How to Blow Out Sprinklers for Winter

Tip This project describes one jot down of set-up, but there are other types. Note which key in of set-up you have before proceeding. To help prevent damage to yoursprinklersystem, it’s important toshut off the flow of waterto the system. The Spruce / Sarah Lee Learn how to blow out your sprinkler system, protecting the lines from cracks and leaks. These adapters are regularly used for winterizing RVs, so they should be relatively easy to find....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Matthew Figueroa

How to Break up Concrete by Hand

The Spruce / Ana Cadena Breaking concrete is never an easy project. Not only that, wielding the jackhammer itself can be a tough, physically demanding task. The trick to breaking up concrete is to dig underneath the slab before hitting it with the hammer. The Spruce / Ana Cadena Prying up the slab has the same effect as digging underneath it. It’s not uncommon for electrical, water, and gas lines to run under concrete structures....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 251 words · Monique Wilcox

How to Bring Good Feng Shui Into Your Home Office

Your office and desk are connected to your career. Arrange the best feng shui office layout to boost your professional productivity. What Does Feng Shui Mean? The Spruce / Letícia Almeida “Feng shui” means “the way of wind and water.” Fire Fire evokes expressiveness and boldness. It promotes inspiration and enthusiasm, though too much fire can lead to irritability and impulsiveness. Gian Paolo Aliatis / Unsplash Balance it carefully in an office space....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 529 words · Jay Williams

How to Build a Basic Deck

Building adeckcreates a comfortable space and provides substantialresale valuefor your home. Before You Begin Build the deckpreferably in early autumn. Temperatures are cooler, and it’s still dry in most areas. ronstik / Getty Images Situate the deck so it can be accessed directly from the house. The site should be level and free of large obstructions in the ground, such as tree roots. scrub the site to the intended deck size, plus another 6 to 8 feet of buffer room....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 374 words · Patrick Hall

How to Build a Basic Interior Wall in Just a Couple of Days

The Spruce / Kevin Norris Building a wall adds privacy, dampens sounds, and redefines spaces. Do-it-yourselfers who may not consider themselves experienced can build a wall by taking the project step by careful step. Alternatively, it can be placed parallel to and on top of a beam or joist. The Spruce / Kevin Norris If the floor is concrete, any point on the concrete is solid for an interior wall....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 578 words · Elizabeth Parker

How to Build a Bocce Ball Court for Hours of Fun in Your Own Backyard

Just as the game has become more popular, so has the trend of the backyard bocce ball court. The two main things to determine are the location and size of your court. For this reason, this tutorial and the materials needed can easily be adjusted to suit your needs. JillianCain / Getty Images Drainage is also important when considering materials. For these reasons, sand or crushed oyster shells are the best options....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 396 words · Connie Bradford

How to Build a Carport: What You Should Expect

Carports are usually open-sided though some custom and pre-built carports can have one or two sides. Carports cannot be locked up, and some jurisdictions require carports to be open-sided. Garages can costupwards of $50,000 to build. Design byChristine A Kelly, AIA/Crafted Architecture LLC/ Photo byGreg Hadley Custom-built carports cost up to $10,000, and pre-built carports cost $1,700 to $3,000. These carports can be attached to the side of the house or left detached....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 487 words · Betty Allen

How to Build a Cinder Block Wall

Cinder block walls provide bothprivacyand soundproofing. Read on to learn the steps to build a cinder block wall yourself. This is a weather-dependent project since you’ll need to dig a trench and pour a concrete footer. Andrey Atanov / Getty Images If the ground is frozen, it cannot be dug out by hand. Also, extreme cold can affect the curing process ofthe mortar. Permits and Codes Free-standing concrete block walls may require permitting....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 444 words · April Powell

How to Build a Daily Routine That Works for You

But, what should your perfect daily routine contain? That depends on your needs. Build a successful routine to fit your daily timetable. The Spruce / Ruthie Darling Here are five steps to help you develop a reasonable daily routine you might maintain and betterorganize your life. Don’t worry about how you organize this list; this is a brain dump, not a checklist. Think about when you work best. ​The Spruce / Ruthie Darling...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Crystal Sanders

How to Build a DIY Backyard Playground

Adding slides, ladders, rock walls, and more are all great DIY playgroundideas for your backyard. This design appeals to kids of all ages. Best of all, this playground is entirely flexible. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images you’re free to build the central two-level climbing structure in about a week. Below, find DIY playground plans, features, and important considerations to help you get started. Alternatively, it costs between $800 and $1,500 to build your own playground....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 653 words · Andrea Sampson

How to Build a DIY Cold Frame

Read on to learn the basics of how to build a cold frame. What Is a Cold Frame? Before You Begin Acold framecan be built out of just about anything. PaulMaguire / Getty Images This example is constructed out of pressure-treated lumber and features an acrylic top. Avoid this by drilling proper pilot holes and refrain from overdriving your screws. Holding the wood up and avoiding ground contact will help it last longer....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 294 words · Rebecca Stephens

How to Build a DIY Cornhole Set

Build a DIY cornhole board with these plans in less than two hours for about $75. Tip Drill the pilot holes and countersink the screws for a finished look. Attach the Cross-Braces Repeat on the second frame. The Spruce / Lisa Ruschioni Let the filler dry as directed. Another option is to finish the remaining wood parts with stain and a protective topcoat, such as polyurethane. Set Up Your Boards and Play Place the boards 27 feet apart....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · Stephanie Thomas

How to Build a DIY Dog Washing Station

Converting Existing Plumbing to Your Own Personal Grooming Space ArtistGNDphotography / Getty Images Dogs love to get dirty. Its in their nature. Besides, dirt and fun always seem to mix. ArtistGNDphotography / Getty Images Placement This dog washing station installs in a spare bathroom, replacing the existing bathroom sink. When you choose this location, you have hot and cold water supply lines and drainage in place. Plus, since this is a bathroom, the flooring should already be water-resistant....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 389 words · Amber Allen