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.
If you were to tell 7-year-old me that in my middle age I would be spending time in a humongous treehouse, I wouldn’t have believed you. I mean, sure, I’ve heard of “she sheds”—those backyard havens where you can escape with a book and a glass of wine. But a treehouse? Nah. Never. Still, from the moment I moved into my home, fully equipped with a hand-built treehouse in a massive oak tree, I knew that I was going to be regularly hanging out there, Swiss Family Robinson-style. And so would my two teenage boys. We are lured there for the same reason: There’s a certain magic in climbing to a secluded perch in the midst of budding leaves with a far-reaching bird’s-eye view. And, you better believe, it truly is…
When Brad Allred set out to create his garage workshop, there was one stipulation: “My wife said we still had to fit two cars in it.” A challenge? Yes. Impossible? No, as proved by Allred’s creative use of every corner and wall. He created wooden storage units to fit tools of all shapes and sizes. To avoid circuit breaker issues, he installed 120V circuits to run multiple tools at a time. Most importantly, he made many elements of the shop mobile to wheel out of hiding when needed. Here are a few main takeaways from the project. Wall Hangers “A new, improved version of pegboard made of steel allows me to organize and access my tools. Any wall organizational system is a way to maximize space.” Smaller Tools “Items I…
Now Trending • Gear Up • Mini Makeovers The latest we’ve heard, seen, tested and tried They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. So why not spread the love outside? Much like fire pits, large-scale alfresco ovens are gathering places in their own right. To create flow with your landscape and up the cozy factor, use natural materials in your build. Wood-fired pizza night, anyone?…
A Cyclist’s Best Friend When I first started cycling and mountain biking, I balked at the prices of high-end bike racks and bought one for about $200. That was a $200 mistake: The rack was so finicky it made me dread going for a ride. When it promptly broke, I took the plunge and invested in the Küat Sherpa 2.0. Three years later, I have no regrets. The Sherpa is a popular model due to its middle-of-the-road price, durability and ease of use. If you show up to a triathlon race, you’re likely to see more than a few in the parking lot. The tray-style, hitch-mounted rack carries up to two bikes weighing up to 40 lbs. each. The aluminum rack is surprisingly lightweight on its own, making it easy…
GET INSPIRED Vacation Destination: Your Patio Summer might have you dreaming of traveling, but you can get that fresh-new-place feeling right at home. Take a cue from these immersive environments that thoughtfully use botanicals, furniture and lighting to set a scene. Whether you use your patio as a private haven or entertaining oasis, it will feel like a getaway.…
1. Double-duty insulated cooler For mimosa bars or taco bars, this is a go-to. Displayed beverages can be grabbed without digging through ice. Condiment trays keep their chill to take the heat off the food. REVO Dubler Cooler, $160; revocoolers.com 2. Fade-resistant portable umbrella These sturdy canopies block UV rays, while resisting fading, dirt and mildew. Choose from 40-plus colors and patterns. Round Outdoor Market Umbrella, $450; frontgate.com 3. Lantern speaker Bring music and light to any corner of the party. Small but mighty, this has hi-fi surround sound and Bluetooth tech. Uma Sound Lantern, $600; cantoni.com 4. Eco-friendy napkins Skip the paper towel waste and try these reusable cloth napkins—what a perfect way to add a little color to the fun! UNpaper Towels, $38 for a 12-pack; marleysmonsters.com 5.…
