With the cost of energy on the rise, producing electricity from the sun is looking more promising than ever. But while sunlight is free, producing electricity from photovoltaic cells is still quite expensive, costing from $30,000 to $40,000 to convert an existing home to a solar powered one. Until solar cells become more affordable, there are other solar options worth considering, including solar landscape lighting and solar hot water heaters.

Heating water accounts for 25% of the energy used in homes. While a tankless water heater costs three times as much to install as a conventional tank type, it can pay for itself over time in the energy saved. That’s because conventional water heaters use energy around the clock to keep the water in the tank constantly hot. Tankless models, on the other hand, only heat water as you need it. This can result in a 20% to 30% saving in the energy used to heat water.

One way to reduce potentially harmful chemicals present in your home is to replace chemical cleaners with natural organic ones.

• Vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners. Simply fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part vinegar to one part water and use it to clean, deodorize, and disinfect many areas of your home.
• Lemon juice is great for dissolving soap scum and water deposits in bathrooms. It can also be mixed with baking soda to make an effective cleaning paste. To make a natural scrub brush, sprinkle baking soda on half a cut lemon and hold it by the rind while scrubbing.

This historic home built in 1909 has been through a number of renovations over the years, and now the homeowners have decided to update the dark and dated kitchen.

Though most of the cabinets will remain, they’ll be given a fresh coat of paint as well as new doors, drawer fronts, and countertops. Other changes include removal of the vintage wallpaper, new lighting and appliances, and laying an engineered hardwood floor.

Cabinets

Once the countertops, doors, and drawers had been removed, modifications were made to the cabinets to accommodate the new appliances. Next, the cabinets were primed with an oil base primer and allowed to dry overnight.

After being lightly sanded with fine sandpaper and wiped clean, they were given two coats of oil based enamel. While slower drying and producing more odor than latex paint, oil based enamel produces a smoother and more durable surface.

When deciding whether to upgrade existing cabinets, it’s important to be sure they are of quality construction to justify the expense involved in repairing and refinishing them. The cabinets in this home were constructed from solid wood and even the drawer hardware was in good shape.

After the cabinets were ready, the prefinished doors and drawer fronts were delivered and installed using hidden 35 mm. hinges.

The “old world” style knobs and drawer pulls blend well with the age of the house and provide a contrast to the white cabinets.

An additional section of shallow cabinets with glass doors on top was added to provide storage and display space without projecting past an adjacent doorway.

Engineered Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is made of alternating layers of wood topped with a hardwood veneer.

The flooring for the kitchen was selected to match the width of the other floors in the house. It was installed on top of and at right angles to the existing kitchen floor, allowing it to run the same direction as the flooring in the adjoining room.

After the new flooring had been sanded smooth, it was stained to match the flooring in the rest of the house.

When the stain was dry, several coats of clear polyurethane were applied to seal and protect the wood. To keep from damaging it the fresh finish, it was given plenty of time to harden before work on the kitchen resumed.

Countertops

The granite countertops chosen for the kitchen are a light color called New Venetian Gold.

After the heavy granite slabs had been carefully fitted, a flexible silicone adhesive was used to hold them in place.

Since granite is a porous material, it’s important to seal the surface every year or two to prevent staining. An easier alternative is to cover existing countertops with an engineered stone veneer like Trend Stone from Granite Transformations.

Unlike slab granite, Trend Stone is scratch, heat, and stain resist and comes with a limited lifetime warrenty. It’s available in a wide variety of styles and colors and can be used everywhere from kitchens to baths to fireplace surrounds.

Kitchen Trends

While trends in kitchen design come and go, both granite and solid surface countertops, such as Corian continue to remain popular options.

A more recent trend, noted in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, is mixing different cabinet finishes and types in the same kitchen to give it a feeling of gradual change over time.

Once the plumbers and electricians had completed their work, the transformation from a dark, dated kitchen to a light, inviting one was complete. After 18 years, the owners of this historic home finally have the kitchen of their dreams.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Whether it’s adding a pool or building a playground for the kids, backyards are a perfect place for family activities. No matter what your backyard plans, remember to keep safety in mind when designing and building your family friendly project.

Fencing

The first step often involves fencing in the backyard to provide privacy and address safety concerns. For young children, consider adding a second gate latch high enough to prevent inquisitive fingers from accessing it. See our article Fences: Surrounding Your Surroundings for more information.

Play Sets

Backyard play sets have come a long way in recent years. The sturdy wooden frameworks and plastic accessories such as those from Rainbow Play Systems not only look great and are kid friendly but hold up to the elements better than traditional metal swing sets.

When purchasing a play set:

• Choose a set your children will grow into, rather than out of.
• Observe your children playing and get their feedback to determine the activities they enjoy.
• Look for a system that can be expanded as your children grow.
• Make sure it’s made of a durable wood like redwood or cedar. Pressure treated pine can be used if the preservative doesn’t contain arsenic or chromium.

Installation of a play set can be done professionally, or you can do-it-yourself. Many sets come with precut wooden parts, though long posts may have to be purchased separately.

When building a play set:

• Keep at least 6’ between the set and other objects such as trees and fences.
• Round sharp edges with a router to prevent injuries.
• Sand rough surfaces to reduce splinters.
• Allow pressure treated wood to dry and weather before staining.

Pools & Hot Tubs

Swimming pools and hot tubs are another popular component in a family friendly backyard. While everyone wants a pool, they’re expensive to build and maintain. See our article on Adding a Pool for more information.

Hot tubs are not only less expensive and easier to install, they use only about $100 a year in chemicals and the water only needs to be changed every four months. Since a full hot tub can weigh from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds, it’s important to be sure you have an adequate slab or reinforced deck capable of supporting the weight. To find out how much your hot tub will weigh, multiply the number of gallons of water it holds by 8.34 pounds then add the empty weight of the unit and weight of the occupants.

Storage Building

In order to maintain your backyard, you need a storage shed to store lawn equipment, tools, and other supplies. Start by checking the city setback requirements to determine how far the shed must be built from property lines. Also, examine any neighborhood restrictions to see if they have regulations concerning the materials, size, or style of storage buildings.

When building or buying a storage shed, consider:

• Size: How much room you’ll need for your tools and equipment.
• Lighting: Since sheds often don’t have power, choose one with natural lighting from windows or skylights.
• Ventilation: To reduce heat and provide fresh air. Cover vents with screen or hardware cloth to keep insects and animals out.
• Accessories: Shelves and hanging racks to organize lawn and garden equipment. Adjustable shelves provide flexible storage space.

The foundation can be a concrete slab or a wooden floor made from pressure treated pine and plywood that’s set off the ground on concrete blocks or pavers.

This 8’ x 10’ storage shed from Lifetime is made from steel reinforced plastic panels that are both strong and durable.

While you can hire professionals to assemble a storage shed kit, it can make a good weekend DIY project and teach older kids basic carpentry skills. You can also have a prebuilt storage building delivered to your home. Before ordering, be sure there’s adequate vertical and horizontal clearance for access to the site and unloading.

For more information, see our article on Sheds.

Family Garden

A family vegetable garden can provide a valuable learning experience for kids while putting food on the table at the same time. Kits are available to start your garden from seeds, or you can buy seedlings from a nursery.

Vegetable gardens can either be planted directly in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers on a patio or porch. It’s important to provide the proper ratio of light, water, soil, and fertilizer for your plants to grow. Visit our Around the Yard website for more information on gardens.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Almost a thousand exhibitors were on hand at the 2008 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago to highlight the latest in innovative products designed for the kitchen or bath.

Countertops

Solid surface materials such as Corian remain popular with products like i.FORMZ by Design Studio molding and cutting the versatile material into unusual shapes and patterns.

Countertops made from recycled glass by Vetrazzo are an eco-friendly option for kitchens and baths. They come in an assortment of bright colors from cobalt blue to firehouse red and are as durable as natural stone.

Solid glass countertops, sinks, and shower stalls from Renaissance Glass Works have opaque textured surfaces, sensor controls, and a built-in light channel to infuse the surface with a soft luminescent glow.

Appliances

Some unique new kitchen appliances were on display, including the Evo Affinity circular cooktop that’s perfect for parties. It features duel heating zones surrounded by a spill tray to make clean-up easy.

The GE Profile single/double oven combines two ovens in one 30” wide space. Glass touch controls built directly into the doors eliminate wasted space. Siemens also employs user friendly controls in their cooktops, allowing the temperature to be changed simply by sliding a finger.

A sensor on the new cooktop from Thermador uses infrared light to monitor the temperature of pots to cut the heat off before they boil over and maintain a constant temperature. For those who prefer to cook with gas, Fisher & Paykel have a cooktop with burners and supports that retract flush with the surface to make cleanup a breeze.

The new trash compactor from Broan Nutone includes a six month deodorizer that will keep your kitchen smelling fresh. They use 3,000 pounds of pressure to compress the trash and are available in standard and custom finishes.

The KBIS Design Idea Center showcased model kitchens and baths to demonstrate how all the various components work and harmonize together. The kitchen from Better Homes and Gardens featured a pullout utensil organizer, a wall surface made from colored glass wine and beer bottles, and a cabinet with translucent doors.

Cabinetry

Innovative racks, drawers, shelves, and organizers were on prominent display at KBIS as well. These included Sensotronic drawers made by Grass America that open and close at a touch, and a pull through drawer from Häfele that can be accessed from either side of the cabinet.

A wall mounted stainless steel rail system from Franke allows various attachments to be moved about as needed.

Duel Flush Toilets

Duel flush toilets, such as those from Caroma save water by incorporating separate controls for liquid and solid waste. A new device from Brondell called Ecoflow allows most existing toilets to be converted to duel flush.

Another innovative bathroom product is the Just Lift toilet seat from Leibfried, LLC with a sliding hinge that lifts up for easy cleaning.

Faucets & Plumbing

The single lever kitchen faucet from Delta turns on and off simply by touching the neck, while one from Price Pfister has a flow adjustor built into the swiveling nozzle.

Innovations were evident under the sink as well, like PermaFLOW from PF WaterWorks, a clear P-trap that allows you to easily see a clog and come equipped with a rotating paddle for easy cleaning.

Sinks

There were several unique bathroom sinks on display, including this sink made from solid bamboo.

Brightly patterned glass sinks from Wells Sinkware make a bold fashion statement.

If you want to convert your kitchen or bath to stainless steel for a fraction of the cost, consider coating appliances, fixtures, and hardware with Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel. It’s 100% stainless steel that can be brushed or sprayed on surfaces.

Additional Products

There were so many innovative new products at KBIS that we just couldn’t include them all. Here are some links to other items of interest:

• Drawer Box Specialties Corner Drawer System
• Gaggenau Lift Door Microwave
• Custom ceramic tile from JEM Expressions
• Water Dance Baths by Jetta
• Stone sinks by John Stone Fixtures
• Linkasink custom sinks
• Handcrafted copper sinks and tubs by Native Trails
• Tub/sauna from NeoQi Balance
• Silestone quartz countertops
• Suzanne Crane Fine Stoneware

Other Tips From This Episode

High energy bills are a concern of homeowners everywhere, but living through frigid Maine winters in a two-story house built in 1890 can pose a real challenge. To combat winter heating bills as high as $1,400 a month, Greg and Jennifer Quimby entered the Scariest Utility Bill in America contest sponsored by Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors. As the winners, their house was outfitted with new energy efficient windows and doors.

Infrared Energy Audit

Whether you live in Maine or Florida, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your energy bills. A good place to start is with an energy audit to find out where your home is lacking. John Cannamela of Infrared Survey performed an energy audit using a special thermographic camera.

The camera detects the amount of infrared heat radiation and converts it to a color spectrum with blue representing colder objects and red warmer. By examining the differences in the amount of infrared radiation that is given off, the camera can detect areas that have air leaks or lack insulation. As expected, one of the main culprits found in the energy audit of the Quimby’s home was the old windows.

Window Replacement

When the replacement windows from Jeld-Wen arrived, the existing storm windows, window stops, and window frames were removed, leaving only the casing and outer window stops.

A bead of caulking was applied around the stop, and the new energy efficient vinyl windows were put in place. Once the new window was level and plumb, screws were driven into the jamb to secure it. After the gap between the old casing and new window had been insulated, the original interior stops were put back and caulked.

For high energy efficiency, the new windows have dual-pane glass. The space between the glass is filled with argon gas to reduce the movement of heat between the panes. The glass also has a Low-E coating which deflects UV radiation and protects furniture and fabrics from fading. The new windows were made to match the existing two over two frames, which complemented the historic nature of the house.

Not only are the Quimby’s new windows and doors more energy efficient, the vinyl window frames will require much less maintenance than wooden frames.

Basement Insulation

In addition to new windows and doors, the homeowners took some additional measures to reduce their energy bills, including insulating between the ceiling joists in the basement. Since fiberglass insulation can cause irritation, be sure to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants along with eye protection, a mask, and work gloves. Rubbing baby power on any exposed skin helps reduce irritation.

Start by cutting the insulation to length using a square and sharp utility knife. In older homes, where the spacing of the floor joists is irregular, the insulation may have to be cut to width as well. Use a straight edge to compress the insulation and act as a guide for the utility knife. Trim each piece so it’s a snug fit between the joists.

The paper facing on fiberglass insulation contains a thin layer of asphalt adhesive that bonds the insulation to the facing and acts as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from passing through it. Since insulation should always be installed with the vapor barrier facing the heated living area of the house, when insulating under floors, the paper facing should face up against the flooring.

Hold the insulation in place by wedging insulation support wires between the joists. Wires can be cut to length if needed using wire cutters.

Other Energy Saving Ideas

To save even more energy, the hot water pipes were insulated with tubular foam pipe insulation to prevent heat loss.

The covers were removed from the electrical outlets on exterior walls and foam insulating seals fit around the plugs. The infrared camera showed that this significantly reduced the heat loss around electrical outlets.

Replacing worn door thresholds is another important step that can cut down on air leaks in a home. After cutting the new threshold to size, screw it in place and press the rubber gasket in the grooves.

More information on insulation and saving energy can be found at:

• Getting Adequate Attic Insulation
• Insulation R-Value
• Payback on Energy Saving Efforts
• Eight Great Ways to Save on Heating Costs
• Winterizing Your Home

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

While this house had a beautiful view, the homeowners could only enjoy it when the weather permitted. With the addition of this great looking sunroom and patio, they’ll be able to take advantage of it all year long.

The first step was to remove the existing bricks from the exterior walls adjoining the sunroom. Next, the site was prepared and forms were constructed for the two concrete slabs.

Foundation

When building forms, make sure they are sturdy enough to keep from deforming under the weight of the concrete. The form for the patio employed a step arrangement to accommodate a brick border around the outer edge.

The soil under the sunroom was treated for termites. The patio foundation was treated as well in case the homeowners ever decided to convert it into living space.

A plastic vapor barrier was put down to prevent the absorption of moisture from the ground, then reinforcing wire and rebars were cut to size and set in place to keep the concrete from cracking. The slabs were poured and the surface leveled and finished.

Scored Concrete Floor

Once the concrete had set, lines were laid out in a diagonal grid pattern on the sunroom floor. Grooves were cut into the concrete using a circular saw and guide board to simulate the look of a tile floor. Since concrete continues to harden for quite some time, score the lines as soon as possible after it has set to make cutting easier.

To protect the concrete while curing, the floor was covered with sheets of plywood to prevent it from becoming nicked or scarred during construction.

Framing

Since a sunroom has more opening for windows and doors than walls area, 2”x 6” studs were used to provide added support. Metal angle braces were bolted to the slab and attached to the corner posts for extra security.

Roofing

Once the walls were up, work on the roof began. The slope and design of the roof and eaves were carefully matched to the house. The ceiling joists were aligned with the overhang and the rafters tied into the existing roof. When adding to an existing roof, make sure the framing is strong enough to handle the additional load.

Since the new roof channeled runoff to the side of the house, a small extension known as a “cricket” was considered as a way to divert the water. Crickets are commonly used to prevent water from building up behind a fireplace or other obstruction.

After consulting with the roofer, however, it was decided that an extra layer of felt underlayment and additional copper flashing were all that was needed to handle the excess water.

Eaves

A ventilation strip was installed in the soffit under the eaves with 3/8” plywood flanking it on either side. The wood fascia boards were matched to those on the existing house.

Windows and Doors

After the windows and doors had been installed and the drywall hung, any gaps between the door jambs and wall were filled with caulking or foam backer rods to prevent air infiltration. The window casings were assembled and aligned with the window units, and the trim molding applied.

Climate Control

To handle the heating and cooling needs of the sunroom, a ductless unit from Mitsubishi was mounted on the wall near the ceiling with a separate outdoor condenser unit. The temperature can be adjusting using a wall mounted thermostat or a remote control.

Bricking

The bricks and mortar on the exterior of the sunroom were carefully matched to the existing bricks and mortar so they would blend in seamlessly with the house. The same bricks were used to form the border on the patio that is inset into the slab.

Locks

SmartKey deadbolts from Kwikset were installed on the doors to the sunroom so they would match the locks on the house. These innovative locks can be programmed to match the keys from other locks, eliminating the need for multiple keys.

Floor Finishing

An acid stain was applied to the floor of the sunroom to give it a rich brown color. Acid stains consist of muriatic (hydrochloric) acid mixed with metallic salts. The acid etches the surface which allows the salt to penetrate and react with hydrated lime in the concrete. Once the stain has dried, the acid is neutralized, and a sealer is applied to protect the surface.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Having the right tool for your next DIY project can make all the difference. Since expensive specialty tools aren’t needed often, consider renting them from a tool rental center like The Home Depot, rather then buying.

Wet Saw

Rental: $55-$60 per day

Wet saws use a special water-cooled blade to cut through tile and brick like butter. Blades may vary depending on the material, so check to be sure you have the right one.

Vinyl Floor Scraper

Rental: $50-$60/day

The vibrating blade on this walk behind machine takes the elbow grease out of removing glued down vinyl flooring.

Jamb Saw

Rental: $30-$40/day

A jamb saw is handy to cut around the bottom of door frames when installing new flooring. Set the height of the saw blade to the thickness of the flooring, run the saw around the jambs, and slip the new flooring underneath.

Floor Sander

Rental: $40-$50/day

This heavy weight drum sander makes quick work of smoothing wood floors. It takes a steady hand and even gait to get a smooth surface without leaving unsightly sanding marks.

Edge Sander

Rental: $30-$40/day

An edge sander is used to smooth the last few inches along walls that a floor sander can’t reach. Like it larger cousin, the edger can remove material fast and requires a deft touch to keep from marring the floor.

Pneumatic Nailer

Rental: $30-$35/day

A nail gun can get the job done in a fraction of the time you would spend with a hammer. There are several types available for different sized nails, so it’s important to decide how it will be used. Framing guns can handle nails from around 2” to 3½” while finish nailers take small fasteners and are great for attaching moldings.

Airless Paint Sprayer

Rental: $50-$75/day

Paint sprayers use compressed air or an airless pump to atomize paint and force it through a nozzle. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation and wear a proper respirator when working inside, and turn off pilot lights and other ignition sources when spraying flammable materials. Cover anything you don’t want painted, and watch out for overspray to keep your neighbor’s car from matching your house.

Texture Hopper Sprayer

Rental: $20-$25/day

This specialty spray gun is the tool of choice for applying textured finishes to ceilings and walls. For minor repairs to existing textured ceilings, a spray can of Homax Acoustic Texture will do the trick.

Trencher

Rental: $80-$90/day

While you could break out the pick and shovel to dig a trench to bury a pipe in the yard, a trencher will get the job done in a fraction of the time with less damage to your yard. Several sizes are available depending on the width and depth of the trench.

Plate Compactor

Rental: $60-$70/day

If your project involves pouring a slab for a driveway or patio, you’ll need a plate compactor to compress the soil. This prevents the ground from settling and reduces the chance of cracking.

Lawn Aerator

Rental: $60-$65/day

If your lawn is not looking its best, you might want to consider aerating it. An aerator uses long steel spikes to make holes in the sod, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deep into the ground.

Garden Tiller

Rental: $70-$75/day

If you have a large garden, you need a tiller to loosen the dirt and prepare it for planting. Several models are available depending on the size of the job at hand.

Posthole Auger

Rental: $65-$75/day

A motorized auger can dig a hole eight times faster than by hand. They come in both one and two person models with bits available in diameters ranging from 6” and up.

Snowblower

Purchase: $300-$2,000

If you have a lot of snow, you’ll probably want to buy a snowblower to keep your driveway and sidewalk clear. Various sizes and models are available. For those in milder climates, a snow shovel may be all you need. Choose a shovel that’s lightweight, has a nonstick coating, and is ergonomically designed to reduce back strain.

Innovative Ideas for the Workshop

Scotch-Blue removable painter’s tape protects surfaces while painting. It’s also available in precut pieces that are perfect for the corners of window panes.

This new screwdriver bit from Pratt-Read Tools fits tightly in combination Phillips/slotted head screws to prevent slipping.

The Spot-On screwdriver has an illuminating tip that puts the light right where you need it.

The new line of Lithium Ion tools from Ryobi provide more and longer lasting power than regular battery powered tools.

The Starrett ProSite Protractor is great for measuring and laying out angles on projects around the house.

The Bosch Miterfinder combines a protractor, level, and calculator with an easy to read digital display.

Ridgid SeeSnake has a small camera mounted on the end of a flexible cable to allow you to see and pick up objects as far away as 30 feet. The SeeSnake is availabe at The Home Depot.

Cougar Paws work boots with special replaceable traction grip soles are designed to keep you from slipping even when working on a steeply pitched roof.

For more on tools, check out these articles:

• Understanding Power Tools
• The Perfect Workshop
• Top Ten Gift Tool Ideas
• Tool Maintenance
• Lawn Mower Maintenance

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Deck Foundation

Since a wood deck can carry a lot of weight, it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Begin by laying out the location of the deck, making sure it’s square with the house.

After the holes have been dug for the concrete footings, rebar is cut and wired together into a grid and supported by wire a few inches above the bottom of the hole. Another piece of rebar is driven into each hole to mark the top of the concrete.

Steel straps are embedded in the concrete when the footings are poured to attach to the framing for added stability. Once the footings have dried, concrete blocks are laid to form the piers supporting the deck.

Deck Framing

Pressure treated 2” x 6” blocks are cut to cap the top of each pier, followed by 6” x 6” sills. Treated 2” x 10” floor joints are placed on top of the sills and toenailed to them.

Laying Decking

After the framework is in place, 5/4” x 6” pressure treated decking is nailed to it. Since pressure treated wood is usually delivered still saturated with preservative, the boards are installed without a gap between them. As the wood dries, it shrinks, leaving a ¼” gap between the boards. If the lumber that is used has been dried before installation, leave a gap between the boards to allow for expansion.

To keep the boards from splitting when nailed near the end, turn the nail over and blunt the point with a hammer before driving it.

Lattice

The concrete block columns are faced with brick to match the house, and the exposed edges of the floor joists covered with fiber cement planking. Checkerboard style lattice, backed by landscaping fabric, is installed around the perimeter of the deck to hide the area underneath while still allowing air to circulate.

A roof constructed over part of the deck will provide much needed shade during the hot summer months. The columns supporting the roof are faced with fiber cement boards while the ceiling was covered in vinyl soffit.

Wide steps are built from the yard up to the deck and railings installed around the perimeter. To speed up the railing process, spindles are laid out and nailed to the top and bottom rails before the sections are installed.

When constructing handrails, be sure to follow local building codes as to the height of the railing and the distance between the spindles.

Dressing up a Patio

To liven up a bland concrete patio, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a pressure washer, then give it character by cutting a series of shallow lines into it. After laying out the pattern for the lines, cut them into the concrete using a circular saw equipped with a masonry blade and using a board a guide.

Since this generates a lot of dust, wear a respirator while cutting.

A concrete stain or paint can then be applied to seal the surface and add a touch of color. While paints work better for covering blemishes, stains are a more durable alternative.

If you want to create an attractive patio from scratch without the time and trouble of pouring concrete, consider laying patio pavers instead.

Installing a Retractable Awnings

A retractable awning is a great way to provide your deck or patio with sun when want it and shade when you don’t. SunSetter motorized awnings extend out 10’ without the need for vertical supports and can be installed in just a few hours.

Start by popping a level caulk line where the awning will be attached to the house, and mark off the locations for the support brackets. Align the brackets with the chalk line and screw them on, using a torpedo level to make sure they’re plumb.

When everything is ready, the awning is lifted into place and bolted to the brackets. Once the awning has been plugged into an electrical outlet, it can be operated at the push of a button from a remote control.

The seamless fabric on SunSetter awnings is coated on both sides to make it waterproof and block out 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.