Why Ekki Timber Is Ideal for High-Strength Jacking Timbers

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Strong foundations and reliable materials determine the success of heavy lifting and structural support tasks. Industrial projects require timber that can bear immense pressure without compromising safety or performance. Ekki wood has gained recognition for its exceptional strength and durability in such demanding settings. Construction and engineering professionals prioritize materials that offer consistent performance and … Read more

DIY Gold Sawhorses: Build Our ReadyMade 100 Project Guide

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We wanted this project to combine high and low elements, and nothing conveys elegance quite like gold. This DIY project gives ordinary sawhorses a refined, upscale look by pairing classic utility with a glamorous finish. This project was submitted to the ReadyMade 100 contest. If you like it, please consider voting for us on ReadyMade. … Read more

Create Spooky Haunted House Silhouettes for DIY Decor

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We created our own version of this project on Built by Kids. See our Witch and Grim Reaper Silhouettes. Even if you’re past the age for trick-or-treating, Halloween is a great reason to decorate your home and yard. If you want to make your house the spookiest on the block, try these DIY haunted house … Read more

Cut Electric Bills with a Lutron Motion Sensor Light Switch

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Our garage lights get used constantly—whenever we move the car in or out or use the space as a workshop. We replaced halogen bulbs with CFLs to cut energy use, but more often than not we left the lights on simply out of habit. To stop wasting energy and to avoid the monthly cost of … Read more

Win a Pink Husqvarna 450 Rancher Chainsaw to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

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October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re supporting Husqvarna and Living Beyond Breast Cancer in their efforts to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease. From now until November 15, 2016, you can enter to win a limited-edition pink Husqvarna 450 Rancher chainsaw as well as a matching pink toy chainsaw. … Read more

Lumeria Maui — A Retreat You Won’t Want to Leave

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Nestled above the bohemian surf town of Paia on Maui’s North Shore, Lumeria Maui is a serene boutique retreat offering a restorative island escape. Over the past two years we’ve returned to experience the evolution of this peaceful sanctuary under the stewardship of founder Xorin Balbes. Once a Los Angeles–based interior design standout, Xorin relocated … Read more

Valspar Introduces Smart Paint Color Picker Tool for Homeowners

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We’ve all experienced it — a handful of paint chips in our hands, each shade only slightly different, holding them up to a wall and trying to decide which one is right. The worry that after all the work the color will look wrong, or won’t match the vision, can be enough to stall a … Read more

Keep Gutters Clear Year-Round With Gutter Filler Inserts

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On a rainy Saturday morning last weekend, my husband and I stopped by the hardware store to pick up picture- and art-hanging supplies, a masonry bit, and—best discovery of the day—a solution for our window screen issue. (More on that in a later post.)
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While wandering the aisles in search of what I like to call “treasures,” we found an innovative product called Gutter Filler. Although we live in a loft and don’t have gutters to maintain, I wanted to share the product details for anyone seeking an effective, low-maintenance solution to keep gutters debris-free.
Gutter Filler is a lightweight, wedge-shaped insert with three sides that fits snugly inside a gutter. Once installed, it prevents leaves and other debris from clogging the drainage system around your home.
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Because the pieces form a continuous barrier when placed edge to edge, they also discourage mosquitoes from breeding in standing water inside gutters—an added health benefit for yards and neighborhoods.

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Top Kitchen Design Trends from 2016 You’ll Still Love

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Houzz recently released its 2016 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, a valuable resource for designers, builders, and homeowners planning a kitchen remodel. The report highlights key trends shaping today’s kitchens, including the rise of the “super kitchen”—a multifunctional space that blends cooking with dining, entertaining, and living-area functions, often incorporating design elements and amenities typically … Read more

This Penny Countertop That Saves You Money

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Forgive the pun—I couldn’t resist. One Project Closer invited me to serve as a judge for their Before and After contest, and this week I had the tough job of picking a favorite from many excellent entries. One project in particular caught my eye. From the blog Domestic Imperfection came a truly distinctive and impressive … Read more