Wednesday, July 31, 2019

How to Control Green June Beetles

June bug
I headed out to my garden early to pick vegetables and had charged well into the tangle of tomato plants before I heard and saw hundreds of huge, green June beetles swarming and buzzing all around me! Read on to find out more.

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DIY Backyard Chicken Coop – Part 2

How to Mount a Power Strip to a Desk or Wall

Power strip
Watch this video to find out how to easily mark the screw holes for keyhole shaped slots using a paper template made on a copy machine.

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Why You Have a Yard Full of Clover

Clover
There's a patch of clover in my parents' yard that has been there as long as I can remember and is legendary for producing four-leaf clovers. However, if you're not so fond of clover in your lawn, read on to find out what you need to know about why clover grows and how to discourage it.

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How to Clean Glass on Outdoor Light Fixtures

Porch lantern
The glass panes on the inside of exterior light fixtures can be difficult to clean. Here's a tip that uses inexpensive foam paintbrushes that can make the process a lot easier. Watch this video to find our more.

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How to Select the Right Tree for Your Yard

Shade trees
Trees provide a lifetime of beauty, clean air, shade, and shelter. If you're shopping for trees for your yard, you may be overwhelmed by the hundreds of species and varieties available. One of the best ways to narrow down your choices is to determine the purpose of the trees in your landscape design. Read on to find out more.

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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

10 Edible Flowers to Grow, Cook and Eat

10 Edible Flowers to Grow, Cook and Eat
Want to wow your guests at cookouts? Serve meals with edible flowers! Add these to your favorite recipes.

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How To Control Slugs and Snails in Your Garden

Slug eating leaf on plant
If you’re wondering what's been munching on the plants in your garden, there’s a good chance the culprits are slugs or snails. Read on to find out how to control these slimy garden pests.

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Monday, July 29, 2019

Find Wood Imperfections with Mineral Spirits

mineral spirits test
You can spot wood imperfections with mineral spirits. Joe shows you how!

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Finally! A Light, Ergonomic Carbon Fiber Tacker

DeWalt Carbon Fiber Tacker
DeWalt's Carbon Fiber Tacker is strong as steel but 50% lighter, and it's also 25% easier to squeeze.

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Tips for a Functional Laundry and a Better Bath

bathroom-laundry
Brad and Mary Smith's laundry room isn't very functional and their bathroom needs updating. We'll tackle both jobs in this episode.

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Sunday, July 28, 2019

Plexiglass vs. Glass: Which is Right for Your Windows?

Plexiglass or glass windows
When comparing glass and plexiglass windows, consider these factors.

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4 Plexiglass Ideas for Your Home Decor

Plexiglass, or acrylic glass, has gained a special place in the home décor industry. From acrylic chairs to plexiglass photo displays, this thermoplastic material is incredibly useful — and fashionable — around the house. Wondering how to make the most of plexiglass in your home? Read on! Why Use Plexiglass? There are many reasons why […]

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4 Improvements to Help Your Home Run Smoothly

Woman controlling smart home
Homeownership requires a lot of work and continuous reinvestment. Here are four improvements that will keep things running smoothly.

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4 Quick, Affordable Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Curb Appeal
Could your home benefit from a boost of curb appeal? After all, your home’s exterior is what most of the world (or at least the neighborhood) sees, and you want to create a strong, lasting first impression. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or looking to increase its value, you can do it easily […]

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Friday, July 26, 2019

How to Repair and Resurface Concrete Steps

Beautiful concrete steps
Concrete steps are very durable, but exposure to the elements can take its toll over time, causing the concrete to crack and chip. Watch this video to find out how to repair and resurface concrete steps on your home.

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5 Ways to Make a Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible

wheelchair accessible toilet
Need to make a bathroom wheelchair accessible? Remember these 5 things!

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How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

Molehills
Moles can cause damage to lawns, but there are steps you can take to reduce the problem.

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How to Repair Cracks in Stucco

How to Repair Cracks in Stucco
Stucco siding can last 50 years, but like anything else develops cracks along the way. Here's how to repair those cracks.

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Thursday, July 25, 2019

How to Grow Daylilies, ‘the Perfect Perennial’

Daylilies
If there were a competition for the perfect perennial, daylilies would top the list. Here are some tips for selecting, planting and caring for daylilies.

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How to Divide Aloe Vera and Other Succulents

Aloe Vera Plant
If you've got happy aloe vera, agave, hens-and-chicks, or other clump-forming succulent plants, you'll soon find that the plants are outgrowing their space and need to be divided. Many succulents are quite easy to divide or propagate. Read on to find out how.

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How to Replace Gutter Spikes with Gutter Screws

Replacing a loose gutter spike with a gutter screw.
Gutters are often installed using aluminum gutter spikes and ferrules which can bend easily and work loose over time. Consider replacing them with steel gutter screws.

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How to Deal with Wasps in Your Lawn

How to Deal with Wasps in Your Lawn
Lynn asks, "I'm worried about stepping on wasps or their nests in my lawn. Any suggestions?"

Wasps are generally beneficial for the garden, but sometimes they can be too close for human comfort. Read on for some suggestions for dealing with them.

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How to Pour a Concrete Pad for an A/C Unit

concrete slab for air conditioner
Denise Kline says she and her husband faced an unexpected challenge after their new air conditioner unit was installed. “When our new A/C unit was installed, they failed to tell us beforehand that it required a larger slab,” Denise says. “After installing it, they simply placed concrete blocks under it, which has caused the unit […]

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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

HUSKY’s Cordless Ratchet Gets Into Tight Spaces

best-new-products-husky-ratchet
HUSKY’s 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Ratchet charges quickly and helps you turn nuts and bolts in tight spaces.

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How to Enlarge a Hole in Wood

How to Enlarge a Hole in Wood
Working with wood and need to enlarge a small hole? Joe has a Simple Solution.

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Saturday, July 20, 2019

Trenching vs. Boring to Install Underground Utilities

Close up construction trench with electrical wires
Both trenching and boring have distinct advantages and disadvantages, so the decision of which to use will ultimately boil down to your budget and property.

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Buyer’s Guide: Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered or hardwood flooring
The broad appeal of hardwood flooring has made it a popular choice among homeowners. It has a classic aesthetic that matches a variety of styles, whether you’re working with a traditional interior or something more modern. However, as you evaluate the many flooring options, you may see the appeal in engineered hardwood. While it’s a […]

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How to Spruce Up a Summer Garden with Tropical Plants

Tropical Garden
As the summer heats up, consider adding some tropical plants to your garden for a splash of luxury. The large, waving foliage and lush growth habits add a cool, inviting touch, and the plants themselves are naturally tolerant of the heat and humidity of summer. Read on to find out more.

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How to Grow Swamp Hibiscus

Red swamp hibiscus
Swamp hibiscus blooms in the mid to late summer, and through early fall. Here's how to grow swamp hibiscus in your garden.

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The Fast, Easy Way to Clean Baseboards

baseboards
Baseboards can take a beating. Here's how to clean them with household materials. Watch the video.

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How to Size — and Visualize — a Kitchen Island

Kitchen island
Watch this video to see an easy way to get a realistic sense of this space a kitchen island will take up before it's built or installed using a cardboard box.

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Friday, July 19, 2019

July Lawn & Garden To-Do List

Adirondack chairs
How does your garden grow? If it needs some help, check out our July to-do list!

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4 Tips to Have a Cool, Summer-Ready Home

change-air-filter
You can expect two things each summer: climbing temperatures and high cooling bills. There’s nothing you can do about the sun, but you can cut energy bills with these simple changes.

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Thursday, July 18, 2019

How to Clean a Grill Using Aluminum Foil and Vinegar

clean barbecue grill
Find out a simple way to clean the cooking surface on a barbecue grill by spraying the grill with vinegar, then scrubbing with aluminum foil.

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How to Install Tile Outside on a Concrete Porch or Patio

Tiled entrance to stone house.
Watch this video for tips on how to lay tile outdoors on a concrete porch or patio, including the right kind of tile, waterproofer, mortar adhesive, and grout to use.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

5 Must-Have Tools for Construction Projects

5 Must-Have Tools for Construction Projects
Always keep these 'essentials' in your toolbox.

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How to Tell if Your Home Has a Water Leak

water leak
Even a relatively slow leak can spiral out of control before you know it, and you might end up dealing with tens of thousands of dollars in damage if you don’t act immediately. Luckily, there are a few simple steps that you can take to see if your home’s plumbing system is leaking. 1. Your […]

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DIY Mobile Miter Saw Stand

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

How to Choose Between Fast-Setting or Standard Concrete

Fast-setting and standard concrete
A bag of standard concrete and a bag of fast-setting concrete may look similar, but understanding the differences in how they work will help determine which mix is the best for your project.

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3 Tips to Lengthen Your Concrete Patio’s Life

Chelsea pressure washes the patio
A concrete patio is beautiful and durable, but regular maintenance strengthens the surface and lengthens its life. Here are 3 tips to protect your patio.

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Monday, July 15, 2019

How to Build a Grill Shelter

How to Build a Grill Shelter
A grill shelter provides additional architectural interest and protects your grill from the elements. Here's how to build one!

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Formula Packs Plant Nutrition & Garden Soil

best-new-product-miracle-gro
Miracle-Gro packs everything you need in one bag: soil, fertilizer and compost!

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Sunday, July 14, 2019

4 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Home’s Value

Paint cabinets
If you plan on putting your home on the market in the near future, you might want to take a quick look at these simple and affordable upgrades.

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5 Life Hacks to Stay Cool, Prevent Damage and Save Money this Summer

Person adjusting a wall thermostat with dollar sign symbol on the display
Summer’s a great time to spend with family and friends, or for improving your home. However you choose to pass the time, here are some life hacks that will help you stay cool, prevent damage and save money. 1. Make a Foam Door Bumper Pool noodles are a do-it-yourselfer’s dream — these colorful foam toys […]

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How to Make a Buried Lawn Socket from PVC

Completed lawn fixture socket made from PVC pipe.
Lawn sockets make it easy to put up and take down everything from patio umbrellas and flagpoles to volleyball nets and sprinklers. Here's how to make them!

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Thursday, July 11, 2019

How to Clean Inside the Glass on an Oven Door

Joe Truini using a coat hanger wire to clean between oven door glass.
This simple tip allows you to clean between the double glass panes on an oven door without having to take the oven door apart.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2019

How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit with Pavers

How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit with Pavers
Installing a fire pit makes a patio cozy and offers the perfect place to roast marshmallows on cool nights. Here's how to make one!

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How to Build a Patio Sitting Wall

Patio sitting wall
A seating wall is a functional architectural enhancement to your home, and building one with pavers is easy.

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Monday, July 8, 2019

How to Spray Paint Screws, Latches, Braces and Brackets

How to Spray Paint Screws, Latches, Braces and Brackets
Need to spray paint hooks, fasteners and hardware? Here's the simple way to do it — you just need a piece of wire and some cardboard.

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Milwaukee’s String Trimmer is Powerful, Versatile & Efficient

Milwaukee String Timmer
Milwaukee's String Timmer has a QUIK-LOK feature that makes it possible to change attachments.

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Sunday, July 7, 2019

The Basics of Home Automation

Smart Home
If you're interested in home automation, but you don't know where to begin, here are the basics.

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July Home Maintenance To-Do List

Danny Lipford sitting on porch steps.
July means summer has arrived in full force. But before heading out for your summer vacation, take the time to tackle these needed home maintenance chores.

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How Covid-19 Affects the Housing Market in College Towns

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to major lifestyle changes. That could significantly impact the housing market in college towns, according to ...