Fiber Facts The type of fiber used determines the basic performance and appearance of the carpet. The biggest trend today is: soft. Homeowners seek comfort, and carpet offers a cushion underfoot. It also suppresses noise. The fiber content is usually listed on a specification sheet on the back of the sample. While names may differ among manufacturers, products still fall within one of five basic categories. 5 Types of Carpet Fibers 1....

Whether it’s thick blankets of fiberglass batts, meringue-like mounds of spray foam (Tom’s favorite), or layers of seaweed (discovered under the floors of the first TOH project), all insulation works the same way: by trapping tiny air pockets that slow the movement of heat out of a house in winter and into a house in summer. Its effectiveness at resisting this movement is called its R-value; the higher the value, the lower your energy bills....

Every morning, he’s out there, lathering up to the sound of birds in his garden and the sight of mountains beyond his home in California’s Napa Valley. “It’s invigorating when it’s cold, it’s interesting when it’s rainy, and it’s incredibly refreshing when it’s sunny and hot,” he says. What You Should Know Before Installing an Outdoor Shower Whether the goal is to wash off the day or to commune with nature, there is an outdoor shower for you....

Audrey Meinking, owner of Mineola Bicycle, Fitness, and Mower in Mineola, New York, says the same process also works for other small gas-powered machines such as trimmers and snowblowers. “If you don’t take an hour or two for maintenance or bring your machines to a pro for servicing,” she says, “there’s a big chance you’ll be stuck watching the grass grow come spring.” Winterize a Lawn Mower in 7 Steps Step 1: Empty the gas tank Unused gas left in a mower over the winter can get stale, gumming up the carburetor and inviting rust....

Build a Vintage Dresser Vanity Before indoor plumbing, there was the wash-basin, and the look is just as stylish now as it was then. Learn how to create your own vintage-inspired bathroom vanity (complete with modern-day plumbing of course) in How to Build a Vintage-look Dresser Vanity Install a Pedestal Sink Nothing says “elegance” like a porcelain pedestal sink, not to mention it’s space-saving attributes. Got the chops to take on the job yourself?...

These aren’t big projects like adding attic insulation or replacing your windows—save those for later. They’re easy-to-do and inexpensive techniques. The most complicated will take a weekend afternoon, and many take little time and don’t even require the purchase of materials, only changing a habit or two. Others can be done for as little as $10. We’ll take a look first at the obvious stuff and then at more specialized — but still simple — energy-saving techniques....

Make Fresh Bathroom Updates Without a Renovation Learn how to add style and character at an affordable price. 1. Revitalize Your Claw-Foot Tub Sometimes an old tub simply needs a boost. Rather than replacing an old timeless cast-iron claw-foot tub, save a bundle by reglazing it instead. You can make it a graphic focal point by coloring the outside a deep or vibrant hue, or give it a soft contrast between a white interior and muted exterior, whichever treatment suits your space....

Build an Outdoor Kitchen Center We love this beautiful outdoor kitchen center, complete with an all-weather countertop, a seating counter for guests, and storage for glasses. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll be dining alfresco in no time. Keep in mind that you’ll need to allow at least four days for the concrete to cure, so start on the countertop first. 19 Beautiful DIY Backyard Projects Don’t forget the most important part of every outdoor kitchen: the grill....

That’s why the This Old House Reviews team is here to help you in your research. We have researched and reviewed some of the top pest control companies in the country. Keep reading this review of the best pest control companies in Corona to compare each company’s services, plans, and pricing. Top Pest Control Companies in Corona Best of the Best Corona Pest Control Companies Terminix takes our No. 1 spot due to its top-tier specialty pest solutions at affordable prices and its great customer satisfaction rate....

Simpler than a chandelier with its multiple outstretched arms, a pendant is little more than a bulb hidden under a shade swinging on the end of a cord. Yet there’s a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, ranging from 4-inch-diameter mini cylinders to massive 30-inch domes. Some wash light over a big area, giving your foyer or stair landing a welcoming glow. Others focus bright beams onto one strategic spot: a sink or cutting board on a kitchen island, a family photo on the living room credenza....

Shown: The TOH 2021 Idea House in the upper right-hand corner is one of 5 duplexes being built concurrently in this Norwalk, CT pocket neighborhood. Proper Basement Drainage An excavator drops gravel around the drainage pipes that will draw water away from the bottom of the foundation. Earth Moving: Stone Ridge Excavation, LLC Sealing the Basement Against Seepage To prevent water seepage, a polymer-enhanced asphalt membrane is applied directly to the concrete foundation....

Buying a new mattress is exciting, carrying the promise of better, more comfortable sleep. It can also create concerns about spending some serious cash. Picking out a new mattress doesn’t mean you have to compromise your budget––the best affordable mattress will combine top-of-the-line designs and features with a great price. You can get all of the comfort you need for the price tag you deserve, with cash left over for your bedroom renovation projects....

Want to save these ideas for later? Create your own holiday gift list to share gift ideas with family and friends. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl Shop Now If your dog finishes its meal before the food bag is even put away, you may want to consider a slow feeder bowl. This bowl has a maze on the bottom, slowing down the dog’s ability to pick up the pieces of food....

Fortunately, home warranties cover both repair and replacement costs for covered items that break down due to normal wear and tear, no matter how old they are. Many nationwide and local providers offer these residential service contracts, but which is the best home warranty in Kansas City? Here, we’ll list our top five choices, along with the best quality of each company. Top 5 Home Warranty Companies in Kansas City The highest-rated home warranty companies in Kansas City include these:...