As you know, we are now living in our Clinton house and it's...less than ideal. Pretty much everything about it is weird, from the light switches to the short sinks and all the way up to the weird acoustic ceiling tiles that remind Madison of high school. You know I'm not going to do any major Continue Reading
December 12, 2015
Pergo – Installation Laminate Flooring
I'm installing Pergo in my loft craft room. It took about an hour to remove the old carpeting. Then it took about four hours to complete installing laminate flooring. Pergo is easy to clean and resists scratches. It is a floating floor so you don't need a flooring nailer to install it. The tongue 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. Today I'm going to show what I've found to be the easiest way to get perfectly placed drawer fronts. I Continue Reading
July 24, 2015
Remove Baseboard with the Trim Puller
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. Now I remove baseboard with the Trim Puller! This post and giveaway is sponsored by Trim Puller. Remove baseboards 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 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 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... At least now I can show you how to patch Continue Reading
April 17, 2015
How to cut tile in a backsplash
I'm making all kinds of small progress in the kitchen. :-) After I installed the tile backsplash I had to cut tile out for junction boxes because I decided to install undercabinet lights. It was so long ago that I can't remember why I didn't install the junction boxes before I Continue Reading
April 14, 2015
Best wood patch 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
Sanding on a Shelf Liner to keep wood from moving
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 tools for application
Today I'm sharing some of my favorite products for glue application. These awesome, glue tools are inexpensive products that make glue-ups a breeze! These products were made specifically for applying and spreading glue. This post includes affiliate links. Awesome Glue tools for Continue Reading
March 12, 2015
Installing Drawers with Blum Tandem plus Blumotion drawer slides
Installing Drawers with Blum Tandem plus Blumotion drawer slides on my china hutch. I'm a big fan of drawers for storage. I find them 100 times more efficient than shelves so I definitely wanted drawers on the lower section. In an effort not to take 500 years to finish this kitchen remodel, I Continue Reading
February 26, 2015
Over Glasses Safety 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 associate helping me find the proper fitting specks informed me that... Continue Reading
February 25, 2015
How to get paint off wood floors
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 how to get paint off wood using a steamer. It works great for getting 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
March 24, 2014
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 for needing to pulling the nail, 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 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