door Hinges Are Aligned
Dear James: I installed framing and a new door between our bedroom and our baby’s room. It is a heavy, solid door, but it does not close right. How should I adjust the hinges? — Rick J. Dear Rick: Hopefully most of the project of adding an additional door is done. It can be more…
Weatherstrip a Garage Threshold
Do you notice dirt, rain and snow creeping into your garage at the door threshold? That’s caused by the continued weight of a car driving in and out over the seal created by the threshold. The seal breaks down over time. It’s an obvious problem for any garage door, but one you can solve by…
VIDEO: Michigan Dad Shows How Real Maple Syrup Is Made With Traditional Tree-Tapping Method—And Goes Viral
This delightful dad has risen to internet fame after demonstrating the ancient and fascinating process of tapping maple trees for homemade maple syrup in his own backyard. John Driscoll, 35, decided to document his experience with a short video in the hope a few dozen people would find it as cool as he does. After…
Time-Tested Exterior Painting Secrets
Not long ago in this column, I shared why it’s so hard to preserve exterior wood using any number of products. One of them was paint. You may have been one of the many readers that reached out to me. If I had to boil down all the emails I received to just one, it…
Remove Old, Worn Finish From Woodwork
Dear James: I want to strip and refinish some very old woodwork in our farmhouse. What is the best method to do this so that this antique woodwork is not damaged and looks original? — Adam C. Dear Adam: Older, ornate woodwork is beautiful and an attraction in older houses. It is important to not…
You’ll Want to Make a Batch of This Effective DIY Upholstery Cleaner
This DIY recipe for upholstery cleaner is easy to make, super effective and (you know what’s coming) cheap! You’ll Need: a cheese grater an eggbeater or whisk a medium mixing bowl 6 tablespoons grated Fels Naptha laundry bar soap* 2 tablespoons borax* 2 cups boiling water *available in most supermarkets in the laundry aisle, or…
Impressive Views: Window Cleaning Made Easy
Let there be light—through windows that are spotless on the inside and out. Boost your curb appeal and make your home’s first impression a sparkling one with these tricks of the trade and DIY hacks. The Right Tools Professional window cleaners make the job look quick and effortless—because they use the right tools. You’ll want…
Stock a Toolbox for Minor Electrical Tasks
Dear James: My house was built decades ago and there are some electrical issues I want to improve. Will I need special tools for common electrical projects to make them easier? — Marye R. Dear Marye: Before buying any tools, buy a book about electrical codes. Never deviate from accepted electrical codes even if you…
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