Everything to Know About Electrical Panels or Load Centers

Kameleon007 / Getty Images A load center is theelectric service panelthat distributes electricity throughout the house. What Is a Load Center? Each circuit is protected with acircuit breaker. Kameleon007 / Getty Images The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not distinguish between a load center and a panelboard. This punch in of panelboard is rarely found in homes. What Is a Lug? A lug is a copper or aluminum connecting terminal that clamps down the bare end of an electrical wire....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words · Allison Haynes

Everything to Know About Growing Tall Fescue Grass

The ribbed blades of fescue grass are very coarse to the touch, with shiny topsides. As the newest leaf blades emerge, they appear in a rolled-up form. What Is Fescue Grass? The Spruce / K. Dave Fescue grass(Festucaspp.) is a cool-season perennial grass found in the Pacific Northwest and southern states. It is naturally found in damp pastures or wet meadowlands. The Spruce / K. Dave Tall fescue is known for its fast, upright, clumping growth habit, sometimes called “bunchgrass....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 472 words · Michael Martinez

Everything to Know About Growing Zoysia Grass

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Zoysia grass(Zoysiaspp.) This low,sod-forming grassspreads by strong, branching rhizomes and stolons. Its sharply pointed blades become emerald green, turning straw-like and brown in cooler winter months. Missouri Botanical Garden This dense, warm-weather-loving grass is a dominant lawn grass in many southern U.S. suburbs. It’s versatile, low-maintenance, and slow-growing, so it doesn’t need to be mowed as often. Zoysia grass turf is often used in parks, golf courses, and other places of high foot traffic....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 388 words · Tiffany Baker

Everything to Know About the Edwardian House Style

But what exactly is Edwardian architecture, and why is it so unique? Meet the Expert Richard Newstead / Getty Images What Is an Edwardian House? Edwardian houses refer to homes built during King Edward’s reign, which was from 1901 to 1910. Richard Newstead/ Getty Images These homes vary in structure and size. Flats, also known asapartments, are units located within larger buildings. “These features make them ideal for families or people whoentertain often,” Kropovinsky says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 208 words · Timothy Johnson

Everything We're Buying From Anthropologie's Holiday Collection, All Under $50

If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. It’s full of colorful, dainty details and timeless designs that will outlast short-lived holiday decorating trends. Below, we’re sharing all the Anthropologie holiday decor under $50 we have our eyes on. Anthropologie Holiday Tree Borosilicate Glass Candle Holder Want more of our favorite products? Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie Anthropologie

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 65 words · Debra Ellis

Everything You Need to Know About Different Types of Plywood

The layers or plies are oriented and attached with alternating right angles to create a durable cross-grain pattern. It’s widely used because it resists shrinkage and expansion due to moisture. Learn more about the various types of plywood to ensure you choose the best key in for your project. Branislav / Getty Images Softwood Plywood Softwood plywood useshigh-quality softwoods, including redwood, cedar, and pine. Exterior Plywood Exterior plywood is commonly used to help build and finish the outside of a structure....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 434 words · Kimberly Boyd

Everything You Need to Know About Fence Installation

A quick internet search is enough to pull up a long list of fencing contractors and company websites. Fence installation companies may be required to obtain a fencing contractor license, though this varies between states. Check your local regulations and ensure that any company you consider meets the local requirements. Albert Parera Barón / EyeEm / Getty Images Services The range of service offered by a fence installation company can vary....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 335 words · Marissa Smith DDS

Everything You Need to Know About Growing Jewel Orchids, According to a Pro

Give them medium to low indirect light, such as from an east-facing or north-facing window. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which burns their delicate leaves. To improve drainage, add a few handfuls of additional perlite. soniabonet / Getty Images Water Water jewel orchids when the top 2 inches or so of their soil has dried out. Rather than watering on a set schedule, check soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger in the pot....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Monica Williams

Everything You Need To Know About How To Buy a Sofa

Is It a Couch or a Sofa? Historically, the two were distinctively different. Should You Repair or Replace a Sofa? The Spruce / Michelle Becker Fortunately, there’s plenty you’re free to do torevive an aging couch. That said, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace a couch. Before shopping, measure the entire space, especially the wall where the sofa will go. The Spruce / Michelle Becker Also, take into account the style of your space....

May 4, 2025 · 7 min · 1390 words · Rebecca Lyons

Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Basement Bathroom

Install a basement bathroom in unused space to increase the value of your home. LOOK Photography / Getty Images Abasement bathroomis a great way to use the entire home efficiently. Many other steps can be completed by an experienced DIYer to help reduce the project’s overall cost. LOOK Photography / Getty Images Overall, adding a basement bathroom is a great idea for anyone with the time and budget. Consider the following breakdown when deciding on the design for your basement bathroom....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 383 words · Christine Garrett

Everything You Need to Know About Japandi Interior Design

Meet the Expert What Is Japandi Design? As a result, Japandi is minimalist, earthy, and organic. What Are the Elements of Japandi? The Spruce / Jason Donnelly “The biggest focus is to stay with subtleness,” says Julee Wray, founder of Truss Interiors. “Less is more!” Japandi styles feature beautiful craftsmanship focusing on quality and handmade pieces over throwaway, cheap structures. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly You’ll also see a lot ofneutral colorsand paint choices to complement Japandi furniture and accessories....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Derrick Coleman

Everything You Need to Know About Load Bearing Support Beams

This doesn’t mean that theload-bearing wallcan never be removed. The homeowner will just need to install an alternative support structure, such as a load-bearing beam. What Is a Load Bearing Beam? PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou / Getty Images When Is a Load Bearing Beam Used? This will include calculating the load and selecting suitable posts or columns to support the beam at either end. Most of the time wall removal is possible, even if the wall is load-bearing....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 218 words · Jacqueline Patel

Everything You Need to Know About LVP vs. Engineered Hardwood

So, how do you choose between LVP vs engineered hardwood? What Is LVP Flooring? LVP flooring, orluxury vinyl plankflooring, is a multi-layer, plank-style material made from vinyl. The Spruce / Margot Cavin A layer of aluminum oxide on top protects the flooring from scratches. Engineered hardwood flooring is a laminated, plank-style flooring. The main difference between engineered hardwood flooring and LVP are materials from which they’re made. Engineered hardwood flooring is made out of wood, while LVP is made of vinyl....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 460 words · Karen Jordan