Family Handyman July - August 2014

Forget about all those homemade concoctions using washing soda, bleach, etc. Pick up some Concrobium Mold Control, which is formulated to treat mold and mildew on just about any surface. The manufacturer claims that, unlike homemade solutions, Concrobium kills the mold completely and leaves behind an antimicrobial barrier to prevent new growth. Apply Concrobium with a brush, cloth, roller or sprayer, even a pump sprayer. Let it dry, then scrub away any remaining stains and reapply the product to form a protective barrier. You can treat large infested areas, such as crawl spaces, by using the product with a fogger from a rental store. Unlike bleach and other treatments, Concrobium is odorless. You can find it in 1-qt. spray bottles ($10), 1-gallon jugs ($32) or 5-gallon pails ($150) at most…

BIKE GEAR TO GO I got tired of hunting down all my biking gear when I wanted to go for a ride. I’m trying to be more organized, so I picked up this plastic crate at a garage sale to solve the problem. I simply screwed some 2x4 pieces to the back of the crate (use fender washers with the screws to better grip the plastic). Then I screwed through the studs into the 2x4s. Next I screwed a 25-in.-long 2x4 to the front of the top and added a pair of rubber-coated bike hooks. I keep biking shoes, a helmet, gloves, a tire pump and my water bottles within reach so I spend more time biking and less time looking in closets! Jay Norman Souped-up litter box To make…

editors@thefamilyhandyman.com Two sheds in one, this rustic cedar gem will keep everyone happy This cedar garden shed is the perfect storage solution for every gardener and family member who enjoys working and playing in the backyard. At 8 ft. x 9-1/2 ft., the storage area has loads of room for all your lawn and garden equipment. And you can access it easily through the 46-in.-wide sliding door in the back. With the addition of workbenches and shelves, the smaller 5-1/2-ft. x 8-ft. room makes a perfect potting shed. The concrete paver floor, natural cedar siding and steel roofing add up to a low-maintenance shed that will last for generations. Editor’s note: This was one of the first sheds I built (way back in 2003). It was such a success—by far…

A CONCRETE SLAB IS BEST FOR HEAVY USE For a shed floor that’s strong, long-lasting and low to the ground, it’s hard to beat concrete. Surprisingly, if you pour the slab yourself, the price is comparable to that of a wood platform. The cost of ready-mix concrete varies by region but is usually about $1.50 to $2 per sq. ft. for a 4-in.-thick slab. Search for “concrete” at familyhandyman.com to learn more about pouring your own concrete shed floor. I’ve built a lot of sheds in my 16 years at The Family Handyman. And in the process, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a shed look good and function well. Here are my best techniques to make shed construction easier, cheaper and better. ASK FOR SPECIAL DELIVERY Some lumberyards…

editors@thefamilyhandyman.com 1 REINFORCE YOUR EXTERIOR DOORS Burglars can open most entry doors with a few kicks or body blows. Even with a dead bolt, the blow shatters the doorjamb and splits the door itself (even steel doors). You can dramatically increase the strength of your doorjamb by installing longer strike plate screws that anchor into the stud behind the jamb (Photo 1). The first step would be to take out one of the existing screws. If it’s shorter than 3 in., replace it. For even greater doorjamb security, consider installing a 6-in.-long heavy-duty strike plate (about $10). This is a much bigger job because you have to mortise a larger opening and drive in six 3-in. screws. However, if your entry door butts up to a sidelight and you can’t…

editors@thefamilyhandyman.com A POWER WASH WILL WORK WONDERS You could scrub with a deck brush, but it’s far smarter to rent, borrow or buy a pressure washer. You’ll need to spray with at least 2,000 psi, and that usually calls for a gaspowered unit—few electric ones possess the power. Choose the 15-degree spray tip and then experiment. The trick is to hold the wand just far enough away to avoid tearing up the wood but close enough to remove all of the ugliness. You’ll get the feel pretty quickly, but it’s best to start in an inconspicuous area. If your washer is capable of distributing detergent, you can use it to speed things up. CLEANERS & BRIGHTENERS If your deck has black or green stains, choose a cleaner that’s formulated to…