House Renovation Tips

Removing Deck Boards
When a deck board needs replacement, use a cat’s paw to pull the nails. If only part of the board is bad, it’s usually easier to cut a deck board alongside a joist with a jigsaw or compass saw. It’s tough to cut on top of a joist, as the decking nails will [...]

Before sweeping a large concrete floor or patio, sprinkle slightly damp coffee grounds on the surface. They will keep the dust down and pick up the dirt.
To get dried raw egg off a concrete floor, scrub the egg with a scrub brush while pouring on boiling water. Wear heavy rubber gloves for this process and [...]

Why Wood Decays
The fungi that destroy wood have simple needs: Air, water, moderate temperatures, and not too much sunlight, thank you. Whenever the moisture content of the wood in your home is greater than 19 percent (it feels damp to the touch), ever-present fungal spores begin to grow. As the wood dries out, the fungi [...]

Wooden structures not built with insect-resistant wood can become fodder for termites. To prevent an infestation, try to avoid contact between earth and wood (termites must draw water from the soil every day). Concrete footings make it difficult for termites to reach the structure. Still, termites may attempt to bridge the gap by building brown [...]

Sanding
Take the time to sand rails until they’re smooth to the touch. For most lumber, 80- or 100-grit sandpaper should do the job. If the wood is too wet to sand, wait a month or so until it’s drier. Try to round over any sharp edges, especially where the grain seems prone to splintering. Use [...]