If you’re planning to build a deck near a pool or spa, then you should be aware of some new building code changes from the International Code Council. The 2012 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code stipulates new rules for deck surfaces […]
Extreme How-To
Give ’em THE BULL
Happy holidays, EHT readers. As long as you’re busy shopping online instead of doing your job, I thought I’d mention that I wrote a novel which is currently for sale at Amazon.com. It’s called THE BULL, and it is completely awesome. You should purchase a copy for every person on your Christmas list. In fact, […]
Color-matched Caulking
Here’s something new in the world of caulk: ExactColor Sealant from Sashco is an easy way to create your own custom color sealant, and no special tools are required. Each tube comes complete with everything you need to tint the caulk, including a plastic syringe and […]
Set a Temporary Post (for Halloween and more)
From yard signs to birdhouses to holiday decorations and more, homeowners may find all sorts of reasons to set a temporary post. To do this, you’ll need a post anchor, which is a sturdy metal stake that retains the end of a 4×4 post. You can find post anchors sold at hardware stores, home-improvement […]
New Way to Break Stuff: Ecobust
Who doesn’t love a new way to break stuff? Instead of ripping through concrete or stone with a jackhammer–or even explosives–Ecobust is an “expansive demolition agent” that breaks up rock and concrete neatly and silently. The product is basically cement that […]
Hay is for Houses
I spent the weekend at an arts and crafts festival at the Tannehill Ironworks State Park in Alabama where I was peddling my book, The Bull, and giving out free subscriptions to EHT. While there I met a lot of interesting people, including […]
Connecting PVC Piping
PVC is everywhere. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the most commonly used plastic piping material. It’s corrosion-resistant, cost-effective and promises a long service life. It can be used underground or can even be used outdoors if the pipe contains stabilizers and UV inhibitors and is painted […]
Behold the Scrammer
Professional painters take note: The Scrammer is on its way. The multipurpose Scrammer combines the functions of a scraper, hammer and nail-puller into a single lightweight tool. Although it’s not yet available to the public, the Extreme How-To staff got our hands on […]
Blade Runners: Lawn Edger Basics
It’s time to give your lawn its back-to-school haircut. Be sure to keep the edges neat when you do. A powered lawn edger provides a dramatic step up in cutting power from a string trimmer, utilizing a rigid steel […]
811 to CYA
An enthusiastic DIY homeowner in our area recently incurred some serious expenses during a deck expansion project. The problem: When digging the footings he cut into an underground utility line and was slapped with a hefty bill for the repairs. And sadly, the cost […]