Tips for DIY home improvement:
1. Understand your options when sourcing materials. There are many places to find affordable, high-quality materials. For example, Habitat for Humanity ReStores are a great place to find overstocked tile and building supplies for a fraction of retail costs. Even better, your purchase helps build homes to support strong, stable communities.
2. Just because the price is right doesn’t mean the outcome will be. Research products, quality, durability and installation processes ahead of time. YouTube is full of good information and proven professionals with great tips to offer. Watch videos from home renovation experts to familiarize yourself before undertaking a project.
-Mike Tice, Owner and Founder of Atlanta Bed Swings
Wood Beam Framing
Add subtle rustic elements to your home by framing prominent interior doorways, walkways and windows with wooden beams.
What You'll Need:
1x6x8 (2) pine boards
1x8x8 (2) pine boards
1x6x8 (2) pine boards
1x6x6 (1) pine boards
Liquid nails
Pry bar (for removing existing trim)
Brad nailer
Wood stain of choice
Satin polyacrylic to seal (optional)
Palm sander
Measuring tape
How-To:
1. Remove trim from the area you will be framing out with a pry bar.
2. Measure your doorway and determine board measurements accordingly.
3. Cut your boards to size at home or at the store.
4. Sand boards
5. Stain boards.
6. After boards have dried, coat the back of the interior pieces with liquid nails. Then, use a brad nailer to nail all three interior pieces into the doorframe.
7. Install side exterior pieces the same way
8. Install exterior top boards
9. Admire your work!
Project from thefullheartedhome.com
Kitchen Tile Backsplash
It seems intimidating, but adding or switching out your kitchen's backsplash tiles is super simple—it just takes a trip to the store and some dedication!
What You'll Need:
Tiles of your choosing
Construction adhesive
Clear silicone caulk
Drill
Level
Tin snips
Tape measure
Marker
Safety goggles
Leather work gloves
How-to:
1. Prep the area by removing hanging items and switch plates and cutting the power breaker box as a precaution. Clean the area you will apply the tiles with a paper towel and all-purpose cleaner.
2. Measure and cut the tiles. Start by measuring from end to end and from the countertops to the cabinets for the full surface area you'll need to fill. Use these measurements to determine where and how many tiles you'll need to cut.
3. For areas with an outlet or light switch, measure the distance from the last tile, including the overlap with the previous tile, to the outlet. Then, measure the distance from the countertop to the bottom and top of the outlet. Use these measurements to draw a rectangle on the back of the tile. Cut out the rectangle and discard.
4. Add construction adhesive to the back of the tiles. Press the tile firmly to the wall in place.
5. Add a bead of silicone caulk to the bottom where the tiles meet the countertop to avoid water collecting behind the tiles.
All done!
Project from hgtv.com.