Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Build Your Own Strawberry Tower
This article details the step-by-step instructions on how you can make a strawberry tower that can be used for your hydroponics/aquaponics system. The water dripping through the system contains the nutrients, so soil is not used. The growing media is expanded shale, but you could also use expanded clay or gravel.
How To: Make a wood ring
A wooden ring can be a beautiful, handcrafted item of jewelry, rare and unquiet. This excellent how to will show you the steps necessary to turn your own wooden ring on a lathe and then finish it for wearing. The wood used in this video is Cocobolo, a lovely hardwood that will weather nicely over time. Check it out! You'll need a block of hardwood, a lathe, lathe tools, sand paper, bees wax and mineral oil. You'll also want to wear protective eye wear as well.
How To: Add a door In an exterior brick wall
If you've got a brick house and are looking to install a door in the brick, this how to will get you there. Be prepared, it's a big job and you'll need to be comfortable wielding several power tools. Are you ready to take the challenge?
How To: Take a BIC lighter apart for recycling
For on-the-go lighting of birthday candles (those surprise birthday parties really get you), homemade explosives (because making stuff explode is fun), and cigarettes, a cheapo BIC lighter is a totally awesome fix. But most BIC lighters run out pretty quickly and get tossed without second thought.
How To: Install a Sliding Glass Cabinet Door
Cabinets that open straight out and shut to close make so much ruckus, especially when you've got someone who's angry in the house. Sliding doors, meanwhile, are super chic, classy, and easily draw open and close without a fuss. Not to mention that most sliding cabinet doors are made of glass, which means you can show off your newest Wedgewood dinnerware set and Rosenthal cups.
How To: Mat a picture for framing and hanging
Matting a picture helps it look professional, and is a necessary step if you want to frame it yourself. If you have a frame that is too large for the picture, but you love it anyway, matting will help fill it all out.
How To: Hang a picture so it is perfectly straight and level
So you have a picture you're dying to get up on the wall, but don't want to risk hanging it crooked. This video is your answer! Learn a few tips and tricks to make sure that every picture you hang is perfectly straight and level.
How To: De-Ice Your Gutters (The Secrets of Ice Dam Removal)
I feel sorry for all of you homeowners stuck in snow right now. The snowy, blizzard conditions effecting most of the country is causing some serious headaches across our nation. And it's not just the cold weather I'm talking about. I'm talking about ice dams— something that more suitably should have been called ice damns, because they pretty much damn your roof to hell.
How To: Use a riding lawnmower to mow a large yard or lawn
One of the joys of having a large yard is the riding lawnmower! It's not that intimidating. This video shows you a few basic ways to use a riding lawnmower. Always make sure you wear close toed shoes and eye protection!
How To: Use a weed whacker to trim the weeds in your yard
You don't have to spend hours weeding your garden - just use a weed whacker! Always make sure you wear close toed shoes and eye protection when using a weed whacker. And make sure to keep your hands away from the strings!
How To: Mow a lawn using a gas powered push lawnmower
Make sure that you wear thick, close-toed shoes when you are mowing the lawn! This tutorial shows you how to use a gas-powered push lawn mower, and the most efficient way to mow your lawn. Make sure you understand how your model of mower works!
How To: Make an eco friendly trap for fruit flies with apple cider vinegar
Fruit flies suck, but the fruit fly traps you can get from a hardware store can sometimes be environmentally damaging. Here is how you can make a safe fruit fly trap out of a votive glass, plastic wrap and apple cider vinegar.
How To: Make a bed with perfectly square corners
Frustrated with blankets and sheets that bunch up around the corners? This tutorial shows you how to make perfectly square corners (or hospital corners) on your bed. It doesn't matter what size mattress or sheet you have, this technique will work on any bed.
How To: Use a Roof Rake (Removing Snow & Ice from Your Home's Rooftop)
For lazy children, winter snow means snowball fights, snowmen and snow days. For lazy homeowners, it can mean leaky roofs and costly repairs. Fortunately, where snowy roofs are concerned, a little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way.
How To: Get Rid of Stink Bugs Without Using Pesticides
Halyomorpha halys, squash bug, shield bug ... What's in a name? A pest is a pest and the brown marmorated stink bug is a pest par excellence. Though some home gardeners are content to use insecticides, you'll find that it's generally easier to work with nature than against it. And let's face it: trading noxious bugs for noxious chemicals isn't much of a victory. Particularly if you're growing food.
How To: Repair a tub and shower valve
Drip, drip, drip. Annoyed yet? YES! So, watch this video and find out how to repair that tub and shower valve that's been giving you such a headache. This clear how-to will walk you though the plumbing steps necessary to do it yourself.
How To: Install or move a shower valve
This two part video show you how to remove an old shower valve, preparation and installation of a new shower valve. Also, you'll see how to clean, cut and connect copper plumbing pipes. Don't forget to watch part two and always make sure to shut off the water main first!
How To: Replace or relocate your shower valve
If you need to move your shower or tub valve, this clear how-to will show you how it's done. Plumbing can be easy with the right info and this video is just what you need. Remember, turn off your water first!
How To: Make Cheap Solar Panels from Solar Cells (DIY Energy Savings)
Sputnik, Apollo and the Space Race. If you watched the State of the Union address last night, you probably heard President Barack Obama mention those three things.
How To: Install Laminate Flooring on Stairs
Installing Laminate Flooring on Stairs Laminate flooring can be installed on a flight of stairs, and this process can also be used when installing laminate on a floor and having to drop down a step to a sunken room.
How To: Construct your own accent bench for extra storage
This is a great DiY carpentry project! A comfortable place for people to sit outdoors, with three small cubbyholes for extra storage. A great project for the weekend DiY woodworker, this project is sure to impress visitors to your home.
How To: Put together your own clothes hamper at home
This video series is a complete tutorial, showing you how to construct your own wooden clothes hamper. This is a stylish and elegant way to keep your clothes - or store anything else you need a little extra room for!
How To: Install your own floating vinyl plank flooring in your home
Get the hardwood look in your home! Floating vinyl plank flooring is easy to install, easier than tile or carpet. It's also fairly inexpensive! This video shows you the best way to install this versatile flooring in any room in your house.
How To: Dress up a room by adding a wall decal to your home
Wallpaper is so retro, but what if you want to add a little bit of extra color to a room? Wall decals are the answer! They're a great idea for renters or people who cannot make other permanent changes to their home.
How To: Build, finish and paint your own accent table at home
An accent table is a great addition to any room, especially if storage is at a premium in your living space. This project won't take longer than a weekend to complete, and you can finish it in any color to match your decor.
How To: Build your own pub table and matching stools
This style of table is often only seen at restaurants, but you can easily build a set for your own home - a square, high-set pub table with four matching stools. A stylish addition to any kitchen or dining room.
How To: Install engineered wood siding on your home
Your home's siding will only last so long, so when it's time to replace it, what will you do? Well, calling a professional will cost you thousands, but this home video from Buildipedia will walk you through the steps to replace your home's siding yourself.
How To: Install a ceramic tile backsplash
Installing a ceramic tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can not only add a great new look, it can help prevent your walls from crumbling due to excess exposure to water. This simple little vid from buildipedia will walk you through the process.
How To: Refinish, maintain and waterproof a wood deck
Wood decks can be a wonderful thing, however they do require cleaning and maintainence. This DIY video gives you the info you'll need to clean, repair and refinish your wood deck, ensuring it's looking great when it's time for that backyard blow out.
How To: Install a brand new kitchen faucet in your house
Installing a new faucet in your kitchen or bathoom can be an easy DIY task if you follow this clear how-to. This is a great skill to know as it's only a matter of time before you're going to want, or need, to replace a faucet.
How To: Solder copper pipe together with this easy DIY
This simple how-to from Buildpedia shows every DIYer how to "sweat pipe", meaning, how to solder it together. This is a simple technique that's easy to get the hang of. You'll need a solder kit, the pipes want to solder, an aceteline torch and a few other things.
How To: Install door casement trim
A little trim can really add a nice look in your house or apartment. This DIY from Buildipedia gives you clear, easy instructions on this task that any home DIYer can do with a few tools. Give it a look and give it a try!
How To: Install an electrical outlet safely and easily
Installing an electrical outlet in your home or apartment may seem like a daunting task, but this simple DIY video from Buildipedia makes it a simple project. Whether your current outlet is broken, or you're just looking to add something new this video will show you how it's done.
How To: Replace a light fixture and spruce up your home
If you're looking for an easy spruce up to your house, try repacing the light fixture. This is an easy task you can do safely that will give your house or apartment and fresh new feel. Check out this DIY elctrical task today.
How To: Install a GFCI (ground fault) outlet in your bathroom or kitchen
If you're installing an outlet in a kitchen or bathroom, you're going to want to install a GFCI outlet. This is a safety outlet that will insture no one gets a shock from using an electrical appliance near water. Cool!
HowTo: Build Your Own Anti-Slip Ice Claws
Ever experience a devastatingly embarrassing fall on the ice? Perhaps as a child in front of, say, an entire school bus of your peers? (Let's just say I haven't tread lightly on icy sidewalks since the age of 12.) If you've been battling icy terrain this winter, you may want to avoid such embarrassment and consider building a pair of cheap ice cleats. All you need is a couple screws, two metal plates, and some mesh straps, and you'll be prepared for the slipperiest of situations.
How To: Make your own cucumber and papaya soap
Papaya soap can be great for reducing the appearance of scars, but it can sometimes be difficult to find. This tutorial shows you how to make your own papaya cucumber soap at home. All you need is a juicer or blender and some glycerin melt and pour soap.
How To: Sand cut and polish Perspex for a high-gloss finish
Need a smooth, polished, and glossy surfaced piece of acrylic for your next project? Then check out this video for a handy guide on how to sand, cut, and polish Perspex, a type of acrylic, for a high-gloss finish. Perspex is thick and difficult to work with, but this video will give you tips for a professional look.
How To: Make your own cinnamon peppermint lip gloss or lip plumper
Lip plumpers can sometimes get expensive, but you can make your own at home! A great handmade gift, or just to use for yourself! This shows you how to create your own lip gloss or lip plumper using cinnamon and peppermint oils.
How To: Install a Falcon waterfree urinal in a commercial restroom
Learn how to install a Falcon waterfree urinal with this nine-minute tutorial! This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know to achieve a quick, successful installation, which means you can get to saving water right away. For complete instructions, take a look!