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If it’s time to redo a popcorn ceiling, there are three popular ways to take on the challenge: scrape, cover with a new layer of drywall, or skim coat with plaster to create a new textured ceiling. How Much Does it Cost to Remove Popcorn Ceiling? The national average for popcorn ceiling removal is $1,707, according to Home Advisor. Removing popcorn ceiling can be a labor-intensive process that is best left to a licensed professional to ensure safe removal....

Steps for Repairing a Loose Newel Post Tools and Materials How to Silence Your Squeaky Stairs

Steps for Installing Quartz Countertop: Resources: Kevin toured the manufacturing facility for Cambria Stone. The slab that was installed at Jenny’s house was also Cambria quartz in the color “Windermere.” How to Cut a Granite Countertop The tools required for installing the quartz, including the hammers and pry bars for removing the old counter, and the silicone to secure the new countertop, can all be found at home centers. Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Gemini Stone, LLC of Everett, MA....

Steps for Installing a Water Spigot Outside Materials Bucket Plumbers putty Tools How to Replace a Spigot

3 Common Insulation Found in Old Homes Vermiculite What it is: A lightweight, shiny mineral that resembles mica flakes. Types of Insulation for Your Home How it works: Vermiculite absorbs water and is fire resistant, giving it myriad uses, from fluffing up garden soil to soundproofing floors. The mineral was popular during much of the 20th century as insulation, thanks in part to its easy application: It could simply be poured by the bagful between ceiling joists....

Steps for Maintaining Gas-Powered Tools Materials Gas can (1 gallon) Tools How to Winterize Yard Tools

Don’t be caught off guard the next time the white stuff threatens to cripple your region. Prepare for a blizzard ahead of time and arm yourself with these goods and be ready to deal with the chilly aftermath. What Should You Do Before, During, and After a Blizzard? There are 14 essentials to help you prepare for a blizzard. Here is what you should have on hand before a snowstorm, the generators you’ll need during the blizzard and equipment to clean up with afterward....

How to Choose the Right Stain There are three types of stains: transparent penetrating oil, semi-transparent, and solid stain. They each protect the wood equally well. However, their lifespans vary. How to Clean and Restain a Deck Transparent stains last for two to three years before requiring refinishing. Semi-transparent stains last three to four years. Solid stains last about five years. For enhancing the look of beautiful wood like mahogany, transparent stains are typically best....

How to Remove Tile Floor First, you need a clear floor area to work with. If you’re removing tile flooring from your bathroom, take out the toilet and any pedestal sinks and disconnect all the water pipes or drains that go through the floor. If you don’t know what’s under your ceramic floor tile, you’ll have to do some detective work to find out whether it’s plywood, cement backerboard, or a thick bed of mortar....

Firewood Splitting Tools Tom demonstrates a variety of tools that can be used to split wood by hand: Axe Axes have thin heads that are designed for cutting, rather than splitting. They’re really meant for cutting down trees or doing other lumber cuts against the grain. Maul Mauls are designed for splitting firewood. Their heads are heavy—about 8 pounds—and they’re designed with a wide wedge that can get in between the grain and split it apart....

Trimming a coat closet Tools

A Playful Powder Room In this powder room just inside the main entrance, the gentle curves of the mirror and faucet are echoed in the statement light fixture overhead. ​ ​Vanity, fixtures, mirror, lighting: Signature Hardware A Kitchen Equipped for Convenience In the kitchen, cone-shaped pendants draw the eye to the island, with its workstation sink, easy pulldown faucet, and durable quartz countertop. Upholstered stools make for back-friendly seating. Pale-gray Shaker-style cabinets provide clean-lined storage....

The showcase kitchen you see is just the beginning; out of sight from the dining and living areas are a hardworking butler’s pantry with its own sink, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator, along with a handy beverage bar for quick refreshments. The cabinets are rough-sawn European oak stained dark on the island and lighter on the perimeter; the quartz countertops and backsplash mimic concrete. The custom hood is finished to coordinate with the dark stain of the island....

In this episode: This Old House has been following the restoration of a four-room schoolhouse that is being turned into nine affordable housing units for veterans in Dracut, MA. Great effort is taken to make the outside look as it did in 1898, including making the new chimney look old. Kevin O’Connor lends Mark McCullough a hand installing a 3/4’’ real brick veneer to the face of the chimney. At a local kitchen cabinet showroom in Saratoga Springs, kitchen designer Sara Raeder helps Evan and Whitney select cabinets for the kitchen....

Top 5 Coolers Best For Hiking: TOURIT Cooler Backpack Best Wheeled Cooler: Coleman Portable Cooler With Wheels Best Heavy-Duty Cooler: Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme Heavy-Duty Cooler Most Versatile Cooler: Lifewit Soft Cooler Bag Best For Picnics: OlarHike Cooler Bag Best For Hiking: TOURIT Cooler Backpack The TOURIT Cooler Backpack has a waterproof, durable fabric body with an insulated leakproof liner and padded shoulder straps. These materials work together to keep food warm or cold for up to 16 hours, making this cooler bag perfect for those who need a comfortable, accessible cooler for walks or hikes....

Top 5 Fountain Pens Most Nib Options: Scriveiner Fountain Pen Best Fine Point: Asvine Fountain Pen Most Color Options: Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen Set Best Design: Waterman Fountain Pen Best Pack: Dryden Designs Fountain Pen Most Nib Options: Scriveiner Fountain Pen No matter if you prefer to write with a broad, extra-fine, fine, or medium nib, this pen has you covered. It’s crafted with a lacquered brass body and chrome accents....

Top 5 Ice Melts Easiest To See: Snow Joe Blended Ice Melter Best Pellets: Green Gobbler Snow and Ice Pellets Best for Cars: Prestone Windshield De-Icer Best Liquid: Branch Creek Ice Melt Best for Small Surfaces: Redmond Ice Melter Easiest To See: Snow Joe Blended Ice Melter Pros and Cons ✔ Works safely on wood and concrete surfaces✔ Can purchase a pack with a spreader to apply it✔ Has an anti-corrosion formula ✘ Doesn’t list the temperature limit✘ Can’t spread it directly from the bag...