Archives: Home Improvement

How To Build A Bookcase

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry, Closets & Storage, Finish Carpentry

DIY Bookcase In this post I’ll show you how to build a simple bookcase. Bookcases can be as simple as this storage room bookcase or as elegant as a fine piece of furniture. There are many different ways to build a bookcase, this happens to be my preference typically. Bookcase Materials For this bookcase I’m…

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Improper Deck Flashing Problem

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches

Deck Flashing Problems Today’s post comes from a reader who asked me to look at a deck flashing problem that he had. The email stated: I’m wondering if you can help me with a problem I am having repairing or replacing the flashing for a replacement deck attached to a stucco house. The original flashing…

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How To Add Glass To A Solid Wood Door

By Todd Fratzel on Doors

Today Jacky emailed me with a very interesting question and design idea about modifying salvaged doors. Jacky said “We live in 1940 house, and are remodeling our unfinished half-lit basement. Currently we are in search of interior door w/small glass for our new 2nd bathroom. Since the bathroom has a big window, would like to…

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Radiant Heat Floor Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Insulation

Radiant Heat Insulation Thea in Maine recently emailed us a question about radiant heat insulation. He has radiant heat tubing stapled to the bottom of the plywood sub-floor in his house and the insulation that was installed by the builder is falling down and doesn’t appear to be installed properly. Thea asked me what method…

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How To Connect A Propane Grill To House Propane Supply

By Todd Fratzel on Appliances, Decks & Porches

Disclaimer: You really should consult a certified gas fitter for this type of project. Be sure to check all local building codes prior to attempting a project of this nature. Connecting Gas Grill To House Propane Supply Connecting your propane gas grill to your house propane supply is a great way to ensure you can…

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How To Cut Dados With A Router

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Power Tools

Cutting Dados With A Router In this article I’d like to show you how to cut dados using a Plunge Router. More specifically this method is very useful for cutting dados in the sides of a book case. It would be very difficult to cut these dados using a stacked dado in the table saw…

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How To Fix A Scratch on Hardwood Floors

By Todd Fratzel on Flooring, Maintanence, Painting and Finishing

Today’s post is an answer from a reader about how to easily repair a scratch on hardwood floors. If you actually live in your home then theres no way to avoid scratching hardwood floors. My wife reminds me daily that we have to live in our house not sit back and admire it. So, kids,…

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Colonial Mantel with Slate Surround

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry

Colonial Style Mantel The first mantel that I ever built was a colonial style mantel with a slate surround and hearth. The photo shows the mantel and surround that I built in our first home. I really wish I kept photos of the fire place before this project so you could see the dramatic change.…

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