DIY Natural Wildlife Garden Pond
by diysuper on Feb.05, 2012, under DIY Tips, Garden
Garden ponds are beautiful if installed correctly. How easy is it to build one yourself? Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own garden pool.
The first step to installing a wildlife garden pond is to decide on a suitable location. The wildlife inhabitants of the pond will need both sunshine and shade if they are to survive and thrive. Take care in selecting a tree that will provide the shade. Many DIY garden pools fail due to rotting leaves lowering the oxygen level in the water and killing the fish. Remember, predators such as cats and herons will see your project as a source of food, so a cover net will help to prevent this problem, as well as overcome issues with falling leaves.
Next, make an outline of your pond using string, rope or anything else that is suitable. Excavate to a depth of around 50 cm and remove any sharp stones. Line the pond area with a layer of soft sand to prevent punctures.
Next, measure the size of the pond and purchase a suitable pond liner. To calculate the length required double the length of the hole and add one metre. For the width, double the width of the hole and again add one metre. Begin lining your pond, bearing in mind that it is crucial the liner covers the sides of the excavated area and does not puncture. Secure the liner using stones or bricks.
You are now ready to begin filling the pond with water, but slowly. As the quantity of water increases the liner will sink and fit into the excavated area. Once the pond is filled, cut the liner to size, leaving approximately 25 cm around the edges. Finally, you use paving slabs or stones to cover the exposed liner and select the plants and fish of your choice. Allow the water to settle for a day or so before introducing fish to the pond.
Repairing Cracks
by diysuper on Feb.03, 2012, under DIY Tips, Home Improvements, Interior Design
A few cracks in your wall do not mean you need to think about a completely new plastering job. It has never been easier to repair those cracks yourself before painting, even if you have never tackled this kind of job before. Fixing cracks in walls and ceilings is such a common problem that the DIY industry is constantly coming up with products and tools to make the job easier.
Plastering Made Easy
Buy a tube of a decent-quality filling product from your local DIY store; as well as this, you will need the tools to apply it smoothly and evenly, such as a plaster trowel. The first step may seem strange, but in order to give your filler a good chance of working you need to get rid of any loose pieces by widening cracks and holes slightly. Then cover the area with a generous amount of the filler, remembering that any excess will be removed when you use the plaster trowel to get a smooth finish. Once dry, apply a resin to the treated area to prevent the cracks from reopening at a later date.
Types of Square Ceramic Tile
by diysuper on Feb.02, 2012, under DIY Tips, How To Guides
Having decided to tile a particular area with ceramic tiles, you will need to select a basic tile shape. Working with square tiles gives you many options that are best made prior to beginning the project.
Square tiles make up the bulk of tiles used for walls and floors. There are several different types available, however and it is important to make your decision based not only on personal preference, but also on what will work best for your particular project.
Plain tiles are square or rectangular tiles and have even edges. There are filed tiles that have spacers on them and these are used for quick installation. Rather than having to use additional spacers, the tile itself has them built-in, so when fitting the next tile you simply push it up against the previous one.
There are also square tiles that are used for borders or edges. These tiles have a rounded edge and are placed, as the name suggests, at the border of the area being tiled. Double round edge tiles are tiles with two sides rounded and they are designed for use on corners.
Frieze tiles come in two types. There are tiles with the frieze printed directly on the tile itself and others that make up the frieze itself. The frieze tile is inserted along the top row above the main tiles. This is useful if you wish to have the same frieze, but different coloured tiles in your design.
The final selection of square tiles is decorative. These are normally sold individually and can be used as a single tile within a larger group of unadorned tiles or as the main tiles themselves. Though normally sold singly, it is possible to purchase a large number at one time. When doing so it is best to have the tiles with the same lot number in order to minimise variations in colour.
Using Blinds to Dress Up Your Windows
by diysuper on Jan.29, 2012, under DIY Tips, Interior Design
Apart from cool paint jobs, elegant furniture styles and great interior décor, a room needs elegant window blinds to complete its classy look. With a vast variety of both curtains and blinds on the market, it may be tough for homeowners to make a final decision on what they want! While many people will select one or the other, it is often possible to get a great visual effect using both blinds and curtains on the same window.
By selecting standard Venetian blinds, the amount of natural light entering a room can be controlled. However, some of these blinds do not add that touch of class and elegance that homeowners are looking for. The solution to this is simple: keep the blinds and add some curtains on the window. Not only will this add to the visual appeal, it will help with light control and insulation.
After blinds are installed, opt for curtains that will complement the room décor. If the window you’re trying to dress is in the kitchen, lightweight and bright coloured curtains will add a nice feel. On the other hand, living rooms and bedrooms should have darker colours, depending on the colour scheme that is already in the room. Curtains come in many colours, patterns and weights, with each room requiring a different set of curtains.
Adding curtains over blinds creates a unique effect that is both attractive and efficient. Instead of spending hundreds of pounds on expensive roller or Roman blinds, curtains over simple Venetian blinds can create a touch of elegance without emptying one’s wallet.
When using curtains in a room that requires natural light, it is wise to opt for filler curtains. These are, integrally, fabrics that are lighter in colour. These will allow light into the room without taking away from the visual appeal. Bright coloured curtains can increase energy in the home while light colours will provide a sense of calm.
Replacing Shed Roof Felt
by diysuper on Jan.27, 2012, under DIY Tips, How To Guides
Garden sheds are useful for the storage of gardening equipment but also for use as workshops, detached offices and studies. Garden sheds are not constructed like a house, however. Their fabric is weaker and lighter in weight and this means that sheds need TLC from time to time. The most vulnerable part of a shed is its roof, where the roof felt becomes worn and thin.
The first step in replacing shed roof felt is completely removing the old felt and as many of the nails as possible. The old felt should be ripped off and a claw hammer used to pull out old nails. Homeowners should use safety goggles and gloves to protect themselves from grit, dust and other debris.
Next, homeowners should check the exposed wood for damage and remove any damaged sections, ensuring that they double check fasciae and battens – areas which are vulnerable to rotting. Homeowners should replace like with like, treating any exposed sections.
On a ridged roof, homeowners should start at the lower edge on one side with a strip fixed long ways on each roof edge. They should use galvanised nails every 50 millimetres along the fascia and every 150 millimetres along the top edge. If the ridge has not been reached, homeowners should repeat on the other side before cutting a third length of felt to a minimum width of 200 millimetres, aiming for an overlap of at least 50 millimetres. They should use felt adhesive to seal this joint, covering the nails underneath. On a flat roof, DIY enthusiasts should follow the same procedure from the lowest edge to the highest.
Getting Your Garden Room
by diysuper on Jan.26, 2012, under Garden, Home Improvements, Rooms
If you are thinking of having one of the many garden rooms on offer installed in your garden, then there are some things you need to consider to ensure you purchase one which best suits your needs. Garden office buildings are fast becoming a very popular commodity following the rise of self-employed people who wish to have the space to work from home. Even if you are not self-employed, but simply wish to utilise the space you have in your garden, then a garden room is a worthwhile investment which can be used in many different ways. For example, it can be used as a studio, or a playroom for the children.
One thing you need to consider is what size you want your garden home office to be. You can have any size that comfortably fits in your garden, but it is worthwhile to think carefully about what you will need the room to accommodate once it has been built.
Next, you need to consider the kind of base you want to have installed. The bases on offer are very sturdy and substantial, and mean that your garden office is well supported and can withstand different types of weather. You can also have insulation installed so that the garden room has extra protection against the outside elements.
Most garden office buildings do not require planning permission, as long as they are within a specified size; the company you purchase your garden office from will be happy do advise you on this, and on any other queries you may have.
The Ubiquitous Bathroom
by diysuper on Jan.25, 2012, under Bathrooms, DIY Tips, Interior Design
There is no such thing as a typical bathroom. Bathroom furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, and in many different materials, from traditional porcelain through to flash Italian marble or contemporary glass and chrome. Some bathrooms are based around the bath. Either free standing and set in the middle of the floor, perhaps with the novelty of claw feet or in the more commonplace style of a boxed in rectangular bathtub, set against one wall.
Though a bath lends itself to a long, hot soak, a lack of time often makes it is more desirable to be able to make use of a shower, for quick, efficient hygiene solutions. However, not everybody prefers to wash standing up, and a bath will always be the mainstay of an efficient bathroom, although very small closet-type bathrooms may only contain a shower unit, and not have a bath at all. This is the smallest bathing solution of all.
If you have the luxury of lots of space, then you may have a complete wet room for an exhilarating all over body wash, maybe complete with water jets and a supersize showerhead. However you choose to groom yourself to get clean and to get ready to go out, a bathroom will always be the go-to room in your household for the purposes of personal hygiene. In the 20th century, a bathroom became standard fare in all-British housing, and it is an everyday luxury we can no longer do without.
Contents Insurance for Your Home
by diysuper on Jan.23, 2012, under Home Insurance
Contents insurance covers the things you own inside your home. A good rule of thumb is to remember that a typical home contents insurance policy includes all the items you would take if you were moving house.
It is important to assess the value of your possessions as accurately as possible. If you place a value on your goods collectively, which is less than the actual cost, then you have under-insured. This could mean that you find yourself out of pocket if you should have to make a claim. Equally, if you should over-insure your possessions, that is put too high a value on them, you are in danger of paying more for your policy than you really need to pay.
Accurate assessment of the cost of possessions and a careful choice of excess amount will make your policy more expensive or cheaper accordingly. However do not be fooled into thinking a cheap contents insurance policy is the best. It may well be the case in some circumstances but it is more important that you define your needs as honestly as you can in order to gain the correct cover for yourself and your family.
The best way of correctly estimating the cost of your possessions is to make a list and go through it item by item. This hand written list may take you some time which is why it is a good idea to hold on to it and keep it with the policy documents in the event of any claim.
Tips for Caulking a Bath
by diysuper on Jan.22, 2012, under Bathrooms, DIY Tips, Home Improvements
Though water is extensively used in the bathroom, this does not mean it can be allowed to get everywhere as it can rot wood and cause mould. Implementing tips to caulk a bath properly can prevent water slipping into crevices and the skills can be transferred to other receptacles where water use is common, such as sinks and shower cubicles.
Timing Is Key
Remember that caulking must be allowed to dry completely in order to be effective and must be undisturbed during this period. Accordingly, plan the caulking of the bath procedure during a period when it can be allowed to dry.
Keep the Area Clean
Clean and dry the area where the caulk is to be applied before commencing with the caulking process to ensure that the caulk can bond properly. Using a degreasing solvent and a soft cloth will ensure that the surfaces will be cleansed of any grime not visible to the naked eye. Moisture, dust, grime and foreign objects can prevent the caulk from being effective.
Choose the Right Product
Many types of caulk are silicone based as this material helps to prevent the ingress of water from wherever it is applied. However, there is also latex based caulking on the market, which may be preferable depending on the purpose for which it will be used. In addition, some brands of caulk have antifungal properties that make it particularly beneficial for the bathroom.
Application
A caulking gun is the most common method of applying the sealant, which will make it beneficial to test the trigger in order to get used to it. On some newspaper or scrap cardboard, apply the caulk to practice doing so evenly and to get a feel for the pressure needed for the trigger. To ensure a neat result, lay masking or painter’s tape along either side of the seam.
Replace a Double-Bowl Kitchen Sink Drain
by diysuper on Jan.20, 2012, under DIY Tips, How To Guides, Kitchen
Over time, food waste and various solids can accumulate and adhere to the trap beneath a kitchen sink and eventually clog it. The connection is also prone to developing leaks over time through bumping, as other items are stored beneath the sink. You can replace the trap itself or the entire drain assembly.
Use pliers to take out the old assembly and then attach a short tailpiece to the sink basket’s threads. Secure it in place with a nylon washer and a slip nut and then slide the slip nut on together with a nylon washer to secure the longer tailpiece.
The tailpiece can then be connected, its length determined by the precise location of the drain line coming from the wall. It should come to the base of the bottom of the wall drain line, although if it is too long, it can later be cut down to size.
The P-trap is then attached to the tailpiece and tightened before positioning the trap arm of the P-trap and marking where to cut it so that it fits perfectly the wall drain line. The arm is then removed and cut to length with a PVC tube cutter or a hacksaw.
Next, slide the slip nut and washer over the cut end of the arm before inserting the arm into the wall drain. Then align the P-trap arm and tighten before also tightening the arm to the wall drain line.
Attach the short tail piece to the other sink bowl and secure the other end of the connecting drain line to the shorter tail piece before installing an escutcheon plate to cover the gap between the wall and the wall drain line.
Remember to place a bucket beneath the sink before starting work.