Harsh weather and daily wear take their toll on outdoor decking, so most decks need refinishing every few years to stay in good condition. With the right supplies and a weekend’s work, this is a manageable DIY project for many homeowners. At first glance, refinishing a deck resembles stripping and repainting cabinets or furniture: you … Read more

Last year, Worx launched a new 2000 PSI electric pressure washer. After extended use, here’s a long-term review based on regular, real-world tasks around the house. Over the years we’ve tested many pressure washers—gas and electric, ranging in size and capability. The Worx 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer consistently performs near the top of that … Read more

Having lived in sunny climates for most of my life, sunglasses are essential for nearly every outdoor activity. Whether you’re driving, hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing, a quality pair of sunglasses reduces glare and shields your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses are especially valuable, because they minimize glare from … Read more

I’ve been a bit sidetracked by the Olympics. Every four years I find myself drawn to events I normally wouldn’t watch, yet I can’t look away. Amateur wrestling is different for me. Having wrestled in high school, I’ve followed the sport ever since, especially the NCAA championships, which I watch every year. I wasn’t raised … Read more

Lowe’s 80V MAX – Leaf Blower Last year we reviewed Lowe’s Kobalt outdoor power equipment and were impressed. This year the brand has introduced a new series of 80V Max* lithium-ion outdoor power tools featuring industry-leading battery voltage. The 80V platform delivers increased power and longer run times, and all batteries claim a full charge … Read more

New Orleans places severe demands on residential HVAC systems. With prolonged summer heat, high humidity, coastal salt air, and an extended cooling season that often exceeds what most of the country experiences, systems here run longer and harder than in many other Southern cities. Because of that constant strain, HVAC maintenance in New Orleans cannot … Read more

Let’s say you want to use two different types of flooring in adjacent rooms, but the space has an open-plan layout and the transition will be highly visible. Should you abandon the idea or use the same flooring everywhere? Absolutely not — the key is designing the transition thoughtfully. We were impressed by designer Paul … Read more

Falling trees are alarming and can pose serious safety risks to your property and the people who live in it. While you can’t predict every storm or gust of wind, you can assess the trees on your property and identify which ones present a higher risk. Jennifer Stell created a helpful tree-safety slideshow that outlines … Read more

For homeowners, safety and accessibility are top priorities—especially for primary entry and exit points. Unfortunately, many residences remain vulnerable: an estimated one in 15 garages and three out of four gate systems lack modern safety features that protect everyone who interacts with garage door openers or automatic gates. As National Safety Month draws to a … Read more

Summer isn’t over yet, and as daylight fades a bit sooner each evening, backyard bonfires are becoming a favorite way to spend time outdoors. You don’t need to travel to the beach or a campground to enjoy a fire—building a backyard fire pit gives you a safe, convenient spot for evening gatherings and casual get-togethers. … Read more