Dear James: I want to build a curved glass block wall for a shower stall and a straight one in my kitchen. How do lay a glass block wall so that it will not leak when showering? —Darlene G. Dear Andrea: Glass block walls can give a house a very open look and make smaller…
Selecting the Right Brush Makes Painting Easier
Dear James: I have a box of old paintbrushes here, but should get new ones for my remodeling projects? With so many options in the paintbrush aisle, what type is best to buy? —Jose M. Dear Jose: As you have funds, there are typically at least several dozen different sizes, bristle types, and shapes in…
Make Drilling Easier With the Correct Drill Bit
Dear James: I have a box of old, dull drills that could not go through warm butter. When I buy new ones, what type is best for different types of drilling tasks? —Anne Y. Dear Anne: There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to work with old, dull tools, and drilling holes is about the worst….
Make Invisible Joints When Applying Drywall Tape
Dear James: I just moved into an older house, and a lot of the drywall tape is coming loose and needs retaping. Why did it come loose, and how should I replace it? —Randall N. Dear Randall: It is not uncommon for drywall tape to come loose after many years. A change in humidity and…
Dad Makes Son’s Drawing of Dream Bed Come to Life
A little boy with a dream, and a dad with the know-how and willingness to get the job done. And it’s clear that they have so much love for each other.
Build a Lightwell Under an Attic for a Skylight
Dear James: My living room is too dark, so I want to add a skylight. My house has a pitched roof. How can I add a skylight when there is an attic above the living room?—Colleen G. Dear Colleen: Installing a large skylight will definitely bring more natural light into your living room. The basic…
Chain-Link Fencing Is Effective and Easy to Install
Dear James: We decided to raise chickens and need to fence our backyard. Is a chain-link fence a good choice, and what are the various parts we will need to install it? —Rhonda F. Dear Rhonda: Chain-link fencing is a versatile choice for your backyard. It makes an effective enclosure for any type of pet,…
Flavored Vinegars Make Elegant Holiday Gifts
Just as I was wondering what on earth I would do with all of the basil, oregano, and chives in my garden, here came a note from Ginny M. of Minnesota: “I love using flavored vinegars. How can I make my own?” Her note reminded me that herb vinegars are so easy to make, but…
How to Store Extension Cords and Hoses for Easy Use
Dear James: I am a do-it-yourself type of guy. It always is frustrating trying to untangle extension cords and air hoses. What is the best method to store them after each use? —Clark H. Dear Clark: Many people now use lithium cordless tools, so cord storage is not a problem. If you do a lot…
Repair Asphalt Driveway Gaps, Holes, and Cracks
Dear James: My asphalt driveway has many cracks and small holes. It is only a few years old. My repair attempts don’t last for long. How can I fix them better? —Carla A. Dear Carla: Asphalt driveways do require periodic sealing, but they should not be deteriorating in just a couple of years. It sounds…
-
Recent Posts
-
Archives
- May 2025
- April 2025
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- September 2013
- July 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- December 1
-
Meta