I recently spruced up a pressure-treated deck with the new Transformation Deck & Fence Stain from Sashco. This particular deck has very little shade during the day and takes a lot of abuse from the sun. The 2×6 boards were beginning to check even though I had re-stained the decking about 18 months ago. It […]
Extreme How-To
Craftsman Gives Back with “Make a Difference” Tour
Craftsman is on the road this summer to inspire Americans to open their tool boxes and start working with their hands, all while making a difference in communities across the country. The Craftsman “Make a Difference” Tour will visit more than 20 locations nationwide, renovating homes of U.S. veterans and helping communities in need. […]
The NARI’s Top 10 Steps to Prepare for a Remodel
A handy hit list for procuring a contractor… Even the handiest of homeowners usually have a threshold where they decide it’s smart to forgo doing the project themselves and instead call in a professional. Whether it’s a matter of experience, equipment or just available time, recruiting a contractor often makes a lot of sense. But […]
Sweet Roof!
One of EHT‘s most recent projects was a complete roof tear-off and replacement job, using synthetic shake roofing from DaVinci Roofscapes. You’ll be finding the complete feature story in an upcoming issue of Extreme How-To, but for the time being I wanted to share a few photos from the job. It really is a beautiful […]
“Bulletproof” Windows
The EHT staff recently participated in a window replacement project where old, rotted wooden windows were removed and replaced with energy-efficient vinyl units from Simonton Windows. The new units not only look great, but the Low-E double-paned, gas-filled design will significantly reduce heat transfer to save on energy bills. Plus, the vinyl construction won’t require […]
Air Conditioners Demystified
You may be an expert on air-conditioning technology. I am definitely not, but I’ve been diligently studying HVAC systems in order to qualify in my state as a licensed home inspector. I’ve been taking a crash-course in all aspects of the home. A lot of the material I already knew, but a lot of the […]
Cool Stuff: Superior Sealants
Cracks in caulk joints occur because the house moves, and the caulk doesn’t move with it. This movement can occur when the house settles, or as the building materials expand and contract with seasonal changes. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a caulk that moves with the the house? The Sashco company makes […]
Heating & Cooling No Longer Majority of U.S. Home Energy Use
Now that we’re entering the warmer months, it’s tempting to crank up the ol’ air conditioner, but the high cost of electricity will have many of us biding our time. When money is tight, people often sweat out the heat a little longer to cut energy costs and keep more money in the bank. For […]
Big Stand for a Big Screen
Last summer I customized these plans from Woodsmith.com to build a sectional entertainment center that would match the ridiculously large TV that might wife bought me (herself?) for Christmas. The design gave me a way to not only support the TV but also to house a Blu-ray player, satellite receiver, a VCR (old!) and even […]
How to Make Floating Shelves
Behold the latest Extreme How-To video — a great weekend project for the DIY’er with a table saw. Just click below to play…