Tips

How to Replace Laminate Countertop

An update to any kitchen or bathroom can be quickly achieved by changing the laminate countertops. The varieties of design and color are endless. This is a home improvement project that is affordable and can be done by nearly anyone who is good at taking accurate measurements. Replace Laminate Countertop Shut off the water to the sink. There should be a valve on the water line that when twisted in a clockwise motion, turns off the water supply to the sink.

How to Skim Coat a Subfloor for Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is a durable, inexpensive option that is frequently installed in both kitchens and bathrooms due to its resistance to water and easy maintenence. If you are installing new linoleum, the first step is to properly prepare the subfloor. Whether the subfloor is plywood or concrete, you must fill in any depressions by skim coating it with a special patching compound. Depressions that remain will show through on the linoleum, giving the flooring a wavy appearance.

How to Get the Wet Stink Away From Leather

When a leather jacket or pair of shoes gets wet, the natural material has a tendency to stink. Wearing clothing that smells is unpleasant enough, but the moisture can also damage the leather. Wearing wet leather smells like you're wearing a wet animal. Things You Will Need + Clean towels Bowl 1 cup olive oil 2 oz. castile soap 20 drops essential oil Spoon Spray bottle Clean cloths Preventing your leather goods from getting wet is the best way to maintain your leather, while avoiding the unpleasant smell of a wet animal hide.

How to Line a Lampshade With Styrene

Styrene is a flexible material used to line the inside of lampshades. It is typically used when initially making a lampshade. However, you can also replace torn, discolored or worn-out styrene on an existing lampshade. Pressure sensitive, also called self-stick, or plain styrene can be found in most craft stores. Ready-to-use styrene, with fabric already attached, is also available. Lining a lampshade with styrene results in a finished and professional look.

How to Make a Sand Mold for Concrete

Creating a sand mold for concrete is a quick and inexpensive method of reproducing ornamental objects in concrete form. The process uses fine wet sand to hold the image of the casting model. The sand is just strong enough to avoid crumbling as you pour concrete into the depression left by the mold. Create beautiful concrete ornaments through sand molding. After a short wait for the concrete to harden, you can pull the cast replica of your modeled object free and enjoy a beautifully cast concrete ornament suitable for display.

How to Make Concrete Lintels

A lintel is a block or plate of concrete used to fill gaps on buildings or during construction work. They are steel-reinforced in order to carry heavy weights and to prevent the concrete plates from breaking during fitting. They are usually bought pre-manufactured, but can be made to measure on site. Lintels bridge gaps in construction work. Things You Will Need + For a lintel size 25-inch by 5inch: 1 sheet of 1/2-inch ply wood Saw Hammer and nails 20 ml concrete treatment 4 rebars Hacksaw 8 plastic or concrete spacers 8 kg ballast 4 kg cement Bucket 2 to 3 cups of water (depending on weather conditions) Gloves Safety glasses Measure the gap you wish to bridge with the lintel and make a note of the exact size.

How to Run a Wire Through a Flexible Conduit

Conduit provides a safe, secure barrier between wires and weather conditions or dirt. Flexible conduit is a protective piping that allows wires to navigate around obstacles in the ground or above. Other than protecting wires outside of a home, flexible conduit hides wires inside a home protecting from tripping hazards and tangling. It is available in galvanized metal or plastic; both are long-lasting and durable, making either an appropriate choice.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Heating Oil

There are various advantages and disadvantages of home heating oil. The fuel receives high performance marks from builders and homeowners. At first glance oil seems like the cheaper heating solution, but consider back-end costs. Do not select oil as a home heating method if you are seeking an environmentally-friendly option. Performance Home heating oil provides efficient heat during colder months. An advantage of home heating oil involves performance. Oil burns 400 degrees hotter than natural gas or electricity, so oil-heated homes warm quickly.

Do it Yourself Rust Proofing

When oxygen and the iron in metal get together, it can get ugly fast. Whether it is your car, metal siding, your tools or something else, the corrosive process known as rusting can deteriorate and eventually destroy many of your valuable possessions. Rustproofing usually comes in the form of maintenance. Depending on the object you are trying to protect, there are several simple do-it-yourself methods for preventing the occurrence of rust.

How to Repair a Frayed Electrical Cord

Wear and tear on electrical cords is nothing new to the homeowner. Whether it is a lamp cord that keeps getting tripped over or an appliance cord that is worn from moving it around, cords may eventually fray and need to be replaced. Most appliances use a heavier 12- or 14-gauge wire and a three-prong plug, so it is important to locate a plug to match the wiring and the electrical rating of the appliance, lamp or other device.