10 Common Varieties of Beech Trees

Beeches are long-lived trees that often thrive for 200 to 300 years or longer. They grow in many different landscape conditions as long as they have full sun and room to spread out. Their leaves are usually green and may have toothed edges. The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Some cultivars have variegated, yellow, or purple leaves. The bark is a medium gray and the canopy forms a dense oval to rounded crown....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 643 words · Ann Garner

10 Common Water Heater Problems and Solutions

Learn why a water heater isn’t heating, as well as how to fix other common problems. Test allwires in the water heaterwith a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Inadequate Hot Water Your water heater may deliver inadequate hot water. The Spruce / Candace Madonna The water might be hot enough, but only in low volumes. Or, the volume might be sufficient, but the water is tepid....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 398 words · Joseph Vega

10 Concrete Paver Walkway Ideas

Each paving slab or paver is made of unadorned concrete, either precast or cast in place. Theconcrete paveris usually rectangular and is sometimes square. In other words, the material itself isn’t the draw. The Spruce / Sarah Crowley Mulch glue needs to be reapplied about once a year. True to the name, mulch glue works just as well for mulch. Color-tinted precast concrete pavers provide an elevated walkway to the house....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 318 words · Joshua Meadows

10 Container Garden Tips for Beginners

Once you get the hang ofcontainer gardeningyou might find yourself growing more and more pots each year. Here are some of ourbest tipsfor successfulcontainer gardens. The bad news is that many garden pots that are sold simply don’t have enoughdrainage. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy you’re free to often increase drainage, by drilling, punching or carving bigger holes. However, sometimes it’s just easier to buy a pot that does have enough drainage....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 537 words · Victoria Lewis

10 Corn Companion Plants You Should Grow Nearby

The method originated in North America and has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. In addition to beans and squash, there are other good companion plants for corn. And the timing is just rightcorn and beans grow rapidly in mid- and late summer. Daniela White Images / Getty Images Cucumbers Growing corn and cucumbers together has several benefits. Both summer crops share similar growing conditions of warm soil and ample moisture but dont compete....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 248 words · Sarah Lopez

10 Countertop Cover Options to Try at Home

Countertop covers arebudget-friendly optionsforupdating kitchenandbathroom countertops. Most are simple DIY methods that are easier and less expensive than a completecountertop replacement. As a bonus, they’re eco-friendlierthan replacementbecause fewer, if any, materials are trashed. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Ceramic tile, laminate, and wood overlays are the most durable covers. Liquid coatings like spray paint and films like contact paper will tear and become scratched. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most stain- and heat-resistant....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 616 words · Janice Scott

10 Decorating Secrets I Learned from Designers That They Usually Never Share

As long as any changes can be reversed once we move out, the sky is the limit. One that is soothing to spend time in, while also showing our love for nature and travel aesthetically. I’m definitely heeding her advice! Studio KT Want more design inspiration? “These colors add a gentle vibrancy without overwhelming the space,” she says. “Combine different materials and textures to achieve aharmonious and balancedaesthetic,” she recommends....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 204 words · Bryan Klein

10 Different Types of Electrical Wire and How to Choose One

An electrical wire is a key in of conductor, which is a material that conducts electricity. Most wires in a home are insulated, meaning they are wrapped in a nonconductive plastic coating. Several wires in your home carry much lesser amounts of “low-voltage” current. The Spruce / Margot Cavin NM is the most common jot down of wiring in modern homes. It consists of two or more individual wires wrapped inside a protective plastic sheathing....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 418 words · Laurie Bruce

10 Different Types of Showers and How to Choose One

Shower enclosures can be rounded, square, rectangular, or neo-angle. Because showers are all about the water, the water delivery system is equally important. Waterfall shower heads gently drip water from high above. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto Or you might prefer the vigorous feeling of a full-body shower with jets at various heights. Whatever your preference, you will find a shower that fits your needs. Here are 10 different shower types you’re free to consider....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 371 words · Charles Stewart

10 DIY Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

But backsplashes arepractically made for DIY. Many come with pre-appliedadhesive backing, while others stay up with light brads or construction glue. It is wipeable and waterproof, as long as it is properly caulked at the bottom. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto So, to great Instagram acclaim, he used temporary wallpaper. Yes, vinyl self-stick products are a staple of many DIY backsplashes. But this idea is different. Bower Power Blog...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 557 words · Grace Lee

10 DIY Privacy Screen Plans

They can even be used forbackyard shade. All of these DIY privacy screen projects are beginner level and low budget. The screen has a modern look to it thanks to the black paint and dark stain. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto It is a great beginner project, since it only requires three different sizes of wood boards. The privacy screen is made to look just like old gates, but you will build them new....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 329 words · Oscar Ruiz

10 Dog Food Storage Ideas That Are Convenient Yet Stylish

We’ve rounded up 10 creative dog food storage ideas. Lucky for us,she posted a tutorial. Just place a scoop in with the dog food, and you’re good to go. The Spruce / Tessa Cooper For example, oversized mailboxes make a great storage container. Style it on a rug with a plant beside it, and it will perfectly blend into your home. Just be sure you pick an air-tight container to keep it from contaminating your food....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 108 words · Harold Hendricks

10 Drool-Worthy Farmhouse Sinks for Kitchens

It’s no wonder apron front sinks are widely popular! They are also commonly known as apron front sinks thanks to their broad front panel. Besides their classic good looks, several features make them a fan favorite for a lot of home chefs. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto First, they are more ergonomic to use. Last but not least, farmhouse sinks are available in different materials and colors; think stone and fireclay....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 276 words · Tracy Mann