DIY Life

Planning a bathroom renovation? Me, too. Right now, I'm shopping for the perfect bathtub.

Now, I knew right off the bat my budget wouldn't stretch to one of those luxe clawfoot models. But I also can't settle for a cheapo standard-issue (read: shallow, uncomfortable) tub. I'm looking for a bath that's comfortable and deep enough for soaking ... yet won't break the piggy bank.

If you're shopping for a tub, choose carefully. The cost of installation can easily dwarf that of the tub itself, so make sure the finished result is exactly what you wanted! You've probably already narrowed it down by size, shape and color. But wait: You still must choose the type of material your new tub will be made from. Let's take a look at the choices.

In the past there were only a few choices for fence materials. You could put up a stone wall, block wall, brick wall, wrought iron, wood, or chain link. If you got creative you could combine a couple materials and get a fence/ wall by putting wrought iron on top of a brick base or wood panels between pilasters of block or stone.

Today the number of choices and alternative materials has exploded. Plastic, aluminum, and man made stone have given the homeowner a plethora (see, a college education can pay off!) of choices to choose from.

I am going to try to sort through some of the more popular choices for you based on affordability, difficulty of installation, looks, and durability. Hopefully this will make your choices clearer and easier to make.

We have a pergola out in our yard. A sprawling wisteria makes its home there, twining its way relentlessly around the wooden support posts. When the wisteria blooms in spring, it's a beautiful sight to see. Sadly, the above photo was taken the spring before last, and lately I'm noticing my poor pergola's not looking quite so charming.

Yes, it's time to consider a little pergola maintenance. Honestly, I'm dreading it. All those posts! All that pruning and trimming! All that sanding! All that wrestling with the ladder and drop sheets! Ugh. So I made a plan. First, I did a little online research on pergola maintenance, to arm myself with the facts. Second, I figure I'll psych myself up all winter, so when the weather warms up and it's time to paint, I'll be all prepared and will have no excuse to procrastinate further!

So much for my plan. Let me share with you the tips I found.