Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Illuminate your ceilings
This short video from The Ceiling Tile Guy, at ceilume.com shows the process and applications of installing an illuminated drop ceiling. These ceiling tiles are amazing, and beautiful. They come in all kinds of patterns and would make an amazing impact on any room in your home or office. With these "Smart Ceiling Tiles" from ceilume you can create a brilliant designer ceiling on a do it yourself budget. This is a fantastic idea to look into if your thinking about starting a similar project at...
How To: Fix and repair a dripping faucet
James from J&C Home Repair explains how to fix a bathroom faucet. He shows how to turn off the water supply to the faucets and tells you exactly what tools you will need. He demonstrates how to remove the faucet handle and the valve using common household tools, and recommends taking the parts to the hardware store to make sure you get the correct replacement parts. This video shows that repairing a faucet is a simple job that anyone can do. You don't need to call a plumber for this!
How To: Prune a flower carpet rose for the spring
Even though flower carpet roses aren't as susceptible to disease as are other rose species, you'll still need to care for them to ensure that they stay healthy. In this horticultural how-to, Dave, of Growing Wisdom, will tell you how to see to it that your flower carpet roses have a healthy summer and fall.
How To: Install a wall niche
A wall niche is a great way to add a nice decorative look to a wall. The niche is made of lightweight polyurethane. To install the niche choose the location on the wall where you want to put the niche. Put the niche up to the wall and draw an outline around it. Before you start cutting the wall cut a hole in the wall, use a compact mirror and a flashlight to look up in the wall and be sure that there are no wires or pipes where you are cutting the hole for the niche. After checking to be sure...
How To: Remove wallpaper with tips from Lowe's
Lowe's presents a video that can give you a few tips on removing wallpaper from a room. First off you do not want anything to be in the way so clearing the room out is a must. This video shows you a abundance of products that can help you with the task. Also it shows some safety precautions to take before you take on this task. This video will show you a few different methods that can help you when giving a room a new look.
How To: Repair a basic toilet problems
If you're having trouble with your toilet, your first instinct might be to call the plumber. But many plumbing problems are easy to diagnose and solve yourself.
How To: Install door weatherstripping
This video shows you exactly how to weather-strip a door to keep down heating costs. Step by step instructions on how to check your doors to see if they need weather-stripping and how to install the weather-stripping. This also teaches you how to check to make sure that your weather-stripping has been installed correctly on your door to keep out any drafts. All that you need is some weather-stripping, a tape measure, a utility knife, a power drill, and some screws. This video teaches you how ...
How To: Build a wormery
If you don't have room for a full-scale compost heap, you can always employ the services of some worms. In this handy vermiculture how-to, you'll learn how to build your very own wormery.
How To: Remove old wallpaper for dummies
Learn how to remove old wallpaper with this video! Put down a pre taped plastic drop cloth. Tape it to the top of the baseboard. Then score the wallpaper with a wallpaper perforator. Roll it over the wall and it will make little holes in the wallpaper. You can use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water or a 25/75 mixture of downy and water as a solvent to loosen the glue. Apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller. You can put the solvent in a paint pan so you can get it on the roller. Rol...
How To: Strip old paint and varnish
The hardest part of stripping off old paint and varnish is getting all of the residual residue out of the details such as the panels and the raised or indented parts of the piece you are working on. You can make the job a lot easier by using the right tools. Use a small bristle brass brush to get into crevices and cracks. Brass is good because the brass bristles are softer and won't scratch the piece you are working on. Next take a piece of dowel and sharpen it in a pencil sharpener. The shar...
How To: Multiply red fountain grass
In this video, Shirley shows her viewers an effective way to multiply your red fountain grass in order to create more grass from a single plant. After the growing season, find a large, overgrown patch of grass and use a shovel to dig out a section by the roots. After planting the grass in a pot, it is crucial that you shear the top of the plant so that the grass is only 4 to 5 inches tall. This will ensure that the plant focuses on growing roots rather than its blades at the moment. This meth...
How To: Patch a hole in the wall
A hole in your wall may in fact be easier to fix than is seems. After cutting a rectangular piece of drywall to patch up the hole, cut out another thin piece of drywall to use as a backing. By inflating a balloon and placing it in the back of your hole, the pressure caused by the balloon will allow you to put your backing and piece of drywall in place effectively, allowing you to cover up and sand over any holes in your wall. Using this innovative method, anyone will be able to fix holes in t...
How To: Remove blood stains on carpet
This video is a tutorial on how to remove blood stains on the carpet. The first step is to mix 1 teaspoon of dish detergent with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray your mixture on the stain and blot gently with a rag. Be careful not to soak the stain so it doesn't go through to the other side of the carpet. The second step is to mix 1 teaspoon of ammonia with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Once again, spray onto the stain and blot gently until the stain is gone. The third step is to u...
How To: Use drip irrigation systems to water lawns with Lowe's
Another good video by Lowe's on How to water your Lawn and install a drip irrigation system. Lowe's home improvement expert Mike Kraft shows you how you can make use of Lowe's products to water your lawns with their drip irrigation system. This video shows you which tools you need to fit and use Lowe's drip irrigation system in your Lawn. It's an extremely useful video for people who have lawns on their backyard and want to make the watering process simple and easy.
How To: Remove and replace exterior caulk
In this how to video you learn how to remove and replace exterior caulk that has failed. The video suggests a putty knife and/or a utility knife. Once the caulk is removed the video suggests you use a dry clean paint brush to clear any left over. You then simply apply new caulk where needed and the job is complete. This video is about a minute and a half and is great for people learning how to maintain their homes.
How To: Repair sections of 4x8 wood home siding
Weather can really do some damage to the wood siding on your home. When your siding becomes worn and rotten due to the elements, it's time to break out the tools and install new wood. This instructional video walks you through the basic steps of repairing the wood siding on your home. Follow along with the tutorial and keep your home fortified.
How To: Install kitchen cabinets in your home
No kitchen is complete without hanging wall cabinets. Whether your kitchen started off bare, or you've decided to throw up some new cabinets, installation isn't that hard. Like any home project, it just takes time and dedication. This instructional video demonstrates how to find the studs and mark the cabinets. You'll need some standard tools too, but if you've decided to hang your own cabinets, this probably doesn't come as much of a surprise.
How To: Remove & replace a hardwood floor board
Need to replace or repair a single hardwood floor board? Don't want to pay people hundreds of dollars to do it? Well, if you have a circular saw and a straightedge. Then you can do-it-yourself by following this video. First of all, remove the old board by cutting a section of it using the saw and prying it out with the straightedge. Then, get your new floor board, which should be retrofitted, then apply some adhesive and fit the board back into the spot where the old board was. Hammer the new...
How To: Install cabinet organizers for pots, pans & trash cans
This do-it-yourself video from Lowe's describes how to plan and install a pull-out wastebasket and a two-tier shelf. He explains how storage should work within the kitchen triangle. The pull-out wastebasket frame attaches easily with screws. He then adds a slide-out feature so that the door pulls the wastebasket out. The two-tier wire basket is used to hold pots and pans. Slides are attached to support brackets, the frame is set inside the cabinet and attached with screws. Cabinet organizers ...
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: 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: Repair damaged molding
This video shows the viewer how to repair a section of damaged molding surrounding a door or window. The method shown uses WD40 and polyester resin. Firstly an undamaged section of the molding is sprayed with WD40 and then covered in resin. Once the resin has hardened the WD40 allows it to be removed and used as a mould. The mould is then sprayed with more WD40 and is filled with new resin. This is allowed to harden and then removed. The resin replica of the molding is then sanded and cut to ...
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 ...