A deck allows home and business owners to extend their facility and have an area where they can relax and enjoy the outdoors. With the outdoors, though, comes the presence of insects and bugs. If you live in an area where mosquitoes thrive, installing a mosquito screen barrier on your deck may becom

Adding tile to a fireplace surround can give it shape, texture and color, and can spruce up the surrounding area. When choosing tile for the project, keep in mind that the tile and any other material used must withstand significant swings in temperature. You can typically tile over any level surface

Many pests such as rats exist in homes and vacant buildings, especially in deserted or less traveled areas. Not only does their presence give the impression of filth and health hazards, but rats are also the cause of many diseases. One of the greatest catastrophes of the Middle Ages was...

A chair rail is a band of thin wood that surrounds the room at the height where the chair backs normally would dent or damage the wall. A double chair rail is a wide area that has a thin chair rail on the top and the bottom of that area. The center of this area typically is the point where a standar

Insulation is a key component in almost any modern house. It prevents heat escaping through the roof and walls, making central heating systems more effective and lowering utility bills. Foam is one of the commonly used materials in home insulation. While it tends to cost more than other forms of ins

Acoustical tiles are a decorative way to reduce the transfer of sound from one level of the home to another. Acoustical tiles can be adhered with construction adhesive, or furring strips can be screwed to ceiling joists and acoustical tiles can be stapled to the furring strips. Stapes work best when

Loft beds are popular with college students and others who need more space, especially in a room shared with another person. A loft bed can be constructed to maximize space by raising the bed high off of the floor to utilize the space under the bed for a desk or other piece of furniture.

Laminated floors require regular cleaning just like any other floor surface, and a mop typically works best to remove stuck-on debris. The problem is, when you use the wrong cleaning solution, you typically get left with residue that follows your mop lines after the floor dries. This leaves your cle

Not all of us have a truck or SUV to transport large materials such as sheets of plywood or drywall. But we still need to get our materials to their destination. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to transport drywall, also known by the trademark Sheetrock, with a car. So don't put off your project or

If you are interested in buying a home, you may feel deceived to learn that what you expected to be a "full bath" was actually a "three-quarters bath." Because the terms "three-quarters bath" and "full bath" are sometimes used to express a difference in the contents of a bathroom, and at other times

It takes more than getting out winter clothing to prepare for winterization. Your home also needs winterizing to save on energy costs and to help you stay warm. Unfortunately, winterization costs money, which is something that many people don't have. Don't despair. You might qualify a home improveme

Like all home repair projects, preparation and knowledge of the task is important. That is the only way to ensure that the job gets done correctly. While refinishing and polishing bathroom tiles may sound easy there is more involved than just scrubbing tile. All you need are a few tools and material

When we were younger, we took tackling those home projects in stride. We were able to spend Saturday morning cutting the grass, washing the car and putting together a swing set. Then we'd shower up, get the barbecue going and entertain our guests into the late evening hours. Yes, when we were you

Hardwood floors require regular cleaning, as with any other type of flooring. Hard chunks of residue and debris can harm the flooring, causing scratches and indentations. This makes it important to remove loose buildup regularly. Use a cleaning solution on occasion that disinfects and removes sticky

If you are laying flagstones, remember a few tips to help the project come out well.patio image by Diorgi from Fotolia.comIf you want to lay a patio or sidewalk that differs from the common flooring of pavement, brick, wood or tiles, consider using flagstone. The unique shape of each...

During screen replacement, stretching the screen too tight causes the frame to flex and lose its square. Window screens are an important component of a window. An open window allows fresh air to enter the home as well as cutting down on energy costs associated with cooling your home. When the window

Cleaning cedar shakes is not particularly difficult, but can become slightly more complicated when you are cleaning an A-frame house because conventional cleaning techniques can lead to leaks and water damage. However, by being meticulous and using a bit of extra attention to detail, you should have

Countertops come in a variety of types and surfaces. Although the most common countertops are Formica, tile or granite, which are significantly different from each other, basic countertop care is essentially the same. Cleaning and caring for your countertops limits the production of germs, makes you

Plaster - when it's dry and properly prepared - takes paint rather nicely.