Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Old doors can be reused for a number of home improvement projects, including headboards for beds and dividers in a room. Watch this video to find out how to convert an old door into a writing or computer desk complete with bookshelves and coat rack. Watch this video.

This convenient shoe caddy is made from recycled 5-gallon buckets and scrap lumber. It’s great for keeping track of shoes in your garage, mud room, or closet. To make it, all you need is some 5-gallon buckets, scrap lumber, and leftover paint. Watch this video.

This homemade punching bag for your kids is a eco-friendly project, since it was made from recycled materials. It’s easy to make and can provide them with hours of fun and exercise. Watch this video.

When installing tile on a plywood subfloor, cement backer board is usually put down first to provide a firm, stable surface. A new type of waterproof underlayment membrane, such as Ditra from Schluter Systems, can be substituted for backer board. Made of lightweight polyethylene, the membrane is only 1/8” thick and can be cut easily with a utility knife. Watch this video to learn how. Watch this video.

I think this is one of the most common questions I get asked. It’s usually followed by, “I just don’t think I could do something like that.” While it’s true that a DIY approach is a personal decision, let me show you a little kitchen DIY project by an old college buddy of mine, Mark MacDonald, that may help swing you over the fence. Read on to find out more Read in full.

Composting lawn and garden waste is a great way to obtain organic material for your garden while reducing the environmentally negative aspects of trucking yard waste to the landfill. This DIY compost bin is easy to build and made from pressure treated wood so it will last for many years to come. Read in full.

This easy to build wooden outdoor bench is made from pressure treated wood and assembled using corrosion resistant screws to stand up to the elements. It’s perfect on a back porch for taking off muddy shoes or to as a table for potted plants. Here’s how to go about making it. Read in full.

This outside planter is made entirely from pressure treated pine, so it will last for years. It’s easy to build and is perfect for a patio, deck or porch. Read more to find out everything you need to know to build it. Read in full.

Retaining walls can be a great way to help with erosion and create a beautiful, usable garden space. Thanks to interlocking, stackable blocks, the project can be completed in a weekend. Building a retaining wall is a lot of work, but it’s something most homeowners can handle, as long as you’re able to do some heavy lifting and are willing to get dirty. Here’s what you need to know to build your own stackable block retaining wall. Read in full.

Recycling is a lot more than just remembering to put your newspapers by the curb every week. Another important component is reusing existing items rather than disposing of them or buying new ones. Here are five nifty ideas for reusing and recycling items that might be cluttering up your closet or garage. Read on to find out more. Read in full.