A garden arch creates an attractive and useful foundation for the growth of vines and flowering creepers. Building an arch out of natural materials is ecologically sound and organically appealing. The natural color, texture and shape of branches add to the comfortable feeling of the garden, and after installation they require minimal maintenance. The materials for an arch can be gathered from cuttings and are often inexpensive or free.

Almost every electrical appliance has a fuse, whether it’s a dishwasher or a low-wattage lamp. They’re an important safety device and protect both you and the electrical device. If a fault develops, the fuse blows and cuts off the electrical supply. Make your own temporary electric fuse using fuse wire. In many instances, when a fuse blows, there isn’t anything wrong with the device; it’s simply that the fuse has gotten worn and needs replacing.

Asphalt, also known as asphaltum, is used in varnish form as a resist for acid etching, blacking for wrought iron or as a dark varnish and sealant for wood. Asphalt dilutes readily in turpentine. The same asphalt used to make roads dissolves in turpentine to make varnish. Things You Will Need + 2 woven canvas bags 5-gallon bucket, with lid 25 cups asphalt 3 gallons of turpentine When an asphalt-turpentine mixture is applied to a surface, the turpentine evaporates, depositing a layer of smooth asphalt on the desired surface.

Brass is an alloy metal made of zinc and copper varied in proportion to make brasses with different properties. Its durability makes it a popular metal for outdoor architectural usage; brass is often the metal of choice for door handles, address plaques and even porch lamps. Brass door knockers add a touch of elegance, but occasionally need a little polishing to keep them looking nice. Things You Will Need + Magnet Microfiber cloth Sponge Bucket Warm water Mild dish detergent Brass cleaner Gloves Car wax Ammonia Water Although brass seldom requires maintenance, it does sometimes need polishing and cleaning to help it maintain its lustrous appearance.

A metal is classed as a chemical element suitable for conducting heat and electricity. As a building material, it creates structures that are rigid and long-lasting, and metal tends to be lightweight as well. Metal strip attached to metal wall with metal screws There are clear advantages as well as disadvantages in the use of metal products, many of which a do-it-yourself homeowner can install with few headaches. Buildings and Advantages The kinds of advantages and disadvantages that you may face from using metal depend on how you intend to use it.

You may choose a solid color stain for your deck because you have an almost limitless range of colors to choose from. Compared to paint, solid color stain is quite thin and still allows the texture and character of the wood to show through. Before you make your final decision on what coating to use on your new deck, understand both the advantages and disadvantages of solid color stain.

Linen is a strong natural fiber -- woven flax -- that both dyes and wrinkles easily and is often blended with another fiber, such as rayon, for upholstery. It complements contemporary-style furniture but will also add an urbane, elegant polish to a vintage or antique sofa. Linen can handle alkaline detergents and dry-cleaning solvents; the pure fiber is a Code S fabric, which is industry-speak for material that resists solvents.

You’ve finally chosen the perfect color for your room and found a day to paint. But your drop cloths must have shifted while you were painting, and now you’ve discovered areas where paint has gotten into the carpet. Things You Will Need + Rags Paper towels Spoon Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover Before you start rubbing products into your carpet, take a moment to review steps that will help you remove the paint without damaging your carpet.

The ground wire is the safety connection for your home's electrical system. If electricity gets somewhere it shouldn't, it provides a path to the earth. This mitigates the chances of electrocution by moving the electrical current to a safe location. Historically, electrical panels have been grounded to the metal supply water pipe. If your home has a PEX or plastic water supply line, you need to ground the system using grounding rods on the exterior of your home.

If you have a futon, you will benefit from taking it apart before attempting to move it from one room to another, especially if you need to transport it up or down the stairs. Attempting to move a futon without properly disassembling it may damage it, cause additional frustration navigating it through doorways, or damage the floor or walls. Unzip and remove the cover from the futon mattress. Removing it prevents it from getting stained or ripped while moving the mattress, especially because many cannot be laundered and are limited to spot cleaning.