Wood decksrequire regular maintenance because of their constant exposure to the weather. Unlike siding or a roof, rain does not runoff. Avoid polyester or nylon brushes, which are not good choices with oil-based products. ChristopherBernard / Getty Images And always follow the stain manufacturer’s app instructions. That way, drips will not fall on finished stain work. see to it to get the edges and underside of the handrail. Home-Cost.com If possible, choose a cloudy day with moderate temperatures to do your staining....

One of the most versatile pieces to hack is anything fromIKEAs Kallax cube storage series. We scoured the Internet for our favorites thatll get you inspired to DIY yourself. you might check out the entire process from start to finish (and DIY along! Kylie Hughes )on her Youtube channel. After sanding and staining everything over about five days, her bookcase was unrecognizable. I never imagined it would turn out so amazing!...

Growing a succulentcontainer garden is easy and immensely satisfying. Having evolved in some of the world’s harshest conditions, succulents are vigorous plants thatrequire very little water. The biggest challenge when learning how to grow succulents is to avoid excessive nurturing. The Spruce These plants don’t do well if they are overwatered or overfed. The Spruce Before Getting Started Planting and maintaining asucculent container gardenis easy. The key is toselect the right container, soil, and plants....

For example,rosemary likes hot and dry conditionswhile parsley needs steady moisture. Therefore, they would not work well together in the same pot. Check on herbs with vigorous growth habits so they won’t choke out other plants in the same container. The Spruce / Kara Riley However, the smaller the container, the less soil there is. This means you have a smaller margin of error with too much or too little water....

At The Spruce, we take great pride in the quality of our content. Our writers create original, accurate, engaging content that is free of ethical concerns or conflicts. At The Spruce, we aspire to provide the highest quality content produced by humans, for humans. The date indicates when the piece was most recently updated with new information. Some articles also have a tagline at the end to provide additional information on research or authorship....

They offer decent durability and cleanability without the excess shine. Get to know these time-tested paint sheens to decide which is best for your project. This balanced look makes them an ideal choice for most paint projects. The Spruce / Kevin Norris So, what distinguishes eggshell vs. satin? Its low luster is more reflective than flat, making spaces more dynamic. Satin is often considered the glossiest sheen that should be used on interior walls....

Eggshell and semi-gloss have key differences including appearance, durability, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and cost. Eggshell tends to work better on walls, while semi-gloss is often reserved for trim and doors. What Is Eggshell Paint? Tana Teel / Stocksy Here are some of the defining qualities of eggshell paint: What Is Semi-Gloss Paint? But what else differentiates these two popular paint finishes? This is why semi-gloss paint is often reserved for smaller surfaces like trim, doors, and cabinetry....

Although she took to clay immediately, she admits finding her groove and personal style required time. It wasnt until two years later, in 2017, that she released her first official ceramics collection. Feeling more confident in her skills, Todd began to reach out to brands with her solo work. The Spruce / Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Ekua Ceramics Want more design inspiration? Her efforts pay off, resulting in ceramic pieces that appear to defy gravity....

Can you put furniture in front of baseboard heating? There are no universal electrical code rules about where to installbaseboard heaters. Instead, the best source to follow is the heater manufacturer’sinstallationinstructions. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Different heater stylesand models may have different spacing requirements. For example, some heaters run hotter than others and may need extra clearance. That’s why it is critical to follow the instructions for your heater model....

However, there are significant differences between an electric versus a gas pressure washer. However, electric pressure washers are not completely maintenance-free. You will need to lubricate the pump every so often to ensure the continued functionality of the pressure washer. Carol Yepes / Getty Images The user will need to regularly check and top up these fluids to keep the rig working properly. Electric pressure washers are the top option if you are looking for a tool that is environmentally friendly....

Is a Electric Wall Heater Right for You? Electric wall heaters are a convenient way to bring heat into the most far-flung room. Electric wall heaters install exactly where you need them; their location is not pre-determined by HVAC ductwork. BanksPhotos / Getty Images But make no mistake: these devices do have some drawbacks when compared to other types of heating. These heaters far less than extending HVAC ductwork or even installing electric hydronic baseboard heaters....

In addition, kitchens require small appliance circuits and at least one lighting circuit. Be aware that not all local building codes have the same requirements. Always check with your local code authorities on requirements for your community. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Refrigerator Circuit A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. For this dedicated 20-amp circuit, 12/2non-metallic (NM) sheathed wirewith a ground is required for the wiring. Range Circuit Anelectric range generally needsa dedicated 240/250-volt, 50-amp circuit....

Mostelectrical code requirementsfor homes are based on theNEC (National Electrical Code). It is revised every three years (2014, 2017, 2020, etc. Some homeowners are startled to learn that their existing bathroom wiring does not meet the current code requirements. Erik Isakson / Getty Images This usually is no cause for worry. The latest code provides requirements for new construction ormajor remodelingjobs where the bathroom footprint is being expanded. If you are doing the wiring yourself, consult your local building inspection office for advice....