Danny Lipford » Video

How to Install Wood Deck Boards

Danny Lipford — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:00:06 +0000

Building a wood deck makes a great DIY project for your home. Here are some tips when laying the deck boards.

When using pressure treated wood that’s still saturated with preservative, install the boards without a gap between them. As the wood dries, it will shrink, leaving a small gap between each board.
Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up.
When nailing into the end of deck boards, turn the nail over and tap the point with a hammer to blunt the nail and prevent splitting.

How to Make a Headboard from an Old Column

Allen Lyle — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:49 +0000

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.

(714) Something for Almost Nothing

How to Create Personalized Stepping Stones for Your Yard

Joe Truini — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:00:21 +0000

Creating personalize stepping stones for your yard can be a great family DIY project. All you need is an old 5-gallon bucket to use for the form and a bag of premixed concrete. Once the concrete has been poured, you can personalize each stepping stone by adding decorations and handprints. Here’s how to go about it:

Clean a 5-gallon bucket and cut it down to size with a jigsaw to use as a form.
Apply lubricating oil to the inside of the bucket to keep the concrete from sticking to the form.
Mix up enough premixed concrete with water to fill the form.
Use a piece of scrap lumber to smooth and level the concrete even with the top of the form.
Personalize the stepping stone while still wet with stones, handprints, or other decorations.
Once the concrete has set, remove the stepping stone from the form.
Dig shallow holes in your yard the size of the stepping stone, and set them in place.

How to Paint a Wicker Chair

Danny Lipford — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:00:10 +0000

Painting an old wicker chair is an easy DIY project that can breathe new life into old furniture. Here’s how to go about it.

Use an air compressor to blow off all the dirt and dust from the cracks between the caning.
Scrub the chair down with denatured alcohol to clean the surface.
Use a hot glue gun to reattach any loose caning.
Apply several light coats of spray paint to the chair.
Make sure the paint has dried completely before using the chair. Directing a fan on the chair for a few hours will help speed up the drying process.
Save any leftover paint to use for touch-up later.

How to Refinish a Ceiling Fan

Danny Lipford — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:00:10 +0000

Instead of throwing an outdated ceiling fan away, consider refurbishing it. Here’s how to go about it:

Remove the blades and metal components from the fan.
Clean the entire fan thoroughly with denatured alcohol.
Rub all metal surfaces with fine steel wool to allow the paint to adhere.
Lay the metal components out on newspaper and spray with several light coats of spray paint.
Rehang the ceiling fan.
Reattach the blades to the ceiling fan.

Tips for Refinishing Children’s Furniture

Danny Lipford — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:00:04 +0000

Refinishing and personalizing old children’s furniture makes a great DIY project. Here’s how to go about it:

Start by cleaning the chair thoroughly, making sure all the dust is removed.
Next, apply on coat of primer, and allow it to dry. Tinting the primer to the color of the paint can cut down on the number of coats needed.
Apply two coats of paint and allow to dry.
Personalize the furniture with the child’s name or decorative artwork.
Finally, spray on a coat of clear finish to seal the paint and increase the longevity of your work.

How to Build a Fireplace Screen from Shutters

Jodi Marks — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:00:19 +0000

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.

How to Reuse an Old Credenza Chest

Allen Lyle — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:00:07 +0000

Transforming the look and purpose of an object can be easier than you think. After this old credenza chest had been refinished and a wine rack added, it became the focal point of the room. Watch this video to find out more.

Broan Ultra Silent Bath Ventilation Fans

Allen Lyle — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:58 +0000

Broan Ultra Silent ventilation fans for your bathroom are much quieter than other models while removing just as much air from your bathroom. Watch this video to find out more.

Beam EasyReach Retractable Central Vacuum System Hose

Allen Lyle — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:32 +0000

The EasyReach retractable central vacuum system house from Beam can stretch up to 30 feet for easy cleaning, then retract back to 13 feet with the push of a button. Watch this video to find out more.