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Log cabins are different enough from other structures that they need unique exterior maintenance strategies. The focus is mostly on wood and the special cleaning and maintenance it requires. Log Cabin Exterior Walls Hose down the entire exterior of your cabin, paying particular attention to areas that collect cobwebs, dust and dirt. Under the eaves, on corners and around windows and doors are usually the dirtiest areas of any cabin....

Mold and mildew are common issues that plague many households. Experts believe up to 70 percent of U.S. households have some kind of mold. While mold is an unwanted and often unpleasant household guest, its effects go beyond the surface. Mold can cause asthma, allergies and upper respiratory infections. That’s why killing mold is more important for your health than you may think. Mold and mildew, though similar, present different challenges to remove....

Various types of varnish and lacquer have been around at least since the time of the ancient Egyptians, so it’s fair to suppose that craftspeople through the ages have mixed the same natural hardening resins found in varnish and lacquer with wood dust, limestone or whatever else they had on hand to make wood filler. Contemporary woodworkers are also familiar with wood putty which, unlike wood filler, is almost always made from synthetic chemicals....

After enduring an eight-month remodel that included tiling both bathroom showers, replacing all 1,800-sq. ft. of flooring and adding a fresh coat of interior paint throughout, my fiancé and I assumed we could kick back and enjoy our freshly updated home. And we did — for about a month. Then, all of a sudden, the newly installed luxury vinyl flooring planks began popping up in a few rooms. We had the installer and manufacturer over several times....

We all start off gardening with gusto in the spring. But when the temperature rises in the summertime, we and our plants can both start to lose enthusiasm. But by following these tips from a panel of seasoned gardening pros, each with unique expertise, you’ll be able to grow and enjoy a flourishing garden all the way through fall. Plant Sunflowers to Lure in Beneficial Insects People plant sunflowers as a symbol of happiness and unity, but these plants also serve as guardians of the garden by attracting beneficial insects....

It’s not unusual to lose electricity. Things happen, and the power goes out. However, if that happens during a winter storm, or some other circumstance where it’s more than an inconvenience, you need to be prepared, and one way to do that is to have an emergency generator. There are two kinds of generators: home backup generators and smaller, portable generators, that you’re probably familiar with already. The later category is great for powering the essentials, like the refrigerator or a space heater, while large standby power generators can power pretty much everything in your house....

Decluttering. It’s a chore most of us need to do, but sometimes that clutter pile grows so large the task feels impossible. If that describes your situation, you might be asking, “How much does a professional organizer cost?” Read on for the answer to that question and others about decluttering services. What Are Professional Organizers and What Do They Do? You may be familiar with some of the more famous professional organizers, like Marie Kondo....

Gleaming glass shower doors are an eye-catching focal point in any bath suite. But that glittering glass can become an eyesore when covered with hard water spots and soap scum buildup. For years I used harsh, chemical-laden store-bought shower door cleaners, homemade brews, power tools and other methods that all worked, even Mr. Clean Original Magic Eraser. But as I repeatedly cleaned that grungy glass and metal shower door track, I knew there had to be a better, faster way to remove soap scum....

The two most common odors in a truck cab are tobacco smoke and that gym-socks “aroma” coming from your A/C ducts. We’ve got the fixes for both offenders. To neutralize smoke, buy an aerosol can of Dakota Non-Smoke. Holding the can 12 to 14 in. away from fabrics, lightly spray the headliner, seats, door panels and carpet. Then spray the rest of the can into the A/C system. Leave the windows closed for at least one hour....

With supply-chain issues sparking problems throughout the bicycle industry, new bikes are in short supply in most places. But don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to make that dusty 10-speed or trusty mountain bike hanging in your garage look and pedal like new. Clean It The easiest way to rejuvenate any bike is to give it a proper, thorough cleaning. When it’s time to replace parts, it’s always better to start from a clean slate....

Rugged, dependable performance. That’s what Carhartt is known for. And the new winter Carhartt workwear lineup features all the hardworking staples you love—with an extra dose of modern style. “Carhartt hits that perfect intersection of function and fashion,” style expert and author Laurie Brucker Amerikaner says. “For over a century, they’ve made quality clothing for men and women who take on rugged parts of the world. When people feel comfortable, protected and like themselves, they put their best style forward....

Little Free Libraries have grown immensely popular in recent years. Hundreds of thousands of these take-a-book, leave-a-book boxes can be found in U.S. front yards alone, according to the official Little Free Library web site, a non-profit launched in 2009. It’s easy to see why. These libraries promote literacy in the neighborhood, inspire young readers and connect communities. Did you know you can put items other than books inside a Little Free Library?...

Want to make a big impact on your kitchen really fast? Check out adhesive tile. To install it, pull off the backing and stick the tile into place. Misting the adhesive with soapy water gives you a little time to adjust the tile’s position. Unlike with traditional tile, there’s no need to glue it with mastic or thin-set and no need for grout. These tiles are available in a wide range of designs in vinyl, ceramic, glass and metal-clad....

As you try to winterize your home and keep it warm and energy-efficient, be careful how you proceed. Some winterization efforts involving windows or your attic may accidentally cause condensation that leads to mold growth, warns Russ Harlow, owner of AdvantaClean of Windham, CT. The four problems highlighted here can help you recognize the issue before you pay the price. Sealing Off Everything Encourages Mold Completely cutting off all air sources is a common mistake people make when trying to prepare their home for winter....

Match Deck Board Lengths Deck boards, like the ones from Prowood that we used on our Getaway project, are commonly sold in lengths of eight, 12-, 16-, and 20-feet. Matching the size of the deck to these board lengths makes it easier and faster to build and eliminates undue seams and waste. On This Page Kiln Dried Lumber is Better Pressure treated lumber dries out after the treating process. When it warps, twists and bends, you’ll have a real nightmare attaching deck boards....

Most of us learn hands-on skills in informal settings, and that makes it really easy to pick up bad habits. How many of these workshop bad habits have you been doing all along? Neglecting Dust Collection If you plan on serious woodworking with power tools in your shop, a proper dust collection system isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential. On This Page Tools such as a table saw, miter saw, jointer, thickness planer, power sander and others have different jobs, but work on the same principle — removing wood from your workpiece....

Go-to cleaning product Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) has developed a cult following, and with good reason. The inexpensive powdered cleaner invented by chemist George William Hoffman in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1882, can do much more than polish brass bar fixtures — the job it was originally marketed to do. What Is Bar Keepers Friend Made Of? Bar Keepers Friend’s seemingly magic powers come courtesy of its main ingredient, oxalic acid. This natural substance attacks rust, lime, tarnish and other stains on a molecular level, breaking the bonds holding them together to eliminate all trace....

alexkich/Shutterstock I had a friend who used to pick up “broken” lawn mowers from the curb on trash day. He must have rescued half a dozen mowers and most of the time the needed repairs were minor. How minor? Like changing-a-spark-plug minor. A carbon-coated spark plug can make for hard starting, and so can old gas or a plugged carburetor. All are easy to fix. The same with replacing broken cables, belts or pull cords—all do-able by the average DIYer....

What is a Router Bit? Woodworkers use routers to make cutouts, trim edges and create designs that wouldn’t be possible with a normal saw. Routers can accomplish many tasks, depending on which of the many styles of router bits you choose. On This Page When To Sharpen a Router Bit Your router is only as good as the router bit attached to it. If that bit is dull, the quality of your work will suffer....

Courtesy of the International Builders’ Show UPDATE (January 14, 2021)— Back in October, it was announced that the 2021 International Builders’ Show would be shirking its original format for some sort of virtual replacement. That virtual replacement is now known to be IBSx, an online experience meant to serve as a showcase for building industry innovations and an opportunity for fellow builders to network amongst themselves. Event organizers have now extended the deadline for early-bird pricing on IBSx all-access passes to this Monday, January 18th....