Wood rots. All woods exposed to the elements are going to deteriorate to uselessness over time. Some composite decks also rot. It usually takes longer for rot to set in, and it manifests itself in ways that you won’t find in real wood, but eventually decay does begin, and has to be dealt with. Keeping... Read More

Choosing the right oil for your engine is critical to your engine’s efficiency and lifespan. Popular Mechanics Magazine recommends purchasing oil with the “Starburst” symbol on the package regardless of vehicle type. Motor oil viscosity is represented in numerical values; the viscosity required for your vehicle can be found under your oil cap. Check with... Read More

Fake Christmas trees have become very popular, but there are still quite a few people out there who opt to buy real trees each year. It is important when cutting down your own tree to look at your options and pick the best one you can find. Allow yourself some time to look around and... Read More

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use less energy and last six times longer than normal bulbs, but they can be dangerous. The mercury that is contained within them is poisonous to people and pets because it affects the nervous system. If one breaks in your home, you should get out of the area quickly and turn... Read More

Sometimes, living in an apartment can make it difficult to grow your own vegetables. Potatoes, however, are one vegetable that you can grow as long as you have a patio or balcony with a little room. By using the “earthing up” technique, you can grow potatoes above ground in a pot or bag fairly easily.... Read More

One of the greatest pleasures for a DIY-er is a little tinkering can turn something banal and mundane into something beautiful and useful. Here’s something that you might find irresistible: Take a simple crate, a brush, some gray-color paint, swivel casters, brackets. After just 30 minutes of your time, you can build a beautiful crate... Read More

Those heating and cooling bills add up. The good news is that there are ways to cut down. The first step is getting a smart thermostat. You set your schedule and comfort levels, and the thermostat figures out how to ensure it at the lowest energy possible. Also, you can cut your energy bills by... Read More

Decks are a great place to relax and entertain—they really are like outdoor rooms. But, because decks are exposed to the elements, as well as a lot of foot traffic, they require maintenance to keep them protected. Properly staining your deck can help maintain its beauty through years of barbecues. Apply stain when air and... Read More

If you are a DIY-er at heart, and you are looking for a new project to lavish time and effort upon, maybe you should take a look at your kitchen. Do you have a blank wall? Blank walls are an eyesore. Instead of sticking a framed print of a painting of still-life, how about doing something... Read More

Few routine chores will pay off more handsomely, both in comfort and in dollars saved, than a simple air-conditioner cleaning. The payoff: Summertime comfort and lower cooling bills. You’ll also prolong the life of your air conditioner. The most important maintenance steps are fairly simple, but if this is the first time you’ve cleaned the... Read More