If you read my post yesterday you know my newest focus is building my studio, craft room, office in the loft. The entire loft was carpeted with the same "economical", builder grade, beige carpet that was in the bedrooms on the main level of the house. Most of the main level had red oak hardwood Continue Reading
October 21, 2015
How to Install Cabinet Drawer Fronts
You can install drawer fronts in as many different ways as there are stars in the sky. Well, maybe not THAT many -- but there are a lot. I've played around with (e'hem) a few different methods and today, I'm going to show what I've found to be the easiest way to get perfectly placed drawer fronts. Continue Reading
July 24, 2015
How to EASILY remove baseboards without damaging your walls
Hi guys! I have an update to a tip post from two years ago where I demonstrated how to remove baseboards without damaging your walls or trim. Well that became my OLD way as soon as I discovered Trim Puller! This post and giveaway is sponsored by Trim Continue Reading
June 1, 2015
Trimming the ends of a plank wall — in place!
Hi guys! Remember when I built the barn door and planked the wall in my BIG hallway? A lot of you asked what I was going to do with those ugly corners? I said I'd deal with those later? Well it's later! Since I just framed in my new office and need to finish that wall, it's time to decide Continue Reading
May 18, 2015
Make Inexpensive Wood look Rich and Luxurious!
If you've been following my Pantry Countertop progress, you know I built the countertops out of inexpensive wood, i.e. 2x4 and 2x6 construction lumber. I chose wood as my countertop material because it's the one I could build myself for just a few dollars and make it look like it cost a couple Continue Reading
May 17, 2015
How to use a Drill (And my NEW Video series!)
Hi guys! If you are a fan of my quirky videos, make sure to subscribe to my NEW YouTube Channel! This weeks DIY Skills video covers how to use the most used tool in the shop, the Drill/Driver. Most of you may already know how to use a drill...or think you do. ;-) You might learn something Continue Reading
May 5, 2015
How to patch a hole in subfloor
So remember how I moved the floor vent when I built my new pantry? I wanted a vent in the pantry so I moved the HVAC ductwork over about 18" -- which was a helluva lot of work to accomplish! But I got it done and now have a nice cool pantry... and a nice hole to patch in the subfloor and wood Continue Reading
April 17, 2015
How to cut a hole in a tile backsplash
I'm making all kinds of small progress in the kitchen. :-) When I installed the tile backsplash I cut small notches for the electrical cables that were sitting there, waiting for future power receptacle installation. It was so long ago that I can't remember my mind set so I can't say why I didn't Continue Reading
April 14, 2015
Best wood patch in the history of ever!
Hey guys! I get asked for my favorite products all the time and for the most part my favorites don't change that often. I can't say that I've had a special love affair with any particular wood patch or putty in the past...but that has changed! I shared my love of ZAR wood stain with my Stain Continue Reading
April 1, 2015
Use a Shelf Liner for sanding
I don't like my workpiece moving around while I'm sanding it or having to clamp it down to the table; moving the clamps to access and sand the area that had the clamp. I've been using a tool box liner for quite a few months as a base for my sanding projects and it works great so I wanted to share Continue Reading
March 24, 2015
Awesome Glue application tools
Today I'm sharing some of my favorite products for glue application. These awesome, inexpensive products make glue-ups a breeze! These products were made specifically for applying and spreading glue. This post includes affiliate links. Continue Reading
March 12, 2015
Installing Drawers with Blum Tandem plus Blumotion drawer slides
So now the China Hutch looks pretty because it's dressed up with crown moulding, corbels, decorative toe-kick and a beadboard backsplash. After completing all that, it was time to focus on the things that would make it functional: shelves and drawers! As soon as I drilled shelf pin holes and added Continue Reading
February 26, 2015
Safety glasses that go OVER regular glasses.
I got new glasses the other day and while trying on 200 different pairs, I made a comment about glasses having polycarbonate lenses like safety glasses, so my regular glasses should be adequate protection. Au Contraire! The lady helping me find the proper fitting specks informed me that... While Continue Reading
February 25, 2015
Easily remove paint (new or old) from a floor
Sometimes, despite all your best efforts to apply paint where and only where you want it, it finds a way to end up where you don't want it...like on the floor. I don't sweat it when this happens anymore though. I have found that using a steamer works great for getting stubborn paint off the Continue Reading
October 29, 2014
How to sand projects to get a professional finish.
Kellyn here to share tips on how to sand like a pro! You may have seen my posts on The Sawdust Diaries. And I am so excited and honored that Sandra asked me to contribute some of my building knowledge here on her Sawdust Girl blog. Sanding 101 - sanding basics I always have on hand the Continue Reading
October 4, 2014
Third hand for installing trim molding
Useful tip and tidbit #3 is a handy trick I use to help me install trim moulding with close to perfect mitered corners by using painter's tape to hold things in place while I test to make sure all my puzzle pieces fit together before I shoot any nails. Continue Reading
October 3, 2014
Speed Shims – Useful Tips and Tidbits
I'm SURE this was a ridiculous thought but ... I had the thought that maybe hearing 31 useful tips and tidbits in 31 days from the same person might get a bit mundane. So I invited my friend, Haviander over share this one about speed shims with you. Take it away Hav. Haviander is Continue Reading
March 24, 2014
How to remove nails – the easy way
How to remove nails - the easy way I've pulled my share of nails in my life. I've pulled nails out of trim moulding that I've removed and wanted to reuse. I've pulled them out of subfloors after ripping out the flooring. Popped nails, broken nails, miss nails, fail nails... No matter the reason Continue Reading
July 22, 2013
Marking correct location for an electrical outlet in built-ins
When Cara told me her technique for marking and cutting the electrical outlets in her built-in cabinet I giggled ...and then asked her to please document it with some pictures to share. So this "Sawdust Diary" update is also a tutorial for what I think is a smart tip for marking outlet location. Continue Reading
January 31, 2013
Avoid sharp edges on cabinet face-frames
Have you ever scraped your knuckles reaching into a cabinet drawer? I have. Ouch! The cabinets in this house have super sharp inside edges on the face-frames. I've scraped my knuckles too many times to fault anyone buy myself at this point -- I could just grab a sanding sponge and take care of Continue Reading
August 29, 2012
Selecting the Right Materials for a Project
I build a lot of cabinets, built-ins, bookshelves and such. I often get asked how I select materials for different kinds of projects. MDF, plywood, solid wood. What's best for what applications? I generally buy my lumber from a big box store because it's convenient and available Continue Reading
January 24, 2012
How to use curtains to hide an off center window.
I finally got the curtains up in my master closet! The off-center window has been driving me crazy so I had to get something up -- quick! There wasn't a chance I was going to rip out the window and move it over so I had to get creative and just trick my eyes with some visual "deception". Continue Reading
January 3, 2011
Five Easy Painting Tips
Painting is a chore, there are no ifs, ands or buts about it. Use these five easy painting tips to make life a little easier while you work! 1. When using a paint tray, poke several "drain" holes before you pour your paint out of the can. Use a nail or screw and poke several holes all the way Continue Reading
