Back to my ongoing stair remodel… A funny thing happened on the way to installing the remaining treads: Everything went haywire. I’ll try to sum […]
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Stair Rail Removal
Getting back to my ongoing staircase remodel… I already replaced the lower flight of the split-level stair treads, but I couldn’t replace the upper flight before first removing the handrail. So, this next phase of the project called for some orderly demolition. […]
Stair Tread Installation
Our last blog post showed how to remove wooden stair treads. This post will show how to install the new treads, which were provided by L.J. Smith Stair Systems.
Stair Tread Removal
Okay, back to my ongoing staircase remodel… You’ll see in earlier blog posts that I’ve already stained and finished the new treads and newel posts. Now it’s time to remove the old treads in preparation for the new ones. Although the old treads weren’t the prettiest pieces in the world, I was hoping to salvage […]
TV Size Upgrade
Over the weekend, I helped my buddy Mitch mount a new 60″ flat screen to the wall. This was a little trickier than it sounds, because he wanted to hang it over an existing wall nook that was too small for the larger screen. The TV nook built into his wall was originally designed to […]
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Timberchic Accent Wall Video
Here’s a short video showing how to install Timberchic peel-and-stick planks to create a decorative accent wall.
Vote EHT for Best Home Improvement Blog!
Today is the final day you can vote for our blog in the Family Blog Awards! Please vote HERE!
Quickscrews Partners with NBC’s “Making It” Reality Show
Extreme How-To‘s friends Quickscrews, a leading supplier of woodworking fasteners in the US for 30 years, has partnered with NBC’s new hit reality show, Making It. In this six-episode competition, eight of the most talented makers from across the country will take on a variety of handmade projects with the hopes of becoming Master Maker […]
Goodbye, Old House
I’m typing this blog post as I pack everything I own into cardboard boxes. This is the week of the Big Move, where my family moves from one house to another. Getting to this point has been a long road riddled with many delays and frustrations, but I won’t bore you with details. If you’ve […]
Home Improvement
Staining Stair Parts, Cont’d…
Day 2 of staining the parts of our new stair system involved a lot of repetitive motion. After the wood stain had completely dried on the stair treads, I coated them all with gloss polyurethane. The poly should be applied in thin, successive coats and allowed to completely dry between coats. Before applying a new […]
Staining Stair Treads
I’ve embarked on a new project at my house — stair remodeling. The plan is to replace the treads and a wonky handrail system on our front foyer. I’m using parts and supplies from L.J. Smith Stair Systems, and today I entered phase one of the project: staining the unfinished stair treads. This involved setting […]
Plumbing Snake for Clogged Drains
Yesterday I had my first encounter with using an electrical plumbing snake. These machines are also called a Drain Pipe Auger or a Power Drain Cleaner. Here are my thoughts: This job stinks! What a crappy experience. We rented the plumbing snake from the local Home Depot to clear out the clogged main drain line […]
Weekend Projects
5 Home Appliances You Didn’t Know You Could Repair Yourself
(guest post by Chris Zeisler) Not every homeowner is a handy person, but with the right resources, you don’t have to be. While some appliance repairs are jobs for professionals, others are simple enough that even homeowners who aren’t mechanically inclined can handle them – especially if they know where to go to look for […]
Installing a Timberchic Accent Wall
As part of an ongoing remodeling project, the EHT staff had our first opportunity to install Timberchic, a peel-and-stick plank made of genuine reclaimed wood. Thin, lightweight, and easy to cut and apply, these affordable DIY-friendly planks are made 100% from reclaimed river logs and are available in an enhanced palate of colors (we chose […]
Disinfect a Swimming Pool Without Chlorine Risks
(guest post by Korie Cantor) The summer season is that time of the year when most Americans prepare to take a dip in the pool to beat the heat of the sun. Swimming pools bring along memories of the cool pool water, the exciting water games, the warmth of the sun, and the strong […]