Hot Home & Garden Posts
How To: Remove a fiberglass shower pan
To remove a fiberglass shower pan you will want to start by removing excess water in the drainpipe. Take a turkey baster and put it down in the drainpipe to siphon out the water. Use a knife and cut along the edge of the fiberglass panel where it meets the linoleum. Put a rag in the drainpipe to keep any sewer gas from coming up. Next you want to drill the rubber flange material that is around the drainpipe out so that you loosen it up and allow the fiberglass pan to come loose from the drain...
How To: Install laminate flooring with the glueless method
This video shows you how to install laminate flooring using a glue-less method. You will need a tape measure, hand saw, and circular saw. You will also need spacers, a rubber mallet, tapping block and a pry bar. Make sure the sub-floor has been prepared. Remove all debris. A moisture barrier should go down first. Next use an under laminate or padding. Measure the room to determine which sizes you will need. For complete instructions you should visit findanyfloors.com.
How To: Fill and touch-up a gouge on a table edge
To fill a gouge on a table edge you start by using auto body filler. Auto body filler is a two part substance. The catalyst is red and the resin is grey. When they are properly mixed it will be a uniform pink color. To keep the substance from spilling out of the damaged area put a piece of tape on the side of the table. Take some filler and force it down into the cavity formed by the tape along the side of the table. Let it dry for 3-4 minutes. Take the tape off and use a knife to trim off th...
How To: Clean an oil stained garage floor using kitty litter
This video shows you how to clean oil stains from a garage floor using cat litter. Use the cheapest kind you can find and pour it on the stain. Next crush the cat litter into the floor using your feet. For a bigger stain, use more oil and you should let it absorb first. Next use a broom to sweep up the cat litter and the stain should be gone. If it isn't completely removed, just repeat the steps and it should be removed.
How To: Kill fruit flies
Profisher has a rather unique method of ridding your kitchen of fruit flies. Make sure you start this after you have cleared your countertops of all food. Place any kind of juicy fruit on foil on the open rack of your oven. Leave open overnight. In the morning, close the oven door, set the temperature to 400 degrees and flies will be no more! This can, additionally, be performed in the microwave oven. Set plate of fresh fruit in the open microwave for about an hour. Close the door and set tim...
How To: Build and install a retaining wall with Lowe's
In this installment of home improvement do-it-yourself videos, brought to you by Lowe's, host Mike Kraft, one of Lowe's home improvement experts, demonstrates a landscaping technique that shows you how to create a retaining wall with interlocking wall blocks, that features a raised planter bed. Mike gives you a list of all the tools and materials you will need to create the retaining wall, and offers some tips on creating curved lines when laying out the wall.
How To: Lash a bamboo trellis
This video has some great techniques for holding bamboo pieces together. Lashing is both strong and attractive, and all you need for each joint is a piece of waxed lashing cord 4 to 5 feet long.
How To: Feed and mulch roses properly
This video shows you how to feed and mulch your roses properly. Choose a fertilizer that is labeled as being especially for roses. It will have the right balance of nitrogen for top growth, phosphorus, which stimulates the bloom, and potassium for root development.
How To: Trim a hedge with straight edges
The straight edge that is the hallmark of the formal hedge depends most on what you do before you cut. Accurate measurements and well-placed stakes are key. You'll learn these tips an more in this video.
How To: Plant garden roses in containers
Planting roses can make your home beautiful, but there is more to planting roses than just picking one from your local nursery. Selecting a rose that will stay in scale with the container without much heavy pruning can make all the difference in having healthy, long-lasting, producing rose bushes.
How To: Remove wallpaper like a pro
This how-to instructional video show you how to remove wallpapers like a pro, fast and easy! You won't need a steamer in order to do this easy job!
How To: Build a pond with Lowe's
The Smart Pond system can be used to create a water feature in a backyard. Ponds can be made above the ground or in the ground using a preformed pond. Various types of ponds are shown, which would be appropriate for various locations. The location of a pond is discussed; it shouldn't be under trees to avoid debris and too much shade. Draw out the plan for your pond and dig one or two feet deeper than the depth of the pond. Determine the size of the liner, place it in the hole and anchor it wi...
How To: Transfer patterns on woodworking projects with Lowe's
This video illustrates the transfer of paper patterns on woodworking projects with Lowe's. If you have a pattern in a piece of paper for the woodworking project. Draw the grid for the pattern in a piece of paper. Even though, the piece of wood is six times larger than the pattern in paper. Draw the grid in the wood with One and half inches by the use of ruler. Then check out each and every box of grid in a pattern, trace the shape of each boxes in the wood. After finishing all the grid boxes ...
How To: Install drip irrigation
Patti Moreno, the Garden Girl, from GardenGirltv, brings us this step-by-step video about how to install what's called a drip irrigation system in her urban sustainable garden with this square foot gardening technique. She illustrates this process in a very detailed way, describing all the tools and various parts you will need to create an irrigation system for your garden that will allow you to save money and water, not to mention time spent watering each plant individually, for under $200.
How To: Install beaded plank paneling and molding with Lowe's
In this how-to video by Lowe's department store you are showed an intermediate do-it-yourself installation of beaded plank paneling and molding. He shows where you can get information on how to do this but then goes on to show the different paneling and molding you can make. He goes on to show how to measure and cut the paneling to your desired length. After describing how to measure and cut the panel he goes on to show how to prepare the paneling with the paint. He goes on to show the differ...
How To: Create drainage holes for a container garden
In this video, Patti the Garden Girl will show you how to put drainage holes in your container garden from galvanized steel containers. To avoid your plants sitting in water, you simply need a hammer and a nail that is about a quarter of an inch thick. You then should hammer about 10 small holes in the bottom of your galvanized steel planter. This should allow proper water circulation in your planter, preventing your plants from drowning. This is a perfect and easy way for any gardener who wo...
How To: Identify & remove clearweed
Clearweed is a member of the nettle family and it comes up all over the country. The easiest way to identify the plant is by the little white flowers that grow along its stem. There really isn't anything wrong with the plant but it is a weed that covers up other stuff in the garden. An interesting point about it is that it pollinates by the wind. So when the wind blows the seeds of the plant are blown about. You will typically find it growing in clusters because it is blown by the wind. Four ...
How To: Wake up your plants for spring
Have you ever wondered how to revive a dying plant after a long winter? Well, most plants actually hybernate and, with a few simple tricks, you can easily wake up your plants for spring.
How To: Install a glass tile backsplash with Lowe's
Hey what a great idea. Is installing tiles such a simple activity? Why not install glass and ceramic? Learn from this Lowe's video on how you can install a beautiful backsplash.
How To: Use an extension ladder safely
This video shows you how to safely use an extension ladder. To put the ladder up put the bottom against the wall and walk it hand by hand until the top is against the ladder. Then grab the bottom and pull it out. To make sure the ladder is at the correct angle and stand with your toes against the base of the ladder and stretch your arms out straight. You should be able to grasp a rod. If you can't reach it you should readjust it. Avoid over reaching to the sides.
How To: Apply acid stain quick & easy
This video shows the viewer how to correctly use acid stain to stain a floor. In the video the acid stain is applied to a floor using in a spray. This is done using a device similar to one used to apply weed killer to plants; another suggestion would be with a watering can that has an adjustable nozzle. Basically the acid stain can be applied with any device that can be used to apply the acid in a thin and even layer. This stops the acid from staining the floor in an uneven manner and helps t...
How To: Plant flowering bulbs with Lowe's
Flowering bulbs require some few common tools before planting such as compost or peat moss, work gloves, fertilizer, garden trowel or bulb planter and the garden bulb of your choice. During the spring season you can plant tender bulbs such as, irises, gladiolus and elephant ears. In terms of fall plantings you can plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses which could give a beautiful bloom in the spring. In general the blooms will last till three to four weeks, bulbs such ...
How To: Construct a raised bed vegetable garden
Did you ever want to have your own garden but shelved the idea because there was not much space to work with. Well! This is the video you got to watch then. It’s a very innovative approach to gardening in limited space. After watching this video you would pretty much want to have a garden of your own in your home and what's more, you can have it too!
How To: Install lighting under kitchen cabinets with Lowe's
In this installment of the Lowe's home improvement series, host, Mike Kraft, one of Lowe's home improvement experts, demonstrates how to install lighting under your kitchen cabinets to make navigating your counter top easier. Mike lists all the necessary tools and materials you will need to complete this do-it-yourself at home project. You will learn tips and tricks for hanging the light fixtures, as well as how to run the wiring, so that the wires remain hidden from plain view.
How To: Remove and replace tile grout
Ron Hazelton from "Ron Hazelton's House Calls" brings us this quick and easy tutorial on how to take on the household project of removing and replacing our old mildewy tile grout. In under two minutes Ron shows us the tools we will need and techniques to make this do it yourself project at home a snap. If you are thinking about taking on a home project like this, this video will help you achieve the perfect results you are looking for.
How To: Replace your storm door screen with Lowe's
This how-to video from Lowe's demonstrates how to replace a damaged screen. The tools required are fiberglass screen, spline, tape measure, spline roller, screwdriver, and utility knife. He shows the different options in screen material, and suggests taking pieces of your old screen and spline along to match it. He removes the old spline and screen, lays the replacement screen over the frame and trims it. He uses a spline roller to roll the new spline into the groove and attach the screen. Th...
How To: Install laminate floors in your home with Lowe's
Lowe's home improvement expert Mike Kraft is back again to show to help us install laminate wood flooring in our homes. It has been assumed that proper sub-floor preparation has been done. All the tools, equipment, and materials are gone over in detail for your safety. Proper tests for moisture are described which is very important when dealing with concrete. Laminate floors are called "floating floors" because they are not physically joined to the sub-floor and can be installed over many dif...
How To: Organize your closet with tips from Lowe's
This how-to video from Lowe's demonstrates how to install a closet organization system. He explains that the first step is to clean out the closet and take inventory of the items that go in the closet, then choose what type of racks, shelving and bins will work for your space. He explains the options and shows wire and laminate components, and encourages the viewers to take measurements to create a design based on their needs. Using this advice and the materials available at Lowe's, along wit...
How To: Clean and remove wallpaper glue and paste
Wallpaper On Walls shows you how to easily remove wallpaper glue and paste with a sponge. You should use a dulcet sponge because it easily removes wallpaper glue. The scrubby side is used to soften wallpaper glue and the cellulose side is used to clean the residue. Next mix wetting agent with water and wet sponge. Using the scrubby side move in a circular motion to loosen the paste. Flip the sponge over and wipe the paste from the wall. Always rinse the sponge and change the water frequently.
How To: Install a ceiling fan with Lowe's
Mike Kraft of Lowe's shows you how easy it is to install a ceiling fan. Not only will it keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, but also it can dramatically lower your utility bills. Using common household tools, even an inexperienced electrician can install a ceiling fan within minutes. Working with electricity can be scary, but this video will show you step-by-step how to mount your ceiling fan safely and securely.
How To: Repair a leaky faucet
This how-to video is about how to repair a leaky faucet. One of the most common problems with the faucet is the replacement of the rubber washer, which is located on the bottom of the valve unit. First, stop the water supply by turning off the stop valve at the bottom of the sink. Then, turn on the faucet until the water stops flowing. Next, remove the handle. To do this, we first need to remove the decorative cap using a screw driver or sharp pointed knife to expose the screw. Then, remove t...
How To: Make your own custom lampshades with Lowe's
In this video Lowe's shows you how to make custom lampshades out of a plain old lampshade so that it looks great for the kids room or classy for any other room in the house. Decorate an old or plain lampshade using stencils, paint, decals, or in any way you can imagine. Then attach a wire plug and the light holder and hang the lampshade using an appropriate chain, as shown in the video. All accessories required for this job are available from any hardware store.
How To: Wash & clean your hardwood floors
The best way to clean a hardwood floor is to make sure that you don't use excessive moisture. For the actual process, you should just get a dry mop. You should try to make sure that your hardwood floor never gets wet at all. In the event that someone steps on your floor with their muddy shoes, damp mopping is the way to go about dealing with that. Even if it looks messy, it is better not to douse the floor; the moisture seeps between the cracks in the boards and gets underneath it, doing dama...
How To: Put in laminate floors
Vacuum the floor and make sure that the surface is clean and free from anything sticking up out of the floor. This is important so that there are no uneven areas when you start laying the laminate flooring.
How To: Install a solid hardwood floor with Lowe's
A solid hardwood floor offers a clean and simple alternative to carpeting. This video tutorial demonstrates how to install solid hardwood flooring in your home. Once you’ve prepped the subfloor, let the wood planks acclimate to the room temperature for at least 72 hours. Check the boarding for unusual warping or defects before drilling nail holes in even increments down the wood siding. After countersinking each nail, fill in the holes with wood nail putty. Continue the process for each inter...
How To: Sand mold
Sanding molding can be pretty challenging with all the curves and details. First for sanding curves try wrapping your sandpaper around a piece of dowel rod. Choose the proper sized dowel for the size of the curve that you have to sand. The larger the curve the larger the piece of dowel that you will need. To get into hard to reach crevices try folding the sandpaper several times and then use the edge of the sandpaper to sand down in the tight crevices.
How To: Replace a toilet seat like a professional
This video shows that you can quickly replace your toilet seat with an improved seat. The video also shows how the improved seat attaches and unlocks easily for cleaning. At the rear of the seat near the hinge is a slot for access to the screw to remove the old seat. Put a screwdriver into the slot and flip up the cover and turn the screw counter clockwise while holding the nut underneath. Do the same to the other screw and remove the toilet seat. Clean the area with a disinfecting wipe. Scre...
How To: Clean your hardwood floors
AskAuntPattie is providing you with some how-to tips when it comes to cleaning your hardwood floors. Use a microfiber pad to dry dust on your floor. There are all different sizes of pads for your needs. You should clean the floor as often as you like. You can test your floor with a mineral smear. Yellow residue is wax finish. Clean smears are polyurethane. If you have a wax floor you should use a base wax. For a polyurethane floor use a type of floor wax from a good company. Go to a place tha...
How To: Prevent fruit flies from entering a compost pail
Using simple materials in most any home, this video provides a novel solution to fruit flies in your compost pail. Composting is a great idea, but if you are not careful, the fruit flies will start to take over and you'll wish you had never started. But this simple idea will keep you composting without the bugs! Starting with a large container from something like a peanut butter jar, you can cut out a large hole and secure a scouring pad to the underside of the lid. Then, place the lid on the...
How To: Remove vinyl wallpaper without a scoring tool
This video by WallpaperOnWalls shows you how to remove a paperback vinyl wallpaper without using a scoring tool. Although the use of the scoring tool is common practice the tool is not always necessary and these tools might cause damage to your walls. To easily remove the front of the wall paper use the wallpaper wetting agent and remove the wallpaper coating as shown. Wet the wallpaper backing with the wallpaper removal pump sprayer and wetting agent as shown and leave standing as recommende...