Posts by Isaiah Gessner
The 5 Main Types of Sanders & How to Choose the Right One
Sanders are used extensively in woodworking, remodeling, paint prep, and refinishing projects. With modern cordless sanders, you can work anywhere without dragging a cord or searching for power. How do you know which sander is right for your project? Below are some of the most common types of sanders and their uses. Types of Sanders 1. Random…
Read MoreBest Sanders for Woodworking: Top Picks for Smooth Finishes
Why the Right Sander Matters for Woodworking Woodworking is a time-honored craft that requires patience and attention to detail. Furniture projects are a large part of woodworking, and it’s necessary to perform clean, controlled sanding to avoid tear-out, swirls, or uneven finishes. Using the wrong sander can waste time or cause damage to your project. Sanders provide mobility,…
Read MoreRenovating a 50-Year-Old Home: Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
Buying a home that’s 50 years old can be both exciting and intimidating. In the United States, that means the house was likely built in the 1970s, a decade when split-levels, ranch-style houses, and suburban developments were booming. According to U.S. Census data, about 38% of American homes were built before 1970, and more than half were…
Read MoreHow to Install an Exterior Sliding Barn Door
Installing an exterior barn door is a pretty approachable DIY project for a weekend. This guide covers everything needed, from materials and hardware to mounting tips and sealing for weather protection. Time neededRoughly 4 to 6 hours for the installation itself. Add 24 hours for paint or stain to dry before mounting hardware. Content What to Buy and What…
Read MoreHow to Update and Install Door Hardware
Front doors do a lot more than protect your home’s security. They’re the first thing visitors see when they approach your home aside from its general exterior appearance. If a visitor notices worn-out or outdated hardware on the door, no amount of careful painting will distract them. Yet updating the hardware on a front door, or…
Read MoreBest Sanders for Woodworking: Top Picks for Smooth Finishes
Why the Right Sander Matters for Woodworking Woodworking is a time-honored craft that requires patience and attention to detail. Furniture projects are a large part of woodworking, and it’s necessary to perform clean, controlled sanding to avoid tear-out, swirls, or uneven finishes. Using the wrong sander can waste time or cause damage to your project. Sanders provide mobility,…
Read MoreThe Beginner’s Homeowner Toolkit: A Full Set of Hand Tool Essentials for Under $100
Every homeowner needs a few reliable tools to handle everyday repairs and projects. You do not have to buy a large or expensive collection. With less than $100, you can build a starter toolkit that includes the most practical hand tools for home maintenance. This guide outlines the essentials, their uses, and how they help…
Read MoreCompanion Gardening: What Plants Grow Well Together?
Do you ever wish your garden produce would grow a little bigger? Many plants will grow bigger and produce more if planted near other plants they like. Companion gardening is the idea that many plants will help each other when planted nearby, and it is a tried and true way to garden that has proven beneficial for…
Read MoreHow to Remove Carpet
Carpet seems like the perfect flooring material when it’s first being installed. It’s soft, warm, and muffles sound to keep the busy parts of a home quieter. However, it also tends to trap dirt and bacteria, ages badly over the years, and eventually can contribute to allergies. When it comes time to remove carpet, it…
Read MoreHow to Throw a Great Big Game Party
Whether you’re a football fan or not, chances are you have plans for the Big Game on Sunday, February 12. All across the country, Americans will be settling in around the largest TV they can find with friends, family, food, and their favorite beverages. How do you know if you’ve thrown a successful Big Game…
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