Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

The kitchen is one of the focal spots of any home. Thus, special care must be taken while you are planning to renovate it, especially the kitchen counter. They are found in a wide range of colors and materials. But there are some points to remember before investing on it.

The countertop is the stand where most of the culinary activities take place. Hence, always choose the material which is tough and durable. A kitchen generates a lot of temperature and heat. Thus, the counter should be powerful enough to withstand the busy environment and the extreme conditions of the zone. You can choose granite which is both functional and aesthetic. Next, always opt for those materials which are scratch proof and require less maintenance to stay in a good condition. Otherwise you might have to spend a lot of amount to keep it in fine shape.

Finally, always invest in those substances which are easy to wipe and sanitize. In today’s busy world we hardly have time to rub and scrub.

Introduction

For carpenters, attaching trim to metal studs is a common task. You can use nail guns designed for this purpose, but the most commonly trim screws are used screws. The screws either have a self-tapping end or they have a sharp pointed end. Both types of screws can be drilled into metal studs without a pilot hole, but the self-tapping screw can be bored into heavy gauge metal studs.

Instructions

A pilot hole is drilled in the material to match the size of the screw shank.

By rotating your drill around the hole, make the hole wider at the top. Due to this the screw head will be fixed just below the surface of the trim. All-in-one counter sinks are available. At your local home store, you can get all-in-one counter sinks which drill both the holes, pilot and countersink hole in one step.

By placing a square bit in your drill, install the screw. The screw will spin and then will be fixed into the metal stud. If you fix the screw tightly, they can sink in, as their heads are small.

Introduction

With a little planning it is easy to install a partition frame. Mostly “2×4 wall studs” are used. A partition wall has a “top plate” and a “bottom plate” and the wall studs.

Instructions

Fix the location of the wall, with a .Mark location of the wall from top to bottom. With two wall studs, mark the length of the wall with a pencil. With a rafter angle square, draw a line on the mark. Using a saw cut the studs along the length to form the top and bottom plates of the wall.

Place the top and bottom plates parallel to each other in correct location. Make markings 16 inches apart. Line up the marks on both studs .A starter stud at one end and a stud at other end to mark the end of the wall frame.

You have to measure every 16 inches from the ceiling to the floor. Wall studs are lined up to the center of the plates. They are hammered into place. Blocks of wood are fixed on each end to prevent it from sliding when lifted. Fix the location of the wall by lifting top plate and nail it.

Introduction

A dumbwaiter is a small elevator used to transport objects between floors instead of a shaft.

Instructions

For different locations you have to use a different type of dumbwaiter. Measurement of the area for the dumbwaiter is necessary. Cut a square in the floor for the down movement of dumbwaiter .Cut a square in the ceiling of the room below for the upward movement. Select a dumbwaiter design and build the box. A simple basic design is a tray with raised sides. A strong pulley is attached to the ceiling in the area to install the dumbwaiter.

Ends of the rope or chain are attached to a metal ring. Then another rope is fixed to the ring for the dumbwaiter to travel. Fix the free end of the rope from back of the pulley to the front. Once complete drop the long rope end through the hole into the room down.

A shaft is built for the dumbwaiter. Also, a thick padding is kept at the bottom of the closet for safety in case of accidents.

Counter tops made of wood flooring not only look good but behave equally well. They add dimension to bar furniture.

Start by framing the counter top with trim that should be slightly raised to allow the flooring to be of the same level as the trim.

Spread adhesive within the nailed frame. Stick edge planks cut to size flush against the border frame locking each groove and tongue to form a smooth surface. Hit with a rubber mallet to get settle the pieces.

Leave the wood to adjust to climate changes for a week and then sand the surface with a sand belt or grit paper along the grains of the plank. Vacuum it for removing dust.

Cover with layers of thin wood filler till the surface looks even. Sand the surface to remove excess filler with an orbital sander. Finally apply three layers of finish after sanding between each coat.

Introduction

Skylights enhance the beauty of the design of a house .Natural light is allowed to enter into a room from above They give modern look to the room, but the heat and light skylights provide can become a problem.

Advantages:

1. Skylights allow more natural light. A skylight increases beauty of a home adding to its value.

2. Skylights can give a natural view of clouds, or you can have a view of a clear, starry night sky. The view can be wide or small according to the size of the skylight .Skylights allow you to experience the novelty of the outdoor world from indoors.

Disadvantage:

A major disadvantage is, it can increase a home’s power use. During summer, solar heat enters through the skylight, so you have to readjust the air conditioner’s thermostat which can, increase power bills. During winter, you may have to use more heating devices due to deposition of snow and ice.

Cleaning and dusting of high skylights can be done some dusters with extended handles, but sometimes, use of ladder is necessary. Many skylights are not covered so they get dusty easily.

Introduction

Wooden knee braces support building structures, tree houses, homes etc.

Instructions

1. For cleaning the wood knee braces, wood cleaning solutions are to be used. Dust should be removed first. Dilute the cleaner with water, if required. Follow the instructions given. A soft cloth should be used to rub the knee with care.

2. A wood stripper is used to take out the previous wood finish. So, the new finish can get applied effectively.

3. Sand paper of around 500 is used to soften any rough spots. Sand accordingly to match the wood direction. Otherwise the wood may get broken. If the wood is smooth, no need to sand.

4. According to your personal need, you can use any product to protect the wood. If the brace is more to be used in the Sun will need UV protection. A water repellent is needed if it gets wet usually. Paint brush is used to apply the coating. Drying time should be given before using.

Introduction

To ensure that your Hydronic heating system gives good performance, you have to keep ip it clean to avoid corrosion.
Instructions

1. When you want to clean the boiler, first you have to turn the power off. Give some time so that the boiler cools down.

2. There is a large sheet metal flue pipe from top of the boiler to chimney which should be removed. You can use a flashlight to see the inside of the boiler.

3. Cleaning of all sections should be done by broiler brush. Use a small brush with long handle so that you can clean between the cast iron sections.

4. You have to clean from top to bottom, without getting the brush stuck. The top sections should be cleaned using vacuum. After cleaning, attach the flue pipe.

5. While removing front cover of the boiler, pilot light should be checked and gas valve should be turned off to ensure safety. You have to number the burners while removing so that you can replace them in proper order. After removing they should be rinsed with water and kept for drying. Location of pilot bracket is to be kept in mind.

6. Clean the dust properly from bottom sections of the boiler. Then you have to replace the burners. Ensure that there in no water clogging the holes. If necessary, you can light the pilot.

Introduction

Make some changes in the room design and you can make a small dining room look larger. If you use a round table it creates the appearance of a spacious room.

Instructions

1. To begin with, clear out all the furniture and clean the room.

2. Use light shades to paint the rooms, so that the rooms appear larger. For lower two-thirds use white panel board and for the remaining upper portion use light colors such as peach or light yellow.

3. A round table and chairs without arms make the room feel larger.

4. Place a bench along one side of the room as extra seating arrangement. Preferably the bench should have storage facility.

5. Make maximum use of natural light, by placing reflective surfaces such as mirrors opposite to the source of natural light.

6. Use maximum vertical space, by fixing a shelf in the room at upper level. Fix large paintings on the walls at suitable locations to make the room look larger. You can have flowering plants hanging in the corners.

After the wooden furniture is used for many years, due to the normal wear and tear, it loses its former beauty. To restore the beauty, sanding is done. But, due to the grooves and odd shapes, it becomes difficult to sand the table legs so to overcome this problem; the following steps should be followed.

1. Reading the instructions on the package of the chemical stripper, apply a coat of it on the table legs with the help of a paint brush.

2. Allow the chemical stripper to settle down on the legs, for the time mentioned in the instructions.

3. According to the instructions, use water or mineral spirit to remove the chemical stripper and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

4. Using a 120-grit sandpaper, sand away the leftover residue from the chemical stripper and use a brass toothbrush for the grooves and areas, hard to reach.

5. Applying minimal pressure, sand the table legs using a 220-grit sand paper, to smoothen them.