Shown: Architect Andrew Sidford’s design for the renovated house marries the 1880s Cape with a modern extension that features high ceilings and walls of windows. New spaces will deliver more light, air, and access to the natural attractions in the back of the property. Every time Megan and I come here, we’re reminded that this is definitely where we want to raise our family,” says Lincoln Pasquina of the 1880s Cape Cod–style house in Concord, MA....

Fire Pit Parts: An Overview A built-in fire pit is a glorified campfire, with sturdy walls of stone that help contain the flames and heat. That’s especially important in the parts of the country where there’s a risk of brush fires. So the first task in building any fire pit is checking local codes on open flames. The pit must be located far from overhanging trees, the house, and any other flammable structure....

Why Are Succulents Growing in Popularity? Succulents are becoming very popular. They’re gracing window sills across the globe, and since they’re low maintenance, colorful, and affordable, it’s no wonder so many folks are flocking to them. There are a lot of questions about these plants, but would-be gardeners shouldn’t worry; they’re easy to care for. Two Types of Succulents There are two types of succulents: desert-type succulents like jade and echeveria and succulents that grow in trees in jungles, and this variety has larger leaves that pour out from the sides of the plant....

And, rather than buying individual bags, shoppers can purchase it in bulk units known as yards. But how much exactly is a yard of mulch? This guide will answer that question and explain more about this practical landscaping product. How Does Mulch Volume Work? Retailers and suppliers sell mulch in one or two forms: by the bag or by bulk units (think: loose mulch dropped in the bed of a truck)....

Steps for Building a Pallet Wood Shed The standard size of a pallet is 48 by 40 inches. For this wood shed, we’re going to use nine pallets to create a structure that is 4 feet deep by 6.5 feet wide. Step 1: Choose a Location Choose a flat, level area of your yard or grade the area by removing soil with a shovel. Save any removed topsoil to use around your property or add to your compost....

Cut List & Template ¾” Plywood Base – 1 @ 34 ½” W x 24” D ¾” Plywood Back Wall – 1 @ 34 ½” W x 36 ½” H ¾” Plywood Middle Wall – 1 @ 34 ½” W x 25 3/8” H ¾” Plywood Middle Wall – 1 @ 34 ½” W x 16 5/8” H ¾” Plywood Front Wall – 1 @ 34 ½” W x 8 ¾” H ¾” Plywood Sides – 2 @ 25 ½” W x 36 ½” H ¾” Plywood Dividers – 2 @ 7” D x 1 ½” H...

How to Caulk a Bathtub in 4 Steps Whether it’s around your sink or between a bathtub and its tiles — moldy caulk has to go. Learn to re-caulk your tub and give it a fresh new seal in 4 easy steps. 1. Remove old caulk Start by closing the pop-up drain in the tub and covering the entire tub with a drop cloth to protect it from scratches, residue, etc....

TIP 1: Use a 9-inch roller for general painting, a 14- or 18-inch roller for quickly coating large walls and ceilings, and a small foam roller on door panels and wainscoting. TIP 2: Choose a roller’s nap length based on the roughness of the surface: a ⅛- to ¼-inch nap for smooth surfaces, like plaster; a ⅜- to ½-inch nap for lightly textured drywall; and a ¾-inch nap for textured surfaces, like stucco or brick....

Consider what type of appliances you might like outside. Select specific appliances that would be important to the way they cook and want to use the space. These include refrigerators, warming drawers, drawers for storage, trash/recycling, paper towel holders, etc. Once those are selected, it will be easier to design the layout of the outdoor kitchen. In general, Jenn recommends that, just with every design, everything should have a purpose....

Brent Hull, millworker and owner, Hull Historical, replies: When none of the offerings at the home center or the lumberyards measure up, then it’s time to go the custom route. A millwork shop can make special “knives” and turn out an exact duplicate of your existing moldings. The problem is, you have to pay setup fees, which increase the linear-foot price significantly and may not be cost-effective for a small order like yours....

Why Should You Maintain Pruners? Jenn stresses the importance of maintaining pruners because plants are living things, so they should be treated as such. Therefore, the tool you cut them with should be sharp and sterile, so the cut can heal properly without risking rot and disease. How to Choose and Use Pruners How to Keep Bypass Pruners Sterile How to Sharpen Bypass Pruners Resources Jenn demonstrated a variety of ways to keep pruners sharp and sterile....

Using chalk, matte paint and some stain, you can freehand this embellishment on your deck. Not only is the finished result something to be mesmerized by, but the activity itself sure seems like a meditative practice of its own. If you have a raised platform, opt to paint a corner as shown above, or create a more symmetrical piece in the center of the flooring. Tie this boho look together with doodled accents among the concentric circles....

Steps for patching plaster walls Tools

Steps: Shut off the water leading to the valve being replaced. Use emery cloth to buff clean the pipe on either side of the old valve. Cut through the pipe on each side of the old valve with a mini hacksaw. Slip new stop-and-waste valve into place between the just-cut pipe ends. Grab hold of the valve with pliers and use an adjustable wrench to tighten one of the valve’s compression fittings onto one of the pipe ends....

How to Prep a Fireplace for New Tile For this project I installed a marble tile in a mesh-backed herringbone pattern on the surround, and 3x6 individual subway tiles on the hearth. As a quick note, I’ll say that the herringbone pattern was not the easiest to cut and install—it takes precision to cut the small pieces and keep the pattern aligned, and I definitely made my fair share of mistakes....

Steps for Using a Reclaimed Beam as a Fireplace Mantel: Resources: The homeowner found the reclaimed beam at the Brimfield Antique Flea Market, but materials like the beam can be found at most flea markets and also at reclaimed lumber yards. The two-person crosscut saw belonged to Nathan’s grandfather, but similar saws can also be found at flea markets and antique tool shops. To secure the beam to the fireplace, Nathan used ⅝” threaded rods, which can be found at any home center, and Thixo 2:1 Epoxy System, which is manufactured by TotalBoat....

Why Paint Appliances? Because appliances are expensive! Scenario: you’re doing a kitchen remodel. The existing refrigerator is only a few years old, but it’s black. Your new range, dishwasher, and microwave are white. There is no use in buying a new refrigerator just to have a color change. This is a perfect candidate for paint! Best Types of Paint and Primer to Buy Primer’s purpose is to block stains and bond to surfaces....