DIY Life

DIY Bedroom: A Church Pew Turned Headboard

Jaime Derringer — 2011-03-29T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, weekend projects, Bedrooms, Living Spaces

In this unique DIY bedroom idea, one woman's decorating prayers are answered.

When Faith Buss, a self described "sucker for cool old stuff," saw three old church pews that had been rescued from a little country church near her home, she knew she had to have them. She loved that the seating had history, so she decided to purchase one for $25. But after a few days, she couldn't get the other two out of her mind, so she went back for the other two.

Faith Buss

At first, she struggled because, well, what does one do with not one but three old church pews? She wasn't planning on holding any sermons in the backyard of her little yellow farmhouse in Oklahoma. (But they sure did come in handy when she hosted a youth group movie night at her house.)

Originally, she had imagined maybe putting one on the front porch as a bench, or perhaps placing another one against a plain wall inside the house, "which I don't have, but that wasn't going to stop me from buying it!" she says.

Faith, a stay-at-home mom of two and her husband, Britton, who recently lost his job, have been family-focused for the last few years, spending their time parenting, gardening and making their farmhouse a home. When one of her friends mentioned that she's seen a wooden bench made into a headboard, Faith had an idea: Why not turn one of the pews into a headboard?

Faith and Britton immediately began brainstorming how they could accomplish this. First, they'd need to cut out a spot at the center so they could position their mattress in the pew; they wanted to use the ends of the bench as nightstands. Since the pew was a bit too low, Faith says, "we considered different ways to raise it up so that the bed frame could just slide into the cut we'd make in the seat of the pew. The idea for casters (large wheels) was inspired by a coffee table I had seen in Pottery Barn with giant antique wheels on the bottom."

A church pew becomes a headboard. Photos: Faith Buss

They discovered some large, old casters in a junkyard while on vacation in Louisiana -- a steal at 4 for $20. The casters raised the heavy, solid oak pew to the perfect height. The whole project cost only $45. It just took a bit of clever DIY-ing.

She says she's endured quite a bit of joking related to the fact she's sleeping on a church pew -- even her pastor cracked a joke, but it doesn't bother Faith one bit. She just laughs it off. The headboard "speaks to the things we're trying to develop in our home. Imagination and creativity, faith and love. It's just perfect," she says.

So what about the two that are left? They're being used for a friend's outdoor wedding ceremony in September. Who knows where they might end up next!

For more clever DIY ideas, check out how to make a home bar.

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Wood Repair: How to Fix Damage From Rot

Joe Provey — 2010-12-08T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: fix-it, weekend projects, Tools, Patios, Porches & Decks, Know-How, Outdoors

When it comes to inexpensive wood repair, durable epoxy can fix rotted wood and save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.

Photo: The leg joint of this carved wooden bench failed because of rot. Two applications of epoxy allowed the author to rebuild the joint. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Any piece of wood that traps moisture is highly susceptible to rot. Fences, decks, column bases, porch stairs, wooden planters, outdoor furniture, window casings and sills are all common locations for wood rot. Replacing decayed wood on a large scale is an expensive and time-consuming process, especially if you have to disassemble the structure. But if the rot is not too extensive, it can often be patched up with a mixture of wood flour (or sawdust) and two-part marine epoxy. Marine epoxy is a resin and hardener combo.

GETTING STARTED
To begin the restoration process, use a chisel or screwdriver to remove crumbling rot and debris from the area to be repaired. It is not necessary to remove semi-solid (or "punky") wood, as this can be treated.

After the rot has been removed, mix a suitable amount of epoxy per the manufacturer's directions. For safety, wear gloves when mixing and working with epoxy. Work outdoors if possible, or in a well-ventilated area.

Mix the resin and hardener thoroughly for several minutes. Do not mix more epoxy than you can use during the setting time indicated by the manufacturer. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

APPLYING THE EPOXY
Many epoxies have two parts, resin and hardener, that must be mixed in a container just before application. When mixing epoxy, it is important to use the proper ratio of resin to hardener. Make sure not to mix more than what can be used in a few minutes. Epoxy hardens quickly, and once it does you won't be able to use it anymore. Tip: If you get epoxy on your skin, wash it immediately with vinegar, then use soap and water.

Once mixed, the epoxy will remain liquid for about 15 minutes. Quickly brush it onto the damaged area, soaking any places that are soft from the rot. Then stir wood flour, sawdust or a filler recommended by the epoxy manufacturer into the remaining epoxy until it reaches the consistency of peanut butter.

The resin and hardener combines to form an epoxy mixture with the consistency of peanut butter. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Fill gaps with the epoxy paste using a putty knife, or any tool that will allow you to shape the paste as required. If the gap is deeper than ¾ inch, fill it in with two or more applications of paste. Slightly overfill the final application and allow it to cure (but it will take a few days to fully harden).

An artist's palette knife is handy for shaping the filler. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

SMOOTH AND FINISH SURFACE
After an hour or two, you can further shape the patch and remove excess filler with conventional tools, such as a utility knife, wood file or sandpaper.

After an hour or two, the epoxy will have hardened enough so it can be chiseled, sanded, drilled, routed or or planed. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Once the epoxy is cured (see left), it can be primed and painted to match adjacent surfaces.

While this is an inexpensive solution to wood rot, don't forget to identify and remedy the source of moisture that caused the rot in the first place. It's usually due to improper drainage, inadequate ventilation, poor construction techniques, or a combination of all three.

SEE ALSO:
Conceal a Nick in Wood Furniture
Wood Rot in Decks and Porches (Bob Vila)
The Wide World of Epoxy (This Old House)
How To: Put a Stop to Squeaky Floors (ShelterPop)

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Organize Your Coat Closet

Joe Provey — 2010-10-26T06:25:00+00:00

Filed under: organization and storage, weekend projects, Small Spaces, Storage & Organization, Essential Skills, Know-How

Organizing your overstuffed closet doesn't have to be a feared task. Transform a coat closet from cluttered chaos to an organized dream with smart storage ideas.

Take back your front door closet with clever organization tips! Photo: California Closets

In cold or messy weather, the coat closet may be the first thing visitors see. Yet many entryway closets are not a welcoming sight. In addition to coats, these closets are often crammed with everything from luggage and laundry to vacuum cleaners and sports gear -- leaving you afraid to even open the door. Fear not: your overstuffed closet is not a lost cause. Clear the clutter with these clever organization ideas:

1. Use every inch of space. The coat closet is often the most under-utilized and overstuffed space in the house. "To make a typical coat closet more efficient you should remove the existing rod and shelf," advises California Closets designer Lisa Lennard. This will make use of space that was dead before. "Then measure your longest coat and add two or three inches," she instructs. "Reinstall the hanger rod at this lower height. In most cases, there will be room for two or three shelves above it where you can put baskets or boxes for small items."

2. Double up. If your closet is wide enough, Lisa suggests installing a double closet rod. Hanging a second rod below the existing one will enable you to store another level of clothes, such as shorter jackets. Make sure to allow at least 36 inches between the top and bottom rod. An easy drill-free approach to achieving a double-hanging system is to use hanging rods that hook over existing rails. These nifty rods provide instant space for short-hanging clothes (Double hang closet rod, $10; The Container Store).

3. Make room for drawers. Remove the top shelf and raise the existing closet rod to uncover valuable vertical storage. In the space below the rod, install a chest of drawers for storing small items. Hang jackets or sweaters you're using regularly on the rod above the chest. Longer coats, such as trench coats, can hang to the side of the small chest. Reserve the floor space below for weather boots.

No room for a chest of drawers? Buy a set of hanging canvas shelves. They are perfect for stowing everything from gloves and scarves in winter to sandals and caps in summer. Photo: Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

4. Purge. Determine clothing and accessories you wear and items that you need to give away. You can save more than a foot of space by donating three old winter coats. That's enough space to install modular storage cubes, which can store gloves, scarves, and mittens.

5. Think outside the closet. Place a coat tree or a wall-mounted rack in your entryway for the outerwear you use every day. These organizers are great for grab-and-go items, such as jackets, scarves, umbrellas and hats.

6. Invest in space savers. Install an inexpensive over-the-door shoe organizer to store small winter necessities like gloves, earmuffs and knit caps. You can also keep keys, wallets, lint brushes and flashlights in this handy organizer.

7. Rotate seasonal clothes. In the spring, move winter coats to other storage places, such as less crowded closets, underbed storage units and unused suitcases. This will make way for lighter jackets, sweaters, warm-weather sports equipment and beach gear. The same goes for footwear: the boots of winter should give way to the sandals of summer. You can also try your local dry cleaner for more storage options. Many store out-of-season garments as a part of their service to customers.

SEE ALSO:
Get organized with fiberboard shelving systems
Create an Entryway Closet Out of Thin Air (Apartment Therapy)

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Remodeling? 6 Ways to Maximize Winter Downtime

Diane Rixon — 2010-01-13T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, remodeling, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Living Rooms, Living Spaces

Wonderlane, Flickr

Baby, it's cold outside. Unless you're a hardcore DIYer, you're not exactly ripping out walls or installing new siding at this time of year. Though big home renovation jobs tend to grind to a halt in winter, there are actually lots of ways to keep your remodeling project moving forward during the chilly season. Here are 6 ideas for productively passing time until spring arrives:

1. Research contractors. Planning to hire professionals for some of the complicated stuff? If so, start calling around for estimates now; winter is a slow time of year for contractors, too. Those same affordable, trustworthy tradesmen answering the phone in January will be harder to pin down when the weather warms up.

2. Shop for supplies. Business is slow at this time of year in hardware stores and product showrooms. Sales personnel can devote more time to answering your questions than during the spring and summer months. Even better, you may spot good deals designed to lure customers back now that the holiday season is behind us. Make the most of it.

3. Install hardwood floors. It's said that winter is the best time of year to install hardwood flooring. Why? The dry winter air of your average home prevents the newly laid boards from gapping. This is one major project you might want to undertake right now.

4. Top up insulation. Consider having new insulation laid or sprayed inside your roof. Get your house evaluated before committing to the expense (call your city and ask about free energy assessments) and save on home heating bills for the remainder of the season.

5. Complete winterizing maintenance. Now's the time to complete those home winterizing tasks you've been putting off. When spring hits and big remodeling projects resume, you'll likely neglect these essential jobs to the detriment of your home. Check the chimney, roof and downspouts. Caulk to prevent drafts, install smoke alarms in every room, and wash your home's windows inside and out.

6. Sweat the small stuff. Itching to get your hands dirty again? Make progress on your renovation by sticking with low-mess, low-odor projects. Switch out cabinet hardware and upgrade light fixtures. Talk about color schemes now so that painting can begin immediately in spring. Whatever minor jobs you complete now will shorten your to-do list when the weather warms up ... so get working!

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Kitchen Islands: Kitset vs. DIY

Diane Rixon — 2010-01-12T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, in the kitchen, weekend projects, Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Products & Materials

Photo: GROLAND Kitchen Island, IKEA

A kitchen island is the easiest way to add precious inches of counter space to your home. If you don't want to splurge on a custom job, you're left with two budget-friendly options: kitset or DIY. Let's look at some of the pros and cons of each approach.

Kitset Kitchen Island: Pros and Cons
Kitset kitchen islands -- the kind you buy ready-to-assemble -- are now available in a nice range of styles, from rustic to sleek modern. Although the best ones are far from cheap, they'll set you back far less than custom work. The other big advantage is convenience: kitset islands can be assembled by just about anyone.

Other pros: kitset islands are moveable, which can be useful when, for example, you are entertaining a crowd. If you sell your home, you can just disassemble your kitset and pack it up. Basically, if all you need is an extra place to stow pots, pans and cookbooks, the kitset is the most convenient solution.

Here's the big down side: you inevitably sacrifice quality when you opt for kitset furniture. In the case of kitchen islands, that lack of quality is most evident in the countertop material, which may not be durable enough to meet the needs of keen home cooks.

Kitchen Island Kitset Shopping
Going the kitset route? IKEA, the king of kitset, is the natural place to start looking. Unfortunately, IKEA offers only four kitchen islands right now, ranging in price from $199 for the GROLAND model (pictured) to $379 for the larger STENSTORP. Factor in the cost of shipping for those not within driving distance of an IKEA store and you're looking at quite a lot of money down. The pared-down style of IKEA's islands is another con: for your money, you're basically paying for a set of open shelves. If hiding clutter is important to you, look elsewhere.

Fortunately, Target comes to the rescue with an impressive selection of kitset islands. Although not necessarily sturdier than the IKEA islands, Target's kitsets at least come with drawers and/or cabinets for a more finished look, which some find more appealing than open shelving. The prices are higher, but select models come with free shipping. Expect to pay upwards of $500 for a Target island (the company's Grand Americana model is a whopping $929, although that includes free shipping right now); less than $500 will get you a nice little rolling cart, but definitely not a full-size kitchen island.

DIY Kitchen Island Pros and Cons
Kitset furniture not your thing? The DIY route is your best bet if you've got the time and talent to make your own kitchen cart-- or, if not talent, at least a willingness to learn as you go! Done right, the end result should be far sturdier than a kitset version. You can also tailor it to fit your needs. For example, you might opt for a built-in style instead of a free-standing island. In that case, you might consider adding electrical outlet/s and/or plumbing, too.

A DIY kitchen island can also incorporate a much higher quality countertop than kitset versions. Think butcher block wood, powerful granite or a tough solid surfacing product, such as Corian. These not only look great, they will last forever and resist chips and dents.

DIY Kitchen Island Know-How
The Web contains a wealth of instruction for would-be kitchen island DIY'ers. Start by gathering design ideas through keyword searches (try Google Images) or home and garden websites. Photo galleries like this one courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens are especially helpful.

Next you'll need a step-by-step guide to follow. Do It Yourself has a lengthy kitchen island article worth checking out that includes lots of design advice. It's a good place to start.

I really liked Ron Hazelton's kitchen island how-to. It breaks the project down into simple steps and includes lots of helpful photos. This one is ideal for beginner or intermediate carpenters. You'll assemble the whole thing by hand, but it's made from modular, ready-made cabinets with a butcher block countertop.

Using modular cabinets for the base gives you a sturdier and more workable storage area than an IKEA kitset, but with some of the convenience of kitset assembly. Great idea, right?

Also take a look at Popular Mechanics' kitchen island project. This one is a true from-scratch version. It's not very large, but it's a perfect little DIY project if you want to practice your woodworking skills. Read the article then click to download and print the plans.

Beginner DIY'er? If you're having second thoughts, wondering if a kitchen island is beyond your current skill level, try starting with a simple rolling cart project like this one from Home Envy. It'll let you test out your DIY/carpentry abilities without biting off more project than you can chew!

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Daily DIY: A Warren Platner on the Cheap

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-07T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, household hacks, weekend projects, Crafts, Crafts & Celebrations

Add a circle of glass and you have it -- instant designer side table! Photo: Chiasso

Think you need to spend the big bucks for a Platner piece? Think again. In fact, a trash can could do the trick just fine. And yes, I'm being serious. Chiasso has a new garbage can that looks oddly Platner-inspired. Why not cut a circle of glass over the opening and call it what it is --- a designer side table!

Even better? You can get a circle of glass cut for a few bucks at your local glass or framing store, turn the table on its end and for around $30, you have a designer-inspired side table. Try finding that great of a deal at your favorite big box retailer.

Proof that to get an aesthetic of high design, you don't necessarily have to pay a high price tag. In fact, design is in the (sometimes trashy!) details.

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How Now: How to Make Egg Carton Lights

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-21T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, Crafts, outdoor, lighting, Exteriors & Facades, Patios, Porches & Decks, Outdoors, Crafts & Celebrations

As I bid my backyard evenings farewell and welcome cool, crisp weather, I'm dreaming of one last outdoor party, complete with Frank Sinatra tunes, light appetizers, fresh mint spritzers... and these adorable craft lights, of course. I love how simple this project is and can't wait to try it myself!:

How To Make Egg-Carton Lights on Howcast

A project that uses grocery items always sets my heart aflutter, and I can't believe how easy (and kid-friendly!) this craft is. Why not round up the family for scrambled eggs one evening and decorate your own carton lights to hang outside? Or, be proactive with the holiday season this year and get started on those tree trimmings!

And, when you're finished with your project and have a few egg cartons left over, why not re-purpose them with some of our great ideas right here at DIY Life. Think boot trees, ice-cube maker, drawer liners and more!:
-Recycling Ideas for Egg Cartons

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The DIY Reel: Make the Most of a Small Room

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-17T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, household hacks, weekend projects, Small Spaces, Living Spaces

I did a bit of house shopping this week and found a lovely bungalow style home, but it was soooo tiny. I suppose if I was an optimist, I'd call it "cozy", but the truth is (and there's no hiding behind the truth, is there?) -- it was just small. Luckily, the low ceilings and minimal square footage won't deter me... especially after I watched this video from AOL's interior design expert Kelly Edwards.

Want more great ideas for maximizing small square footage or making the most out of small homes, spaces and nooks? Here's the best tip of all: Get creative. You can often work with what you've got by thinking out of the [very small] box.

Try transforming a closet into an office, a pantry into a playroom... or even a garage into a man-friendly den/cave. It's all in the space planning, and don't be afraid to do something out of the ordinary. Your reward will be more space to work with, and storage solutions you'll actually use!

Get to work!

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Top 15 Back-to-School DIY Ideas

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-04T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, Crafts, Kiddie Crafts, Storage & Organization, Essential Skills, Crafts & Celebrations

So by now you're officially in the swing of things, right? Wrong. Chances are, you and your family are still struggling at the idea of 6am wake-up calls, mounds of paperwork and the ever-so-present extra-curricular activity schedule. There never seem to be enough hours in the day, and definitely not enough cash in the bank. Perhaps our list of top back-to-school tutorials will make your adjustment process a tiny bit smoother... and a whole lot more stylish!:

Creative organization is the key to a happy school season! Photo: Martha Stewart

For the cafeteria:

Your kid will be the cat's meow in the lunchroom with these easy (and super cute!) tutorials for a lunch set and labels. Of course, you can always score brownie points with your child's teacher by creating a magnetic cafeteria chart for classroom use! You know... in case your kid isn't already brown-nosing enough for the both of you.

In the classroom:

Send your kid to school prepared with DIY book covers, backpacks and pocket organizers. Who knows? Maybe they'll be the future DIY Founding Father of their class! They'll certainly be one of the more stylish munchkins...

In the craft room:

With crafts for all ages, back-to-school can be a bit more fun. Tackle a school bus created out of egg cartons with your pre-schooler, or create a nature-inspired pencil holder for your tween. The key is, have some fun with your child before they're swamped with homework and they start locking you out of your bedroom forever!

For the teachers:

Teachers deserve a bit of back-to-school love, too... right? Surprise your favorite teacher with a handmade, well-crafted gift, or even send a few of these fun ideas with your kid. Remember --- you can never be too nice to your child's teacher. After all, as far as education is concerned, the teacher is boss.

Inspired yet? Incorporate a few of these fun tutorials into your weekend and welcome school season with a bang. Enjoy, and happy crafting, school bees!

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The DIY Reel: Choosing the Right Paint for Your Room

Erin Loechner — 2009-09-03T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, painting, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Living Spaces

So, it's time to paint over that bold red in the kitchen that has become a bit... much over the years. But how do you choose the right paint color when there are dozens of different shades, all under the umbrella of what you and I would label to be nothing more than white?

Our AOL home decor expert Kelly Edwards suggests grabbing a sample of a paint swatch you like, painting a foamboard of poster board and affixing it to the wall you'd like to paint over for several days. You can see what your wall will look like in the morning light and evening dusk -- a change that can make or break a space.

Want more killer painting tips? View the above video for more tips on how you can choose the right paint for your room... every time. And don't worry if you mess up; you can always join our Messy Paint Mishaps gallery and bask in your disasterous fame!

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Daily DIY: How to Hem Jeans

Erin Loechner — 2009-08-27T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, sewing

Show off those summer ankles with this easy hemming technique. Photo: Cardigan Empire

Now that summer's coming to a close, it's time to retire my floral wedges for the fall weather. (Don't worry -- they'll come back in the winter with knitted tights!). This can only mean one thing -- time to hem those jeans for flats. Not sure how? It's easier than you think!

Stylist Rachel Bagley of Cardigan Empire shows you how to hem your favorite pair of jeans in just three steps. The process couldn't be easier, and I'm so excited to try it myself (if I can find my dusty old sewing machine).

Of course, not everyone knows how to sew, and some are more talented than others in the arena (file me under the 'non-talented' section, please). Don't fret -- there's also a lovely no-sew hemming option for those of you who aren't sure whether a bobbin is a tiger or a piece of sewing paraphernalia.

So give it a shot -- hem those pants and show off your new fall flats. You can thank me later!

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Daily DIY: Turn a Stock Tank into a Pool

Erin Loechner — 2009-08-17T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, Crafts, Exteriors & Facades, Outdoors, Crafts & Celebrations

Fall may be fast approaching, but we still have a few glorious weekends to catch some rays before we close the book on another summer. In fact, I'd love to spend my entire Labor Day weekend in this chlorine-free pool, salvaged from a former stock tank.

How does one go about finding a stock tank? There are many resources, including Behlen Country, High Country Plastics, or Hi-Qual Manufacturing. Or better yet, keep your eye open for a farming estate sale or antique market. However, do your research. After all, not all stock tanks are created equal. Watch out for larger corrugation on the metals, as they can be a bit uncomfortable if resting your back against the inside of the pool.

Once you've chosen your stock tank, find out how Cathy, a mother of two, created her stock tank pool right here. From there, all that's left to do is soak up the sun!

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Sew Your Own Pair of Gardening Gloves

Erin Loechner — 2009-08-14T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: weekend projects, gardening and plants, sewing

In need of something to do this week with your newly-acquired free time (now that The Bachelorette is over, of course!)? Good news -- Weekend Sewing author Heather Ross is sharing a quick and easy tutorial for you crafty chicas that still have some planting to do before school starts!

My gardening gloves are disgustingly dirty (beyond washing machine-dirty, guys) and I've been dreaming of a new pair all summer long. And alas--- Heather comes riding in on her dahlia-colored horse with the perfect pair... that I can make myself, nonetheless.

If you're less selfish than I am, you could make a pair for a friend and partner the gift with these sweet little cricket gift tags (also created by Heather). Can you handle the cuteness? Me, neither.

Download the gardening glove tutorial right here. In need of fabric inspiration for your new cuties? You can design your own with Spoonflower, or, if you're not quite that crafty, peruse FabricShoppe on Etsy for some great threads at a decent price.

After all, store-bought gardening gloves are sewwwww 2008.

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6 Home Improvements to Increase the Value of Your Home

Chris Jordan — 2009-07-24T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, money, weekend projects, Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Exteriors & Facades, Patios, Porches & Decks, Living Spaces, Outdoors

Not all home improvements are created equal. I have already written about which improvements you should avoid completely, as some renovations give you a much larger return on your investment (ROI) than others. If you are trying to decide between adding on an office or doing a full remodel of your outdated kitchen, you probably want to consider which one will be worth the most in the long run.

1) Kitchen: Whether large or small in scope, renovating your kitchen is always money well spent. In recent years the trend has moved away from formal living areas to the kitchen really being the focus of the home. Entertaining has become more casual and many people are not even bothering with formal dining and living rooms anymore. With that, there has become and increased focus on the kitchen not just being functional but also attractive and decorated.

Kitchen renovations can be as large as tearing everything out and replacing it all, to just replacing old appliances, from refacing cabinets to simply replacing cabinet hardware.

ROI at resale: 75-80% according to the 2008 annual survey by Remodeling Magazine

2) Bathrooms: Along with kitchens, this area of the home gives the largest return on your investment.
A mid-range bathroom remodel, one in which everything is replaced with comparable items and all plumbing lines remain where they are located, gives the largest return on your investment.

If you can't afford or don't want to do full upgrades, consider refacing the cabinets, changing out hardware for something more contemporary. Shiny brass and chrome are currently on the outdated list having been replaced in favor of satin nickel and oil rubbed bronze.

ROI at resale: 75% , according to the 2008 annual survey by Remodeling Magazine

3) Siding: This one surprised me since I personally have intense hatred for vinyl siding. But apparently the rest of America doesn't feel like I do. Replacing the siding on your home has the highest return on your investment of all the major remodeling projects. If the siding on your home is in need of repair, painting, and a lot of TLC, it may be wise to consider replacing it with either vinyl or fiber-backed cement.

ROI: 80% for vinyl. 87% for fiber cement according to the 2008 annual survey by Remodeling Magazine

4) Landscape: Remember that first impressions are often what sell a house. This doesn't mean that you have to invest tons of money to see a pay-off. You want to have a well-groomed front lawn. Even simple things like planting flowers near the front of the house and mulching the flower beds will make a huge difference on the percieved value of your home. When prospective buyers pull up to the front of your home they will assume that the care and attention given to the outside of the home reflects the level of care and attention given to the inside of the home.

5) Increase the outdoor living area. The rise in casual entertaining has made having an outdoor kitchen/living area a must-have for many areas of the country. The trend for moving the indoors out can be seen in all of the home magazines this season. Creating this outdoor living space does not have to be expensive. If you DIY a project of this type, you will get more return on your investment than you put in.

6) Paint is always in style. It is inexpensive and provides a large amount of bang for your buck. A simple change of color to your walls can make a huge difference in how the room feels. I have a fondness for Benjamin Moore paints and at their website they have a great program that allows you to "paint" your room different colors.

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8 Easy Home Fixes, From $50 to Free!

Chris Jordan — 2009-07-20T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: fix-it, weekend projects, remodeling, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Living Spaces

Is your home looking a little tired? Are you dreaming of doing some renovating, but lack the funds to do so? Well, you aren't alone. According to the latest research form Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, so far there is a 12.3% drop in 2009 spending on home improvement projects. This is a slight improvement over the 13.6% drop in 2008. But things aren't expected to get much better any time soon.

Most of us think of home improvements and imagine huge projects that cost buckets of money and lots of time. The truth is that most homes can benefit from smaller projects, from a little attention to detail that often gets neglected. Most often renovations are undertaken because we want our homes to look better and function better.

With this in mind, I've rounded up my favorite tips and tricks to easily improve our homes on a very limited budget:

For less than $50:

1) Update bathroom and kitchen faucets. This might seem like a daunting project, but it is really quite simple. Just remember to turn your water supply off before you begin. A new shower head can make all the difference in how you feel about your morning shower, which in turn affects how you feel about your bathroom.

2) Add new hardware to your kitchen cabinets to change the look of your outdated cabinetry. Change brass hardware to brushed nickel for a more modern look.

3) Install new light fixtures to change the entire look of a room. Most can be purchased relatively inexpensively at the big box stores. There is no reason to live with horrible lighting.

For less than $10:

4) Stock up on cleaning erasers. I use them all the time to clean my walls, doors and trim work. I honestly never realized how filthy children are until I had my own. Spending half an hour cleaning off doors where dirty little hands grab them, the walls next to the staircase where they insist on running their hands while they walk up and down the stairs, and the balusters on your staircase, makes a huge difference in how a house looks.

5) Keep touch-up paint on hand. Sometimes the cleaning erasers are not enough. Don't be afraid to pull out your paint and touch up the areas that look less than beautiful. A tool like the Rubbermaid Paint Buddy Touch-Up Tool is perfect to keep on hand. Stock up on several for your home's primary colors. Remember your front door. I generally touch up the paint on my front door every spring. Of course maybe you don't have children who throw rocks and sticks at the door and then kick it every so often just for good measure.

6) Quick-repair those loose cabinet knobs. Cabinet knobs falling off when you pull on them? Most likely the threads inside have been stripped. Fill the hole in the cabinet where the knob screws in with some broken toothpicks and wood glue. Allow it to dry. Screw the knob back on.

For free ... who doesn't love this price?

7) Declutter, declutter, declutter. Did I say declutter? Nothing makes your home feel closed in more than piles of stuff stacked everywhere. View your belongings with a critical eye. If your things aren't useful or don't make you happy in some way, get rid of them.

8) Embrace the things that you can not change. Bright pink bathroom tile? Avocado green appliances? And, no budget to invest in changing them now? Work your decor around what you can't change, rather than try to mask it. Even though you may loathe the tile or appliances, make the room look as though you chose those items on purpose. You will be surprised how much a little shift in attitude can make all the difference.

What small fixes have you used to update the look and functionality of your home, when your budget doesn't allow for a big investment? I'd love to hear from you in our comments!

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Build Your Own BBQ Pit

DIY Life Staff — 2009-06-25T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: backyard science, food, recreation, weekend projects, Crafts, outdoor, staying green, stone and concrete, Patios, Porches & Decks, Outdoors, Crafts & Celebrations

By M.E. Williams

Every summer, I look forward to cooking outdoors. Lots of people have propane grills, which make outdoor cooking fast and convenient, but I use a small charcoal model similar to a Weber Kettle Grill. I don't think I'd move up to a propane grill, partly because the food cooked on it can have a "gassy" off-flavor (also possible with charcoal, if you use too much starter). On the other hand, I'd love to have a backyard large enough for a barbeque pit, like the one I remember my late grandparents having.

The Arizona BBQ Association has assembled a page of links that will show you how to build your own backyard smokers and grills. The projects are of two basic types: those based on masonry and those based on metal barrels, which usually require welding. The BBQ Lodge pit project is probably the simplest, but still, the designer had to cut some concrete blocks to shape.

None of these is exactly an "easy" project, but if you get started now, you'll have something to show off on Labor Day Weekend... and some really great meals for the rest of the season!

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Create Your Own Affordable, Unique Water Feature

DIY Life Staff — 2009-06-24T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: seasonal, weekend projects, landscaping, Patios, Porches & Decks, Outdoors

By Heather Craven

One of my favorite aspects of a summer patio, other than colorful flowers, is the sound of trickling water. My family happens to live on a mesa in the landlocked Rocky Mountains so naturally occurring water is hard to find. To combat this problem we have created small water features that offer the tranquil sound of water without wasting this precious resource.

When we first began our effort to create a water feature we looked at kits in home improvement stores. Unfortunately, the kits did not suit our needs. They were either too deep, too complicated or too expensive. After looking at the kit contents it became apparent that they were basically a pump, a container and something decorative. Since I am notoriously cheap and resourceful I decided we could create a better water feature on our own and for a much more affordable price. The process is as follows:

After rummaging around the house I was able to find a suitable, water tight container for the base, a whole mess of rocks, a large conch shell and a variety of decorative rocks and shells.
I bought a small water pump at the hardware store for about $25 and then did some research online.
Next we dug out a large flower bed, laid down some weed cloth I had found in the shed and submerged the container in the flower bed.
Then my kids and I arranged the rocks in a pleasing way that would ensure optimal trickling noises to attract the birds. We made sure to arrange the rocks in a way that prevented the water from being too deep, my youngest child is 2 years-old and safety is number one in our home.
Next it was time to submerge the pump and attached clear, plastic tubing to the outflow. Since I had about 3 feet of tubing I turned the outflow of the pump to high.
I used the conch shell as the central focus of the water feature. Using a sharp tool, I chipped a hole in the back of the shell large enough to accommodate the tubing. Then I inserted the tube in the hole and sealed up the remaining area with some silicone caulking.
Lastly, we arranged our shiny rocks and shells in a pleasing manner, placed a couple of small flower arrangements among the rocks and we were done.

Our water feature ended up costing about $25, the cost of the pump. The tubing, caulking and rocks were left over from other projects over the years. It did take more time than assembling a pre-made kit would have, but the result is a one of a kind pleasure that the whole family enjoys.

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Clever Ways to Hide Your Air Conditioning Unit

DIY Life Staff — 2009-06-22T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, weekend projects, ventilation, Essential Skills, Know-How

By Diane Rixon

The box air-conditioning unit is a necessary evil for many apartment dwellers. (Those of you about to head off to college, take note!) These things come with a few big cons: they are noisy, they are unsightly, they block the view out of your window, and they are a pain in the neck to install and uninstall.

At least the unsightliness factor is something you can fix! Here are a few suggestions for hiding your air conditioning unit from New York Magazine:

Decorate it with something pretty like wallpaper scraps.
Build a decorative cabinet around it, but be careful not to block air flow.
Disguise it from view with a sheer curtain.
Hide it with a screen.
Cover it with artwork and frame it.

[via Apartment Therapy]

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Crochet a wedding cake

M.E. Williams — 2008-07-31T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: wedding, weekend projects, Crafts, knitting and crochet

Here at DIY Life, posts about weddings are always popular, but often, posts about knit and crochet patterns come in a close second.

I thought it might be interesting to combine the two, by looking at a few free patterns for wedding cakes made from yarn. (Hey, they don't have to be frozen, and they never get stale!)

Crochet Today's Crochet Confection cake pattern (PDF download) is, at 4"x8", life-sized. It's an easy, single-tier cake that you can display on a stand over a form.
Berroco's Buttercream is also life-sized, but this one is a tiered cake with flowers; it can be used to store dishes. It's made in their Ultra Alpaca, but any other worsted-weight yarn should work just as well.
On the miniature side, there are the Norma Lynn Cake Sachets. Several of the designs here, like the Two-Tier Cake and the Clumsy Cake, seem wedding-appropriate, though they're part of a collection of desserts. The second page of cake sachet patterns has a triple-tier wedding cake with flower toppers and ruffled trim.

Suggested uses? The sachets would make great giveaways at a bridal shower; they'd also make nice package decorations for gifts. Some of the projects might make cute gifts for attendants, in the right kind of wedding. They would be fun commemorations of a special anniversary, or whimsical decor in the right kind of room. Professional wedding planners could also probably appreciate them.

Outside of the wedding framework, you can always choose different colors, changing the "wedding cake" into a "birthday cake" -- or merely making a cute trinket for a friend who loves sweet desserts.

And if you're looking for more patterns like this, check out an older post of mine -- Amigurumi-o-rama: Crocheted Food.

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Water-Repellent Wood Preservative: Make Your Own!

Kelly Smith — 2008-07-31T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, weekend projects, outdoor, painting, Patios, Porches & Decks, Outdoors

There's a lot of wooden objects that you just don't want to bring back indoors: patio furniture, picnic tables, planters, etc. One thing they have in common is the ability to stand up to wind, heat, and rain. You don't have to buy the expensive stuff, just make your own!

Water-repellent preservative recipe

As with any other time you mix various potentially hazardous or flammable materials, take precautions and ventilate the area properly. Mix together:

2 gal. Mineral spirits, Turpentine, or #1 or #2 fuel oil
5/8 qts. Boiled Linseed Oil
3/16 lb. Paraffin Wax
1 qt. Penta concentrate 10:1
1 to 3 fluid oz Color Pigment / gallon of the above mix

The paraffin must be melted in a double boiler; if you try to use a regular pan, fire is a very real possibility (keep an extinguisher close.) Let your concoction age overnight before applying it and stir it well; the pigments will settle.

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