Designing a Home Sanctuary: How to Craft an Intentional Space You Truly Love

Life becomes so filled with business that it’s easy to overlook what is happening around the house. But, your home can function as much more than a messy landing pad or bland sleeping space. We’re focusing on the idea of your home as your sanctuary as we move into the colder months. Michelle Berwick Design And after long days out and about, theres nothing more you want than tocome home and relax....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Ryan Murphy

Determining Spans and Spacing for Wall Shelves

“Span” in this instance means the distance between supports for the shelf. Tip Fasten your shelf supports directly to wall studs whenever possible for the most secure attachment. Use astud finderto locate studs in a wall. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Plywood Shelves Plywood for shelves should be 3/4 inch thick or thicker. Standard sheets of plywood come in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 3/4-inch thicknesses. Plywood panels over 3/4 inch in thickness are usually special order products....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 189 words · Gary Myers

Diagnosing Faucet Leaks

There are three common locations for faucet leaks. Leaks From the Spout This is where faucet leaks are the most obvious and visible. The faucet will start dripping or running even when the handles are shut off. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida A cup or bowl properly positioned under the faucet spout can also work. Thefix for this kind of faucet leakwill depend on thetype of faucetyou have. More often, though, modern faucets use cartridge inserts....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 272 words · Elizabeth Nichols

Did You Know Beer Can Actually Deter Pests in Your Garden? A Pro Explains Why

Before you load up on an arsenal of pesticides, try beer for an effectiveDIY pest repellent. Does Beer Deter Pests? Beer does deter certain pests and serves as a short-term solution for keeping them off your plants. The Spruce / Almar Creative This unique solution is helpful forrepelling slugs, snails, aphids, spider mites, and fruit flies. Want more gardening tips? The Spruce / Almar Creative The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 75 words · Nathan Jenkins

Did Your Hydrangeas Flop This Year? What to Do Now for Better Blooms Next Summer

This can be frustrating for gardeners, anddifficult to troubleshoot. A few gardening experts offered their thoughts and tips for achieving your best plants yet. She points out that hydrangeas could struggle because of extreme drought. The Spruce / Claire Cohen Bates Luckily, all of those things can be adjusted. Want more gardening tips? Get agood irrigationor sprinkler system in place. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy On the flip side, don’t overdo your watering, either....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 168 words · Dan Hancock

Differences Between Valances, Swags, and Cornices

The Spruce / Alison Czinkota Yourbedroom windows need coveringsnot just for privacy, but for style, as well. What is the difference between these window treatments, and which one will work best in your room? To help you decide, here is a list along with some great examples. The Spruce / Alison Czinkota Designer Tip:Simple valances can be used alone or layered over other window treatments. The soft gathers and folds are perfect with any casual decorating style....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 170 words · Alan Johnson

Different Types of Flat Roof Material Options

Membrane roofs are attached in a variety of ways. These roofs can be installed using techniques determined by the project’s specific requirements and material specified. The most commonly used polymers are atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). Johner Images / Getty Images SBS imparts a rubber-like characteristic to the bitumen. SBS cap sheets are usually installed using cold adhesives or hot asphalt tar. On the other hand, Thermoplastic APP sheets are installed utilizing the torch-applied method....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 552 words · Joseph Webb

Different Types of Terracotta Tiles: Overview, Uses, and Care

Is Terracotta Tile Right for Your Home? Terracotta tile is readily available and less expensive than many other ceramic forms. Its popularity stems mainly from its attractive natural colors, which are the epitome of earth tones. The Spruce/ Christopher Lee Foto They are also characterized by their thickness. High-density tiles are thicker; meanwhile, the low-density types are thinner. High-density terracotta will be more resistant to cracking and is a better choice for heavy-use areas....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 435 words · Christopher Kim

Dimensional Lumber Sizes for Building and Remodeling

The Spruce Dimensional lumber has two size categories for width and thickness: nominal size and actual size. Dimensional lumber is wood lumber cut to pre-defined, standard sizes. A two-by-four (2x4) is an example of dimensional lumber. The Spruce Nominal Size vs. Actual Size Dimensional lumber has differing nominal and actual width dimensionsfor the same-sized board. Instead, it is 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. Tip In rare cases, nominal and actual dimensions will match....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 409 words · Emily Sullivan

Discover the Best Garage Lighting You Can Buy Online

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. The size of your garage and how you intend to use it will determine the amount of light required. The Spruce Bright, high-quality lighting can minimize eye strain, allowing you to focus on intricate tasks easily. All of these components can be adjusted to direct light where its needed, resulting in comprehensive 360-degree coverage. Its important to note that these lights dont come with a cord or plug....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 546 words · Amanda Garcia

Discover the Best Wire Strippers You Can Buy Online

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. Wire strippers need to be ergonomic and comfortable, with precise cutting jaws, and strong, durable construction. The Spruce if youre planning on soldering, or youreusing wire nuts). It also includes five holes for shearing screws, which adds a little extra utility. Its useful when working on electrical wiring where machine screws are used inoutletsandjunction boxes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 310 words · Marcus Wilson

Dividing and Transplanting Daylilies

For gardeners new to transplanting anddividing plants, the daylily is a most-forgiving specimen. Why Divide and Transplant Daylilies? It’s so satisfying to see a daylily patch growing ever larger and more vigorous year after year. The Spruce / Jayme Burrows Gardeners in the South (USDA growing zones 8 and higher) can transplant dayliliesin the fallas well. Wait until the end of September, when the heatwaves of summer have ceased. Daylilies need at leastsix to eight hours of full sunto produce flowers....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 263 words · Benjamin Johnson

DIY Above-Ground Pool: How to Afford and Build It

An in-ground pool may take up to three months to build,costing tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast, above-ground pools can be assembled and filled with water in a day or two. Best of all, above-ground pools cost just a fraction of in-ground pools. hanusst / Getty Images Extra accessories include heaters, lights, and covers. Most inflatable pools are limited to 42 inches high. A waterproof liner within the basin holds the water....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 549 words · Brian Jenkins