To turn an old column into a headboard:

• Apply painter’s tape around the column to mark the cut.
• Cut the columns to length using a reciprocating saw with a long blade.
• Build a cubbyhole shadow box out of 1”x 6” lumber.
• Cut 2”x 12” lumber to size for the base and caps on the columns.
• Attach the headboard, bases, and caps to the two columns.
• Finish the headboard and allow it to dry.
• Install the headboard by securing it to the wall with screws.

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Fireplace screens can be bought, but why not make your own for under $10? Watch this video to find out how to refinish and hinge three old shutters together to make a beautiful fireplace screen for your home.

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The ODL Tubular Skylight is now available with a solar powered dimmer that allows you to control the amount of light entering the room by remote control. The photovoltaic charger and rechargeable batteries also power a built-in LED nightlight, making it perfect for dark hallways at night. Watch this video to find out more.

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The Leviton VPT24-1PZ programmable timer is an affordable astronomical timer for your home. Simple enter the longitude and latitude for your home, and the timer turns lights or other electrical devices on and off based on the rising and setting of the sun. Watch this video to find out more.

Velux has developed a No Leak Skylight which offers three layers of protection that comes with a 10-year installation warranty and a 20-year guarantee on the glass. Watch this video to find out more.

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Quikrete has a new line of recycled concrete and asphalt products to reduce landfill waste. Quikrete Green Concrete Mix is made from 50% recycled materials while Asphalt Cold Patch contains 90% recycled asphalt from old roadways. Watch this video to find out more.

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Thanks to the Honeywell wind turbine from WindTronics, you can harness the power of the wind to produce electricity for your home at wind speeds as low as 2 mph. Instead of harvesting wind at the center of the device, WindTronics gathers energy at the perimeter of the turbine to reduce drag and friction. Watch this video to find out more.

We all know solar water heaters can help the environment but there may be a few things you don’t know about them. They only provide 50% to 80% of the water heating needs of your home, depending on the climate. While most solar water heaters require electricity to operate, they cost only a tenth the operating cost of a regular water heater.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Here’s an experiment: Place a bottle of cold water outside in the direct sunlight. In two or three hours, feel how hot the water is. Wouldn’t it be great to make that work for the water in your whole house? Actually, you can!

There are several solar water heaters on the market, but there are also some misconceptions, such as a solar water heater will supply all your hot water. Only the extreme southern climates can have a solar water heater meet almost 100% of a home’s needs. Depending on the climate, it typically will take care of 50% to 80% of the hot water.

It’s not free to operate either, even though the sunlight is free. The good news is that it’s only going to cost about one tenth the amount to run as compared to a conventional water heater. The price is also coming down, so they’re more affordable. There are even some do-it-yourself models on the market.

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Dimmers are a great way to add ambiance to a room, but now they can do even more. The Lutron Maestro Dimmer with Occupancy Sensor turns the lights on automatically when you walk into the room, then turns them off again once you’ve left. This not only saves energy, but can reduce your utility bills as well. The Lutron Occupancy Sensor Dimmer is available at The Home Depot.

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• (714) Something for Almost Nothing

Updating and improving the look of your home doesn’t have to put a strain on your budget. By using recycled or reused materials, along with a little imagination and creativity, you can make a big difference in your home for a very small investment. Here are seven simple DIY projects to get you started.

Where to Find Items to Reuse and Renew

There are a number of sources for used and discarded items, such as:

• Thrift stores
• Secondhand consignment shops
• Goodwill
• Salvage companies
• Habit for Humanity ReStores
• Online at The Freecycle Network
• Yard and garage sales
• Classified ads online and in newspapers
• Remodeling site dumpsters

How to Refinish a Ceiling Fan

Instead of throwing an outdated ceiling fan in the trash, consider refinishing it to make it look like new. Here’s how to go about it:

• Disassemble the fan components you plan to paint.
• Clean all the parts with denatured alcohol to remove any dust or grease.
• Rub metal surfaces with fine steel wool to remove the gloss.
• Lay all of the pieces out and spray with several light coats of spray paint for metal.
• Reassemble the fan components except the blades.
• Reattach the fan to the ceiling.
• Attach the blades and balance if needed.

How to Refurbish Old Furniture

Kendra Bennett is a homeowner who has a knack for taking old objects and transforming them into something new. She found an old credenza for $20 at a yard sale. After stripping off the black finish and refinishing it, the piece was converted into this unique conversation piece for her home.

The two cabinet doors in the center of the piece were removed and replaced by wine racks. As an accent, two wooden window frames were backed by mirrors then mounted on the wall above it. The whole project only cost $150 dollars and a little imagination.

How to Make a Fireplace Screen

To hide a fireplace from view during the summer, create a simple fireplace screen by hinging together discarded shutters found at a salvage store. Here’s how to go about it:

• Clean, sand, and make any repairs to the shutters.
• Apply two coats of interior paint and allow to dry.
• Link the shutters together with brass cabinet hinges.
• For screens of more than three shutters, install each pair of hinges on alternating sides so the screen can be folded up like an accordion when not in use.

The project was completed in less than a day for under $10.

How to Personalize a Child’s Chair

Lisa Brodie also enjoys giving new life to old pieces of furniture. Some of her favorite items are small chairs made for children. Here’s how to go about it:

• Clean the chair to make sure all of the dust and loose finish is removed.
• Apply a coat of primer and allow to dry.
• Apply two coats of paint.
• Decorate the chair as desired with contrasting colors and patterns.
• Personalize the piece with the child’s name.
• For a more durable finish, apply a final coat of clear finish (brushed or sprayed) to the painted surface.

How to Refinish a Wicker Chair

To make an old wicker chair new again:

• Use an air compressor to blow off dirt and dust out of cracks.
• Clean surface with a scrub brush and denatured alcohol.
• Use a hot glue gun to reattach broken or loose caning.
• Apply several light coats of spray paint, letting it dry for the recommended time between coats.
• Allow the paint to dry completely for several before using. A fan can help speed up the process.
• Store any leftover paint to use for touch up later.

How to Build a Headboard

To turn a discarded column and some leftover lumber into a headboard:

• Mark the cuts around the column with painter’s tape.
• Cut the column to length using a reciprocating saw.
• Construct a cubbyhole shadow box for the headboard from 1×6 lumber.
• Use 2×12 lumber for the feet and caps.
• Assemble the columns to the headboard.
• Paint the headboard and allow to dry.
• Use screws to attach the headboard to the wall studs.

Since all of the material used in the headboard was discarded or scrap, the project cost next to nothing.

How to Pour Concrete Stepping Stones

To make personalized concrete stepping stones for your yard:

• Cut down a 5-gallon bucket with a jigsaw to use as a mold.
• Spray lubricating oil around the inside of the mold to prevent the concrete from adhering.
• Mix up concrete and fill the mold with it.
• Smooth off the top of the concrete using a board as a screed.
• Customize the concrete while wet with handprints, decorations, or masonry dye.
• Allow concrete to dry before removing stepping stone from the mold.

Other Tips from This Episode

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