Choose the Best Underlayment for Laminate Flooring

Foam vs. Cork: Which Is Right for Your Home? The selection and proper installment ofunderlaymentforlaminate flooringis important for several reasons. The underlayment can affect how the floor feels and how it wears over time. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Using the wrong underlayment or improper installation can also void the flooring manufacturer’s warranty. Read on to learn about the best underlayment for laminate flooring that can meet your needs. The Spruce / Kevin Norris...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Katie Summers

Choose the Right Nursery Color Using Color Psychology

Choosing nursery colors for a baby can be tricky. After all, color selection is not exactly a science, right? Actually, it is. KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images Just ask the army of marketing execs who have poured millions into the research. But color psychology can be used to affect more than just your wallet. Color Psychology 101 Different colors can have different effects on the mind and body. KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 375 words · Tonya Adkins

Choosing Driveway Pavers: Everything You Need to Know

The catch is they are more expensive. What Is a Driveway Paver? Paver materials suitable for driveways are brick, concrete, stone, or a porous surface. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto Fortunately, replacing a brick or two is easier and less expensive than replacing an entire driveway. With some upkeep, a brick paver driveway can last more than 25 to 30 years. These driveways are more durable than solid concrete slabs....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 342 words · Janet Oconnor

Choosing the Best Type of Drywall Compound

It’s also handy for repairing cracks and holes inexisting drywalland plaster surfaces. The best drywall mud for your job depends on your task. There are a few basic types, each with advantages and disadvantages. The Spruce / Kevin Norris What Is Joint Compound or Mud? It can also repair holes andcracks in drywalland plaster. The all-purpose compound is a pre-mixed mud sold in buckets and boxes. The Spruce / Kevin Norris...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 460 words · Haley Bennett

Choosing the Right Extension Cord: Amperage, Size, and Safety

Most people have several extension cords they keep on hand for this purpose. Read on to learn more about extension cord amps, wattage, and safety considerations when using them. They come in many lengths, from 2 feet to 100 feet. The Spruce / Ana Cadena Connecting two extension cords is not recommended because it can cause a drop in amperage. The thicker the cord, the more electrical current it can safely carry....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Andrew Bryan

Choosing the Right Living Room Area Rug for Your Home

Choosing the right area rug makes your living room look finished, well-proportioned, and harmonious with your decor. All the legs of your furniture should ideally sit on the area rug. Area rugs come in many standard sizes, including: What Size Area Rug Do I Need? The Spruce / Sarah Crowley Your room’s size, shape, and furniture arrangement determine the size of the area rug you need. Round rugs are measured by diameter....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 217 words · Alex Richards

Choosing the Right Outdoor Tile Adhesive

There are many bonding materials, from modified to unmodified thin-set mortar and mastic to a polyurethane-based construction adhesive. Read on to find the best outdoor tile adhesive for your next outdoor tile project. For an outdoor patio, you will almost always use a modified thin-set mortar for an adhesive. TerryJ / Getty Images Modified thin-set mortar attaches tile or stone to surfaces such as cement or concrete. The additives in the “modified” thin-set will help it withstand weathering and time....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 320 words · Matthew King

Chrissy Teigen Has One Major Pet Peeve When She Hosts Guests—and It's So Relatable

Boursin Chrissy Teigen cannot wait for another year of hosting for the holidays to commence. “When people ask where the bathroom is,” Teigen tells The Spruce. “That one kills me.” Boursin Teigen is not one to go all-out and throw a lavish, formal sit-down dinner. Instead, she and Legend, along with their four young children, much prefer a family-style event. “Every year, we do this big, beautiful buffet spread,” Teigen says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 160 words · Jason Greene

Christmas vs. Easter and Thanksgiving Cactus: What’s the Difference?

Although their lifespan varies, all three are long-lived houseplants. While some can even live up to 100 years old, most live between 10 and 30 years indoors. The Easter holiday cacti is also native to Brazil, but it is part of the Rhipsalidopsis genus. Easter cactusiropa / Getty Images The Christmas cactus and Easter cactus look similar but have some key differences, mainly the time of bloom. The Christmas cactus has scalloped-edged leaves while the Easter cactus has smooth, round-edged leaves....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 311 words · Ashley Martin

Cicadas Are Here! Experts Share How to Protect Your Plants

For home gardeners especially, cicadas can be tricky to deal with. Found commonly in the American South, these insects occupy treetops as summer approaches and the air becomes humid. Check out their tips, ahead. Simon McGill / Getty Images As a whole, experts concur that cicadas are not particularly harmful to gardens. However, she cautions: Rest easy, friendscicadas are not a plague of locusts. They prefer to live a life as far from you and your crop as possible....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 285 words · Rhonda Morrison

Cissus Discolor Is a Climbing Plant That Will Add Red to Your Garden—How to Grow It

wahid hasyim asyari / Getty Images Cissus discoloris a colorful climbing vine that’s native to Southeast Asia. This tropical plant prefers warm temperatures, bright indirect light, and moist, well-drained soil. Rather, it’s a member of the grape family. wahid hasyim asyari / Getty Images Cissus Discolor Care Here’s how to care for cissus discolor: Want more gardening tips? Light Place cissus discolor in a spot that receives bright, indirect light....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 509 words · Sheena Rodgers

Cleaning Marble Countertops: How to Do It the Right Way

Marble susceptible to etching by any acid-based foods or cleaning products (includingvinegar and lemon juice). Other common cleaning products like bleach and ammonia will also damage marble over time. Spray the surface of the marble, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. The Spruce / Ana Cadena Use a second clean cloth to dry the surface as water can leave marks on marble. Alternatively, you’re free to also use mild dish soap and water....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 189 words · Ronnie Jackson

Cleaning Naturally with Lemons, Vinegar, and Baking Soda

Cleaning With Lemons Lemon juice is a natural substance that can be used to clean your home. It’s a good idea to test it out on a hidden area first. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. The Spruce / Joules Garcia Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make an excellent household cleaner. It’s particularly effective on tile grout. Use 1/4 cup baking soda in a small glass bowl and add hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 238 words · Eric Hubbard