Skills

Master your craft and perfect your skills with these professional tips, techniques and industry insights.

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How To Deal With the Grooves When Painting Wood Paneling

Ready to paint that old wood paneling, but not sure what to do with the grooves? Get rid of them with joint compound.

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Which Natural Weed Killers Will Work Best for You?

We talk with an expert about healthier choices for humans and the environment.


What Is German Smear?

If you're ready to revamp your plain brick house or fireplace but don't want to spend a lot of money,...


Everything You Need to Know About Dovetail Joints

Dovetail joints are beautiful, distinctive and strong. Here's a primer on how they work and how to incorporate them into...


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Everything You Need To Know About Box Joints

Whether you're making a jewelry box, desk drawer or toy chest, the classic box joint creates sturdy and strong corners.

What Is a Butt Joint? The Basics

Butt joints are the easiest woodworking joints to make, but they aren't very strong and usually need reinforcement. Despite this,...


How to Recess Hinges on a Door

Learn how to mortise door hinges using a router.

How to Install Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets

Upgrade your kitchen cabinets with crown molding. We'll show you how.


13 Types of Wood Joints and Their Uses Explained

Woodworking joints can be strong and beautiful at the same time. Learn about these classic types of joinery used by...


Firewood Measurements: What Do They Mean?

Do you need a full cord or just a half-pallet this winter? Understanding what firewood measurements mean will help you...


How to Care for Your Lawn During a Drought

Droughts don't have to be a death sentence for your grass.

How to Repair a Garden Hose

Fix leaky garden hoses quickly and cheaply.


Trimless Windows: How to Achieve the Look

Give your windows trimless style using drywall returns.


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5 Lessons We Learned While Building a Deck

When you build a deck from the ground up, you're going to learn some things. Here are some of the...


Best Faux Painting Techniques

Check out these brilliant faux painting techniques DIYers can use on a variety of different surfaces. These tips will save...


Chalk Paint, Milk, Mineral or Latex—Which Paint is Best for Your Refinishing Project?

The rise in popularity of chalk-based refinishing paints has made it easier than ever to take on a paint project...

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Shou Sugi Ban: The Art of Japanese Wood Burning

Learn how to use the ancient Japanese wood burning technique of shou sugi ban to create a unique shiplap accent...


How to Split Hostas

Splitting hostas will make for a healthier plant and will propagate new plants. Here's when, and how, you split hostas.


The Benefits of Planting Hostas

Hostas boast vibrant foliage, are drought tolerant and grow practically anywhere. But those aren't their only benefits.


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What to Know About Building a Cabin or Second House

Here's a guide that offers helpful information and important considerations on building your dream vacation home.


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What to Know About Building a House

There are different phases to building a house: planning, design, the actual build itself, as well as décor — all...


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The Family Handyman Getaway Blueprint

Want to see the blueprints and sketches of our Getaway dream cabin? Explore how the Family Handyman team first envisioned...


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When Should I Fertilize My Lawn?

The more you know, the more your grass will grow. Here are the best ways to maximize your lawn fertilization...


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Everything to Know About Strap Hinges

If you like to see your door hardware, choose a strap hinge. With two long, narrow, exposed leaves, a strap...


Get an Airtight Caulk Tube Seal

Done with the caulking job but the tube’s only one-third empty? Dip the nozzle into a can of Plasti Dip...

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Amazing Repair Products

Sometimes all it takes is the right product to make a quick and easy fix.


What’s Wrong With This Picture? Plus a Trick Question

We’ll show you the problem—and the fix.


4 Proven Methods for Creating Wood Joints

Make strong, long-lasting joints without needing years of woodworking expertise or a big budget.


The Drilling Tip Every DIYer Needs to Know

Wood screws are almost always easier to drive and less likely to split if you drill pilot holes first, especially...


Estimating Software Technology

What? You’re not using geospatial generated estimates? Read this article to find out why you should start.


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When Should You Start Mowing Your Lawn in the Spring?

Keep these things in mind before mowing your lawn for the first time this spring.