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Who doesn’t like a peaceful outdoor fire on a chilly evening? It’s a welcome sight, whether you wish to host a sing-a-long with friends or simply commune with only your thoughts to keep you company. The simplest way to enjoy a fire in your backyard is with an outdoor fire pit ring. What Is a Fire Pit Ring? An outdoor fire pit ring, also known as a campfire ring, is a fire-proof framework set directly on the ground to contain a fire....

Siding can make or break the look of a home. Attractive, well-maintained exteriors enhance curb appeal and provide peace of mind, so it’s no wonder homeowners are increasingly turning toward durable, cost-effective fiber cement siding. Builders installed fiber cement siding as the primary exterior wall cladding on 22 percent of all new homes in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau....

Like siblings who grow up with unique personalities, hemp and marijuana come from the same plant family (Cannabaceae) but have different character traits, and people enjoy them for different reasons. We’re here to talk about hemp and its benefits to builders and woodworkers. Hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth; it can be harvested in three to four months. Speedy regeneration makes it popular for commercial goods. Hemp fibers have been spun into usable material for millennia worldwide....

Ticks are insidious pests. They’re incredibly small, which makes them hard to notice even if one has latched on to you or your pet. Ticks are also known for carrying a plethora of diseases, from inconvenient to deadly. The good news is, proven modern tick repellents allow humans and pets to explore your yard or lounge around the lawn without worrying about picking up a potentially dangerous little passenger. Types of Tick Repellents Tick Tubes Tick tubes are highly recommended by pest control experts because toxic chemicals aren’t sprayed into the air....

Have you ever gone out for the day, only to wonder “Did I close the garage door?” Worse, have you ever returned home after a long day or vacation to find a wide open garage door? Open garage doors will cost you in heating/cooling bills. Not to mention, they’re a security risk. Avoid the frustration and secure your garage door from anywhere in the world. Meet the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub....

Can you imagine Michelangelo’s David being made of anything other than marble? The beauty of its natural veins combined with its durability have made marble a desirable material for millenniums. But just because it’s timeless doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. Here’s what to know before choosing marble flooring and how best to care for your marble floors. Marble Flooring Basics Marble floors require upkeep and care to maintain their beauty. Marble isn’t the hardest of surfaces — it’s rated at a three to five on the Mohs scale of hardness, depending on its composition — so everyday wear and tear from things like hard-soled shoes or dirt show up, especially in high-traffic areas....

Landshark1/Shutterstock When it comes to household pests, rats seem scarier to deal with than mice, right? They are larger than the usual mouse and tend to live in dirtier places. Compared to the rat (or other household pests that are hard to get rid of), mice seem pretty tame. But don’t let their smallness fool you—mice can be quite dangerous lurking around your house. First, let’s talk lifespan. According to a study published by the UK government, a mouse only lives up to 9 to 12 months....

As long as there’s an outlet nearby, mini fridges provide convenient access to refrigerated items practically anywhere, especially where space is tight. Although they’re most commonly associated with dorm rooms, I’ve experienced the benefits of a mini fridge in spaces like basement wet bars and attic offices. By eliminating the hassle of going up and down stairs whenever you want a drink or snack, a mini fridge significantly increases the convenience and livability of these spaces....

Family Handyman Streak-Free Mirrors If streaky-dirty mirrors tug on your nerves, we’ll show you three different ways for how to get streak-free glass with a couple of items already lying around your home. Here are Three Fixes for a Streaky Mirror: Don’t give up; a streak-free mirror is well within reach with these these easy fixes. Plus, here’s how to clean your mirror with newspaper. Here are the Materials You’ll Need for How to Clean a Mirror: Flat weave microfiber cloth Rubbing alcohol Cotton balls Vinegar Water Spray bottle Old toothbrush Method 1: Spot Clean to Get Rid of Gunk Scan your mirror for any stains, smudges or dirty spots....

Venus Angel/Shutterstock No matter how hard we try to prevent it, dust happens. Dusters—whether cloth, feather, synthetic or disposable—are a necessity if you want to keep your home clean and as dust-free as possible. So when it comes to your duster, it makes sense that you clean the dust out of it every now and then (unless you use a disposable duster such as Swiffer, which you can just toss when it’s dirty)....

If your stair spindles are in need of a fresh coat of paint but you want to save some cash, you will be relieved to learn that you don’t have to hire a professional painter. Instead, you can do it yourself. To successfully paint your stair spindles, you’ll need to make use of one common household item. That’s right: today, you are going to learn how to paint stair spindles with a sock....

Picture this: you and your family gathered outside, seated on comfortable cushioned furniture. Charming string lights hang above as you roast marshmallows over a fire pit table. Sounds perfect, right? You can create a cozy scene like this with the help of an outdoor deck. But, before the deck of your dreams can become a reality, you must make a lot of choices and one is to choose a deck color....

The advantages of traditional oven cleaners are power and speed. But for many of us, the disadvantages outweigh the good, specifically, the corrosive chemicals and caustic fumes that this type of oven cleaning can produce. Well, how do you clean an oven then? A simple, more natural way for cleaning your oven is to place an oven-safe pot or bowl filled with water inside. Set your oven to 450 degrees for 20 to 60 minutes to loosen dirt and grease with the steam....

Michael Gordon/Shutterstock Costco is the home of deep discounts and mouth-watering free samples, but it can also be home to large crowds. You don’t have to endure long lines at the nationwide retailer if you plan your trip wisely. Here’s a look at some of the best times to shop at Costco. These are the 12 things Costco employees won’t tell you. Weekday Mornings If you visit Costco right after the store opens on a weekday morning, before 11 a....

Backyard grilling is a warm-weather tradition, but unfortunately it’s rife with opportunities for accident and injury. In its most recent statistics, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that every year in the U.S., grills cause more than 10,000 house and outdoor fires. These grilling accidents lead to emergency room visits, hospitalizations and even fatalities, along with $150 million annually in property damage. Some accidents result from using the grill improperly, and others from a lack of maintenance and preparation....

Perhaps due to size and importance of their function, beds are most often the focal point of a bedroom. Dressing them up can present a Goldilocksian problem: The pillows might either be ho-hum or too fussy, but you’re looking for just right. Together with Michelle Harrison-McAllister of Michelle Harrison Design, we pulled together some looks and tips for a definitive guide to pillow design. Pillow Types, Defined Family Handyman On This Page...

Soaking tubs may seem like the epitome of decadence, but this type of bathtub certainly isn’t new. Let’s take a look at what they are and whether one is right for you. What Is a Soaking Tub? Soaking tubs, by their very nature, are places to luxuriate. Designed to submerge your body, they’re perfect for extended, leisurely bathtub soaks with or without bubbles, delivering soothing relaxation and relief from aches and pains after a long day....

What Is a Tree Pruner? Pruning a tree without the proper tools can be a long and complicated process involving a lot of hand cramping and a few too many trips up and down your ladder. But get yourself a tree pruner and you’ll be trimming the branches and leaves off the trees in your yard like a professional. Tree pruners are just like typical pruning tools except they are attached to much longer handles and poles that make it easy to cut branches high above your normal reach....

I have many fond memories of helping my dad sow seeds for beans and picking them in the summertime. The big seeds were easy for me to grasp in my small hands and always grew. I think every vegetable garden should include a row or two of beans. Here’s what you need to know to successfully grow beans in your garden this year. Types of Beans to Grow The first decision is whether to grow bush beans or pole beans....

Your home’s exterior is visible to everyone, so you want to keep it looking like new. To do that, fix the little things. Doing so will protect your home, keep it looking sharp, and avoid big problems requiring major work. Meet the Expert Courtesy Aaron Ouellette On This Page Aaron Ouellette is the production manager at Stinson Services, a Minnesota-based roofing and exterior company. Replacing Pieces of Vinyl and Steel Siding Family Handyman...