You can create a safe outdoor space for a dog with a kennel made of chain link fencing. It’s a popular solution for your pet’s own place to roam and rest. You’ll find modular kits in various sizes and configurations or hire a fencing contractor to build one custom-made. The kennel is a system of…
Protect Wood Door With Proper Finish
Dear James: My wood front door is still in good condition. When I tried to refinish with a clear coat, it flaked off. What type of finish will last longer this time?—Wendy L. Dear Wendy: A properly stained and finished natural wood front door is beautiful and should remain that way for many years. Over…
Inexpensive Ways to Revamp Your Kitchen With a Little Sweat Equity
By Kaitlyn Keegan From Hartford Courant One of the biggest ways to gain equity in your home is a kitchen remodel. Gutting the entire kitchen and getting brand new cabinets and countertops, though, is expensive. For more homeowners, that’s a remodel you save up for years for. You may not want to deal with the…
Building a Deck? Here Are Some Must-Do Tips
Are you about to build a deck by yourself? Perhaps you’re going to hire a professional. My guess is you don’t know as much about the process as you should know. Add to the mix the cable TV shows that go on and on and on about how simple it really is. To be honest,…
Tips for Building a Screened Porch
Dear James: The mosquitoes are really annoyed by my flower beds, so I want to build a screened porch. Do you have any design and construction DIY tips?—Brandon P. Dear Brandon: Early evening is when many flowers are most fragrant, but that is also the same time that mosquitoes get very hungry. The same scents…
Install Gutter Guards
Cleaning gutters is a dreaded maintenance project for most homeowners. Who enjoys climbing a ladder and scooping out dirty, wet leaves and debris? Even wearing gloves doesn’t make it a pleasant job. But preventing clogs so rainwater can run free is important, and it protects siding and roofs from water damage. The costliest choice is…
Refinishing Hardwood Floors Is Hard Work
This past week, my beautiful and patient bride of 49 years and I had to endure the throbbing and nerve-rattling experience of a massive hardwood floor sander grinding off the finish from the birch hardwood in our home. We were huddled in the basement along with our nervous pets as the workmen busied themselves with…
Use Simple Patterns for Inlaid Wood Floor
Dear James: I have seen inlaid wood floors in older buildings and would like one in my own home. Can I add decorative inlays to my existing hardwood floors?—Trish K. Dear Trish: Decorative inlays in a hardwood floor can enhance the decor of any room. Each one is custom designed and made so the floor…
DIY: Get Your AC Ready for Summer’s Hottest Months
A warm breeze signals summer—and the time for a quick DIY air conditioning prep and service. Experiencing the bliss of stepping into a cool room after being out in the sun starts with a clean air conditioning filter. If you changed it out as part of your fall shutdown and haven’t run it since—if you…
Build a Stockade Fence
When you want a privacy screen consider a stockade fence, with its tightly fitted pickets, that provides a solid barrier between your property and your neighbors. A stockade fence, made of wood or vinyl, also makes a nice backdrop for a garden landscape. You’ll find fence sections 6 feet high by 8 feet wide sold…
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