When it comes to home improvement, you need information you can trust. Inside each issue of The Family Handyman, you’ll find see-and-solve expert repair techniques, a variety of projects for every room and step-by-step, do-it-yourself photos.
BACK SAVER Set posts without concrete Concrete is a solid choice for anchoring posts and poles, but nobody likes lugging around the 80-lb. bags, and mixing it is the definition of tedious. Next time you need to backfill a posthole, consider using expanding foam that’s formulated for anchoring posts of all shapes and sizes. Fast 2K Fence Post Backfill is super lightweight and forms a waterproof barrier that extends the life of wooden posts. This foam is also strong enough to resist lateral force of more than 500 lbs. and has a compression strength three to four times that of tamped soil. And it doesn’t need to be mixed with water. You just pull the clip that separates the two components, mix the bag for 30 seconds and pour the…
SHARE YOUR HANDY HINT WITH US! submissions@ familyhandyman.com PLYWOOD CUTTING GRID I wanted an easier way to cut sheets of plywood into smaller pieces with my circular saw, so I built this cutting grid from 2x4s. I just set my grid on a couple of sawhorses and let the sawdust fly. When I’m done, I lean the grid against the wall for next time. I don’t worry about cutting into a wooden grid, and the screws are located low enough that the blade won’t hit them. — HAROLD NIEKAMP LADDER TOPPER I often work overhead on a ladder, and my heavy tool belt takes a toll on my back and legs. Now instead of wearing it, I cinch it around the top of my ladder, which keeps all my tools…
Anyone with a strong back can stack up a bunch of blocks and build a pretty retaining wall. But it takes skill and planning to construct an attractive wall that can also handle immense pressure, shrug off the forces of gravity, stand for decades and laugh in the face of Mother Nature. That’s the kind of wall we wanted to learn how to build, so we went to work with some hardworking hardscaping pros. They showed us that it’s all about a solid base, proper drainage and the right materials for the job. They also shared a few handy tips they’ve picked up over the years. MEET THE EXPERTS Joe Blakeborough (right) owns and operates Blakeborough Hardscapes in Prior Lake, MN, with the assistance of his younger brother, Jake (left).…
WHAT IT TAKES TIME 2 days COST $700 to $825 SKILL LEVEL Intermediate TOOLS Basic hand tools, drill, table saw, miter saw, trim nailer/compressor, concrete trowel, large wire cutters or small bolt cutters, and wheelbarrow or mixing tub Afire table is a beautiful addition to your outdoor living space—and an invitation to gather around, enjoy a drink and shoot the breeze. It’s also a stylish centerpiece that gives you a great opportunity to showcase your DIY prowess. And this is a fun build because it entails a variety of skills: woodworking, masonry, metal work and a little mechanical. It does require a few more-advanced tools, and at $825 it’s not the cheapest DIY project, but if you shop for one, you could easily spend a couple thousand dollars. Tools and…
Nothing beats the natural appeal of a real wood deck. But after just a few years of weather and foot traffic, wood can become an eyesore. To revive it, there are five main directions you can go, and we’ll guide you through them all. This article will also help you decide whether to refinish your old decking or step up to a lower-maintenance option so you can spend more time enjoying your deck and less time taking care of it. Is Your Deck Dangerous? Before you take steps to make your deck look better, make sure it’s structurally sound. You don’t want it falling down after all that hard work! To identify and fix the most common deck problems, do the sevenpoint inspection at tfhmag.com/deckrepair SOLUTION 1: CLEAN & REFINISH…
Araised planter “beets” traditional gardening in a bunch of ways. And our planter is tops for easy construction, sturdiness and convenience. Plus, the curves and trim make it a pretty addition to your deck or patio. You’ll get about 8 sq. ft. of planting area. If you need more, you could make a larger planter, but consider building two instead: A bigger planter filled with soil is tough to move. A BETTER DESIGN 1 The optional trellis supports climbing plants like tomatoes and peas. 2 Side tables are convenient work surfaces and handles when you need to move the planter. 3 Boards protrude at ends or corners. Those “reveals” hide mistakes. If your measurements or cuts are a little off, no one will notice. 4 Notched joinery is super sturdy…
