On top of that, cement board also reduces the chance of rot in theunderlying wall studsor floor joists. Because cement backer board is porous,thinset, grout, and mortar adhere well to it. What Is Cement Backer Board? The Spruce / Margot Cavin For years, interior walls were finished with wood strips (lath) laid over wall studs. Plasterers then troweled on plaster and waited weeks for it to fully dry. Think ofcement backer boardas a tile-appropriate equivalent of wallboard....

You’re probably familiar with coir doormats and coir hanging basket liners. Coconut coir is rot-resistant, which also makes it perfect for outdoor use in the garden. It is also used for garden beds and container plants, as well as a soilless mix forhydroponicsandclimbing plants. The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong Coconut coir is also used as asoil amendmentfor any bang out of soil. It improves the air porosity of soils, even when wet, and aids in moisture retention....

Coffee grounds are a source of organic matter and can be added to compost orused as a fertilizer. Which Plants Are Coffee Grounds Good For? Therefore, scattering coffee grounds indiscriminately around all your plants is not a good idea. The Spruce / Nusha Ashjaee Coffee grounds also contain nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. There are two types of compost material:brown and green. Items that contain nitrogen are considered green....

Mature compost has a rich dark brown, almost black color. Fully matured compost can be used any time in the spring, summer, or fall. Even rich, good-quality loamy soil gets compacted over time and adding organic matter loosens up the soil. berkah jaya / Getty Images Clay soil with is dense soil particles sticks together, which leads to poor drainage and insufficient oxygen. Adding organic matter to heavy clay soil loosens it up and improves aeration....

We offer simple utility tips for vegetables, herbs, ornamentals, and houseplants. What Is Diatomaceous Earth? However, one of the main uses for diatomaceous earth is for garden pest control. Helin Loik-Tomson / Getty Images Which DE Should You Buy? Want more gardening tips? Never apply DE to flowers or plants that pollinators visit often. The Spruce / Sarah Lee Reapplying DE will ensure you treat for current and future generations of pests....

Here are the three types of drywall anchors and how to install them. Drywall anchorshelp you attach items to walls whenwood studsare unavailable behind the drywall. Made offragile gypsum and paper, drywall tears away when it’s unsupported. The Spruce / Margot Cavin The Spruce / Margot Cavin Before You Begin Drywall anchors haveweight limitsand recommended usages. So, pick thebest drywall anchorfor your project. Instead, attach heavy items firmly to wall studs....

Epsom salt for plants is a beneficial supplement for improving flower color and encouraging healthier blooms. This easy-to-use natural option contains magnesium and sulfur, essential nutrients that support plant growth and vitality. Read on to learn when and how to use Epsom salt for plants. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly What Is Epsom Salt? The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is often used for therapeutic andhousehold benefits....

But did you know that it’s possible for you to use essential oils for laundry too? Heres everything you should probably know about how to use essential oils in your laundry, according to experts. Additionally, certain essential oils have anti-microbial properties which could help todisinfect and deodorize laundry. The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak This is ideal for things sports or gym clothing, Rubin says. These oils are generally non-irritating and offer pleasant scents, Rubin says....

Home dyeing kits are easy to use and affordable for changing an item’s color. If you use a washing machine, you will need to clean the machine afterward. Here’s how to dye fabrics using a bucket or washing machine approach in eight easy steps. The Spruce Today, the most common synthetic dye, Rit, dominates the market. It is available in liquid and powder formulas. There are many other brands and a rainbow of colors to choose from....

Painting fabric allows you to quickly and inexpensively update the look of almost anything. Denim can be painted on easily as long as its pre-washed first. Fabric paint does not work well on polyester and nylon. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald Acrylic Paint Acrylic paint is easy to use, durable, and provides great coverage and color. If you skip this step, then the water-based acrylic paint will wash out of the fabric....

You’ll need two fans and two windows that open. Place a box fan in the window or a pedestal fan within 5 feet of the window. Install aceiling fanthat’s large enough for the room. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images Larger fan blades move more air for only a fractionally greater power draw. Change Ceiling Fan Rotation Direction Cold air sinks and hot air rises. you could do this with your ceiling fan....

One important aspect to look at is the location and placement of your desk. Here are a few favorite tips to optimize your desk placement from a feng shui perspective. This position gives you a better view of opportunities and ideas. Arnel Hasanovic / Unsplash If youre unable to place your desk in the commanding position, there are a few ways to adjust. This is a very dynamic position that can invite growth and change....

The fish tape itself is a long, stiff, flat steel wire. But wherever access is limited, fish tape comes in handy. Fish tape’s stiff metal wire can be dangerous if allowed to unreel all at once. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Non-conductive fiberglass fish tape is also available. Do not unreel the entire length. You may need to push a button to release the tape. The Spruce / Kevin Norris...