How to Make a Wooden Planter Box
Continuing my foray into the world of woodworking, last week I made a wooden planter box, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. The box is functional, looks good and all the joints are nice and tight. Much like the wooden beer tote I made, if you change the dimensions, this planter box can be used for many other purposes (like a casserole dish). It was a fun woodworking project, and here’s how I put it together. Materials: 1 x 10″ x 6′ Oak 1/4″ plywood Wood filler Wood stain Polyurethane Handles Plants 10×14″... Keep reading...
Free Tools and Craft Stuff?!
If you’re a relatively new reader, you might not realize that we give away a lot of free stuff. For instance, right now in our Rewards Center we have 10 items up for grabs (with several more queued up for the near future). Plus, the stuff we giveaway is really nice! Here’s a quick overview of what we have to offer right now. How it Works Project Rewards (click here for full details) is a reader appreciation program, and for a shot at all these freebies, you need to: Register: All you have to do is pick a username and provide... Keep reading...
How to Tile a Bathroom, Shower Walls, Floor, Materials (100 pics, Pro-Tips)
Welcome back to our latest Pro-Follow update. Last time we left off, Steve Wartman and his crew had finished installing the bathroom fan, and the previous day they had hung concrete board in the shower and Fir plywood over the subfloor. At this point, the bathroom is ready for tile, and Steve called in Rick Smith and his crew to tile the shower and bathroom floor. Rick brings over 30 years of experience, and coincidentally Rick is the contractor that tiled my master bathroom several years ago. If you enjoy our Pro-Follows and learning... Keep reading...
How to Install a Retrofit Bathroom Vent Fan
We’re back with another Pro-Follow update for the bathroom remodel with Steve Wartman and his crew. If you’re just joining us, you can read up on the progress so far at these links: Day 1: Demolition Day 2: Plumbing, Electric and Concrete Board In the introduction to this project, I mentioned that moving the bathroom fan was part of the plan. The original fan was situated on the opposite side of the shower and vented into the attic space. Steve wanted to relocate the fan so that it more effectively pulls moisture from the... Keep reading...
How to Install a Floating Laminate Floor
Steve Wartman and his crew have almost finished the basement remodel, and I’ll be writing a comprehensive post to unveil the transformation soon. Installing flooring is one of the last phases in the process, and the homeowners have opted for a floating laminate floor in the laundry room. Floating floors are a great DIY project because the work goes fast, and since a floating floor isn’t nailed down, they don’t require as many tools as a traditional wood floor install (see our How to Install Hardwood Flooring article for... Keep reading...
Bathroom Remodel, Day 2: Plumbing, Electric and Concrete Board
Welcome back to our Pro-Follow with professional contractor Steve Wartman as he and his crew remodel a master bathroom. Last time we left off, the guys had just finished gutting the bathroom, removing the old vanity, toilet, tile and tub. If you missed it, here’s coverage from Day 1: Day 1: Bathroom Demolition We’re always working to bring you more Pro-Follows, and other high-quality tutorials. If you enjoy home improvement and learning from professional contractors, take a moment and become an email or RSS subscriber. As... Keep reading...
Burying Power Lines
As I followed Steve Wartman and his crew through the process of building a deck, many of you sharp-eyed readers noticed that the overhead power lines were very close to the new deck. When I asked Steve about it, he said the power lines were to be buried at a later date. Well that time arrived last week, and here’s how they did it. Burying power lines is not a very complicated task. However, it can be quite laborious without the right machinery, and a big part of today’s Pro-Follow involves the Ditch Witch. A Ditch Witch is... Keep reading...
How to Build a Post & Beam Shed Foundation on a Slope
Last week I had the opportunity to help a friend build the foundation for a new shed that will be delivered in a couple of weeks. His back yard has a bit of a slope, and it would take too much concrete to pour a slab (read how to pour a concrete shed foundation here). For that reason, we decided that building a post and beam foundation would be the best way to go. This article is a step-by-step guide for how we built it, and if you’ve read our article for building a deck, you’ll see some similarities. Editors update: The shed... Keep reading...
Bathroom Remodel, Day 1: Demolition
We’re back with our next Pro-Follow, and I’m excited because Steve and his crew are starting a master bathroom remodel. Remodeling a bathroom is a great home improvement job, and this Pro-Follow series will walk you through each step. If you’re not familiar with our Pro-Follows, I spend time with a local contractor, documenting their work. You get to see the progress in regular updates, and with tips and tricks along the way, there’s no better resource for learning how to tackle your next home improvement project.... Keep reading...
Video: How to Wire a Half-Switched Outlet
Today we’re bringing you a video from our workshop on wiring half-switched outlets. A half-switched outlet is an outlet where either the top or bottom half of the outlet is controlled by a switch, while the other half is always on. This outlet configuration is common in homes built in the 1980s, when this method of wiring reached peak popularity. This video explains one wiring approach for creating a half-switched outlet to help you either diagnose or create this configuration in the future. In this example, the power comes from... Keep reading...
Installing the Genie PowerMax 1500 (Overview)
October of last year Genie Garage Door Opener had me out to tour their facilities in Ohio. They also hooked me up with a garage door opener (even though I don’t actually own a garage). Fortunately, the OPC workshop is a converted garage, and that gave me the perfect opportunity to install the Genie PowerMax 1500. This article is an overview of the installation process. A Quick Note: OPC just sponsored a giveaway over on Young House Love. Sorry, entries are closed, but I wanted to take a moment and welcome any new readers! If you’re... Keep reading...
How to Wire an Outlet
Wiring an electrical outlet may seem intimidating until you’ve learned the right way to do it. This tabletop demonstration provides a detailed look at how to wire a typical, household outlet including properly splicing ground wires, stripping wires, making the appropriate connections and securing the outlet in the box. Code and Electrical Permits Permits: In some areas you are required to obtain a permit for electrical work that includes a new or extended circuit, and sometimes only licensed master electricians can obtain these permits.... Keep reading...
How to Maintain a Lawnmower
We get a lot of questions regarding lawn mower maintenance, and so we’ve put together this series of articles to address the most common gas-powered, lawn mower maintenance needs. If you follow these steps, you’re sure to increase the longevity and efficiency of your mower. In fact, performing these tasks is a great start to troubleshoot a lawn mower that isn’t working. Click through the link in each step to see the full explanation including pictures. Editors note: This article was originally published in October of... Keep reading...
How To Remove a Load Bearing Wall
This how-to guide is a compilation of several articles from 2010 when we were going through the process of removing a load bearing wall. It was a big project that took place over the course of several days and required the help of professional contractors and engineers. This article will walk you through the process, step-by-step so you can see how the pros completed the job. For any of you who weren’t with us in January 2010, this was the last wall to be removed in the conversion to an open floor plan in our home, as indicated by... Keep reading...
How to Install Track Lighting
We’ve setup quite a bit of track lighting in our shop, and yesterday I finished installing some additional units. We like track lighting a lot because there are many of styles of lights available, and because we can move or redirect the lights as needed. We use track lighting for taking pictures, recording video, and getting a lot of light on our workbenches. Read on to learn how you can install track lighting too. Permits: In some areas you are required to obtain a permit for electrical work that includes a new or extended circuit,... Keep reading...
Racor Garage and Shed Storage Products
By now you all must realize how much I love good storage and organization. Why else would I have spent so much time working on pegboard, a lumber rack, workbenches, and storage shelves? So I was excited when Racor offered up a few storage items because, let’s face it, building your own bike lift just isn’t practical. Racor manufactures a wide variety of storage solutions, and what I’m about to show you is just a small snapshot. GaragePro Similar to the Craftsman and Gladiator hanging wall systems (and about the same price),... Keep reading...
How to Install Drywall (with 75+ pics): Hanging, Taping, Finishing
If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recognize this is the part of our Pro-Follow series with expert general contractor Steve Wartman. We’re following Steve as he and his crew remodel an unfinished basement. For any of our readers in the greater Baltimore area looking to hire a contractor, I highly recommend Wartman Home Improvements. To see more of Steve’s work, take a look at our how-to articles for building a deck and building a shed. Now that the walls have been framed, the electric and plumbing are roughed... Keep reading...
How to Patch Small Holes in a Textured Ceiling
A quick tip for small patches in homes with textured ceilings: you CAN do it yourself with materials you probably already have in your house. I ran into this job while prepping our guestroom to be painted. The prior owners had swagged lamps hanging from hooks on the ceiling in that room. Not our style. So I got rid of the lamps and took down the hooks, but it left me with round holes. Here’s how I fixed them. Editors Note: Hanging drywall and making drywall repairs is a popular topic here on OPC, and if you’re looking... Keep reading...
How to Install Electric Radiant Heat Under Bathroom Tile
Installing radiant heat flooring is a great project for homeowners and do-it-yourselfers. Radiant flooring adds comfort and value to your home, and it’s not overly difficult to install. I spent the day with professional contractor Joe Bianco as he completed this project. Read on to learn how it’s done. Materials Warm Tile radiant flooring kit 1-1/4″ concrete anchors Thin-set mortar Tools Straight-edge Hammer drill Driver Hammer Snips Fish tape Multi-tool Chisel Multimeter Step 1: Plan the Layout One of the challenges... Keep reading...
Finishing a Basement, Day 4: Insulation
Welcome to our latest Pro-Follow update as contractor Steve Wartman and his crew remodel an unfinished basement. If you’re just joining us, the guys have framed the walls, run duct work, and had the electric rough-in completed. You can read all about the progress so far at these links: Day 1: Framing the walls Day 2: Vapor barrier and ductwork Day 3: Electric Rough-in Today’s article will focus on insulating the walls, band-boards and ceiling. Quick Note on Plumbing I didn’t spend time with the plumber as he was only... Keep reading...
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How to Paint a Three-Piece Crown Molding
How to Install Pre-Hung Doors
How to Repair a Medium-Size Hole in Drywall
How to Build a Deck (with 120+ Pics, Diagrams, Pro-Tips, & Helpful Links)
The Best Compact Drill Drivers: We Test Five Popular 18V Models
How to Build a Shed (with a Record 100+ Pics, Vids, and Diagrams!)
How to Install Hardwood Flooring (Complete Instructions)
How to Build a Wall-Mounted Lumber Storage Rack
How to Make a Beer Tote: A Beginner’s Woodworking Project
How to Build a Heavy Duty Workbench
How to Paint an Epoxy Concrete Floor Coating (Quikrete Example)
How to Build Shed Storage Shelves
How to Use Self Leveling Cement to Level a Large Concrete Slab
How to Setup Multi-room Audio with an iPhone or iTouch, Airport Express & iTunes