Archives: Home Improvement

Use Glue Instead of Nails For Small Wood Trim

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry

Wood Glue is a Better Option For Some Trim Details This may seem really obvious but I see this situation so often that it’s worth pointing out especially for DIY’ers and beginners in the cabinetry install business. Stock cabinets can be transformed into elegant pieces by simply adding decorative trim and accents.  The options are…

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Build Your Own Entertainment Center

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry

Custom Built-In Entertainment Center for Flat Screen TV Built-in cabinetry can add beauty and functionality to any home and a custom look sure to impress friends and family.The best part is you don’t have to be a master cabinet maker or carpenter to build some beautiful built-in cabinetry. I built a custom built-in entertainment center…

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Heating – Propane Vs Oil

By Todd Fratzel on Heating

Update: This is a popular article written several years ago. While pricing may have changed the basic comparison still holds true today. Heating Fuel – Propane Vs. Oil When we built our new house one of the big decisions I had to make was what type of heating fuel to use. Should we use the…

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Electrical Supplies at The Home Depot

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

PRO Grade Electrical Supplies I’ve never seen the bid market as tight as it is today which means contractors need every advantage when it comes to material pricing. Did you know that The Home Depot offers an extensive line of Electrical Supplies for the PRO? Utilize their exclusive services for Pros designed to get you…

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Paslode® Two Year Service Promise

By Todd Fratzel on Tools & Products

Service and Repairs for Eligible Cordless Systems Offered at No Cost, No Questions Asked Paslode is offering an incredible service program right now for their Li-ion Cordless Framing Nailer (CF325Li), 16 Ga Angled Cordless Li-ion Nailer (IM250Ali) and Cordless Roofing Nailer (CR175C), as well as the Duo-Fast Cordless Roofing Nailer (DFCR175C) (for more details you…

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Bay Window Floor Insulation Detail

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Bay Window and Floor Deck Cantilever Insulation Details I’ve written quite a few articles on how to insulate basement walls and floors but one more specific topic related to this subject keeps coming up and that’s how to insulate a bay window floor or cantilever floor framing. In this article I’ll share a detail for…

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Say Goodbye To Cheap Light Bulbs

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation

Incandescent Light Bulbs No More The end of the road has finally come for the cheap light bulb. As of January 1, 2014 incandescent light bulbs can no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. The original law to ban them back in 2007 was delayed with larger 100 watt and 75 watt…

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Custom Colonial Style Fireplace Mantel

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Interior Decorating

Custom Fireplace Mantel There’s something about a beautiful fireplace and mantel that really makes a home feel warm and inviting. A fireplace mantel can also be a beautiful prominent architectural feature. I’ve built a couple custom mantels over the years and the one featured in this article is my latest one in our new home.…

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