How to

How-To

LAMINATE WALL

We all know laminate is a lovely and sturdy flooring material. But it also can be the main element of a breathtaking accent wall. Here's how to create a laminate wall in your home.

Skill Level:: Novice/Intermediate
Time:: 6-10 hours

Step 1

Measure your wall and buy your flooring material accordingly. Measure ceiling height and calculate how many rows of boards will fit fully on your wall. If you have to cut a row of boards to fit, decide whether you want the cut row to be on the top or near the bottom. If the cut row will be on the bottom, work from the top of the wall down. If the cut row will be on the top, work from the bottom of the wall up.
Step 2

Use a stud finder to determine where the studs are. Mark their locations both horizontally and vertically with a pencil, making a reference grid on your wall.
Step 3

Lay boards out on the floor to plan which will fit and which will need to be cut to fit, setting aside boards that will need to be cut.
Step 4

Squirt a thin strip of Liquid Nails onto the back of the first plank in a zigzag pattern. Apply this board to the wall in the upper corner (if working from the top down). Align the edge of the board with the edge of the wall.
Step 5

Use the nail gun to affix the board securely to the wall. Nail into the studs through the tongue of the board at a 45-degree angle.
Step 6

Repeat this process to fill up the wall.

Measure and cut each board to make sure they fit evenly. Join your boards with the gap as close to the middle of the parallel boards as possible. Use a mallet and tapping board or 2x4 to gently tap each new board against the adjoining board. If you are planning to cut a row lengthwise to fit the top or bottom, glue the back and tap this board into place. If you only need to make a short cut, you may want to nail the face of the board into place and smooth over the nail holes with wood filler.
Step 7

Enjoy your new accent wall.

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How-To

STRIPED MOSAIC TILE WALL

Liven up your bathroom with a wall of alternating mosaic tile and solid color painted stripes. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Skill Level:: Intermediate
Time:: 10-12 hours

Step 1

Measure the wall space you'll be working with and buy your paint and tile accordingly.

Measure 12 inches up from the floor and make a mark. This will be the space for your first tile stripe. Measure up eight inches and mark. Then measure up another 12 inches and mark. This will be your second tile stripe. Repeat as fre- quently as your wall space permits, giving eight inches of space between each tile strip.

Repeat this process on another point on the wall to create a second reference point. Use a string and pushpins to draw the guidelines for the tile stripes along the wall. Use a level to make sure they're straight.
Step 2

Following the instructions on the box, apply the SimpleMat tile setting to the stripes you plan to tile. Apply the tile squares directly to the tile mat. Use tile cutters to clip away any protruding tiles.
Step 3

Place pencil moulding tile into the grout above and below the stripes. Grout the tile with a float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle. Let the grout dry for 20 minutes.

Mop off excess grout with a damp sponge. Let grout dry for another two hours.

Polish grout with a cheesecloth.
Step 4

Tape off edges of the stripes with painter's tape. Paint between, above, and below the tile stripes.
Step 5

Enjoy your updated bathroom.

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How to

How-To

DIY BATH STORAGE SHELVES

These attractive shelves provide plenty of space for towels, soap, cosmetics and more. These instructions will show you how to build these yourself.

Skill Level:: Advanced
Time:: 4 hours

Step 1

Cut out the corner of the front legs using a miter saw at 15-degrees off square on both ends.
Step 2

Measure one inch from the front face of the front legs.
Step 3

Draw a line at 90-degrees from your one-inch mark then cut on that line.
Step 4

Use wood glue and 2 1/2-inch screws to attach the front and back legs together.
Step 5

Attach the top to the legs. Lay the ladder on its back to help with assembly of the parts.
Step 6

Add the trim to shelf sides, front and back using 1 1/4-inch screws.
Step 7

Measure the back of the legs from the bottom of the back leg to the top of where you will place the shelf. The back of each shelf will be flush with the back legs.

The bottom shelf will be 5 1/2 inches from the bottom of the back leg to the top of the shelf.

The next shelf will be 19 1/2 inches from the bottom of the back leg to the top of the shelf.

The third shelf will be 33 1/2 inches from the bottom of the back leg to the top of the shelf.

The top shelf will be 47 1/2 inches from the bottom of the back leg to the top of the shelf.
Step 8

Start with the bottom shelf, screwing through the legs into the side trim for the bottom shelf with 1 1/4-inch screws. Work your way up, and check all the shelves and back legs to make sure they're level.
Step 9

And finally, paint your new bathroom shelves.

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How-To

UNIQUE KITCHEN BENCH

Don't throw out your old, mismatched chairs. Give them a new life by turning them into a one-of-a-kind bench.

Skill Level:: Novice
Time:: 5 hours, plus paint drying time

Step 1

Remove the seats from the chairs and line them up. Measure the width of all three chairs, and add four inches to the total. Measure the depth of the chairs. This will be the size to cut the plywood for the new seat.
Step 2

Drill holes in the chairs where you will later attach the plywood seat.
Step 3

Sand and paint all three chairs. Let dry according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 4

Line up all three chairs again, with two inches separating them. Lay the plywood 1/2 inch from the back and centered on the chairs. Mark the plywood from underneath where the screws need to go into the frame of each chair. Remove and pre-drill holes two inches from the front and back of each mark.
Step 5

Trim the plywood to round off the corners.
Step 6

Cut the foam sheet to size, and staple the foam to the plywood.
Step 7

Cut the fabric to size, and staple it to the plywood.
Step 8

Position the plywood again.
Step 9

Screw the plywood seat down.
Step 10

Place your unique new bench in the kitchen, or any place in your home where you need extra seating.

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SCALLOPED HEADBOARD

You'll be amazed at how this project will make your bedroom feel more spacious. Just follow these instructions to build your new headboard.

Skill Level:: Advanced
Time:: 8 hours

Step 1

Cut your headboard to the width of your bed. Then, measure lengthwise and mark the center of your headboard.

Standard bed width measurements:

- Twin: 39 inches
- Full: 54 inches
- Queen: 60 inches
- King: 76 inches
Step 2

Pick one of the top corners, and mark a spot. Measure 24 inches down from that corner.
Step 3

Go to the center mark at the top of your headboard and measure down 10 inches. This is going to be the center of the arc.
Step 4

Tie a piece of string to a pencil and hold the string down where you just made the 10-inch mark. Then, starting at the center mark, draw a semi-circle.
Step 5

Starting at the end of your semi-circle, draw a 5-inch straight line toward the side of your plywood.
Step 6

Now you are going to make an arc that is reversed from the first arc. Hold the string attached to the pencil at the top of the plywood. Draw an arc from the end of the straight line to the 24-inch mark on the side.
Step 7

Using a jigsaw, cut out the design on half of the headboard.
Step 8

Make a cardboard template from your cuts and trace it on the other side, so it will match.
Step 9

Add two 1x4-inch legs to the back of your headboard to achieve your desired finished height.
Step 10

Paint the headboard all over, then tape off a 3-inch border, and paint the border with metallic paint.
Step 11

Install the headboard on your bed.

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NOOK DESK

Turn a bedroom nook into a useful space. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Skill Level:: Advanced
Time:: 4 hours

Step 1

Measure the width and depth of the area where you will build your desk. Subtract 1/8 inch off the width and 3/4 inch off the depth. Cut the plywood to this size. The 3/4 inch will allow for the wood trim on the front and the 1/8 inch will give you clearance side to side.
Step 2

Figure out the height you want the top to be then subtract the thickness of the plywood and any glass or acrylic that you're going to add. The most common desk heights are between 28 inches and 30 inches. Mark the height on the wall for all four corners of the desk, then attach a corbel in each location with screws. If possible, screw each corbel into a stud. If that's not possible, be sure to use wall anchors.
Step 3

Lay the plywood top onto the four corbels.
Step 4

Screw the top on to the corbels. The screws can be counter sunk and then filled with wood filler to create a smooth top.
Step 5

Cut the 1x2 to fit the front edge of the desk, and install it with finishing nails. Counter sink the nails and fill with wood filler.
Step 6

Sand smooth and paint the desk.
Step 7

Enjoy your cozy new desk.

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CORNICE HEADBOARD

Adding a cornice headboard to your bed will not only will dress up your bedroom, but it will also give the room a more spacious feeling. These instructions show you how to create your own cornice headboard.

Skill Level:: Intermediate to advanced
Time:: Approximately 8 hours

Step 1

Layout the desired design for the front and sides on the plywood and cut them out with the circular saw. If your design has any curves to it use a jigsaw to cut them out.
Step 2

Fasten the front and sides together with a nail gun or finishing nails and glue.
Step 3

Measure and cut the decorative moulding to size and attach them to the cornice box with nails and glue.
Step 4

Fill all nail holes, sand all rough edges, remove any dust and then prime and paint as desired.
Step 5

Use screws to attach a 1x3 ledger board to the studs. Then attach the cornice to the ledger board. If your cornice is on the heavy side, then you will want to use a bigger ledger board.
Step 6

Install the curtain rod hangers and hang the curtains.
Step 7

Hang a picture and a light for added effect. Or just keep it simple.

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How-To

COLORFUL HALLOWEEN WREATH

Colorful duct tape is the magic ingredient in this clever DIY Halloween wreath. Just follow the simple instructions to create a unique wreath to greet trick-or-treaters.

Skill Level:: Novice
Time:: 4 hours

Step 1

Cut a 4 ½-foot length of pipe insulation.
Step 2

Connect the ends of the insulation with a piece of duct tape to form a ring.
Step 3

Cut several 2-inch pieces of duct tape. With each piece you will fold down one corner, leaving a sliver of stickiness and then fold over the other corner, which will make a near triangle shaped piece of duct tape.

Starting where you joined the foam insulation, make a row of orange tape triangles around its diameter, using the sticky sliver to secure each piece to the ring. It took us four pieces to go around. Once you are done with that row, add a row of black triangles, slightly below your first. With each row proceed in a counterclockwise direction. Do this all the way around the wreath.
Step 4

Now that you have covered your insulation it's time to make your bow. Cut four 18-inch strips of black duct tape. Stick the strips together in pairs, with a little bit of stickiness exposed. Fold down the exposed stickiness and trim the edges. Now you have two pieces of duct tape "ribbon."
Step 5

Take one of the 18-inch ribbons, and make it a circle, securing it with a small piece of black duct tape. Now take the circle and the other 18-inch ribbon, and squish them in the middle. At this point it should look like a bow. Tape the pieces together with an orange piece of duct tape.
Step 6

Attach your bow to your wreath!
Step 7

Hang the wreath on your front door in a prominent spot for your Halloween party.

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GARDEN HOSE WREATH

This fun project turns ordinary gardening tools into a fun year-round wreath guaranteed to delight and inspire any gardener.

Skill Level:: Novice
Time:: 2-3 hours

Step 1

Coil your garden hose to the size that you would like your wreath to be. This is going to be the base of your wreath.
Step 2

Secure the hose with cable ties.
Step 3

Decide where you would like each ornament on your wreath. Imagine the circle of hose is a clock face, and place the larger items-the trowel, cultivator and gloves-at approximately 12 o'clock, 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock. The terra-cotta pots should be placed at more-or-less opposite ends of the circle. Fill in the spaces with smaller items, such as seed envelopes, plastic flowers, plant tags or anything else that means "gardening" to you.
Step 4

Tie each item onto the hose with twine. Take care to secure the heavier items with extra twine. You might even want to add a cable tie for extra strength, and cover it with twine.
Step 5

Hang your Garden Hose Wreath on your front door, above your potting table, or anywhere else you want to proclaim your love of gardening.

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PRETTY HIDE-AND-SEEK WREATH

The materials are simple - just PVC pipe, glue and a piece of chain - but the end result is breathtaking. Just follow these six steps. When your wreath is finished, place small items or ornaments in the circles to celebrate the changing seasons or special occasions.

Skill Level:: Advanced
Time:: 24 to 48 hours, allowing for glue and paint drying time

Step 1

Using a mitre saw, cut all PVC pipes into lengths of approximately 5 3/4 inches.
Step 2

Arrange the pieces around a round object that is approximately 6 inches in diameter. A roll of duct tape would work, as would a 6 inch bowl. Arrange the pieces with the different sizes of pieces evenly distributed. The only requirement is that you place 2-inch pieces where the chain will eventually go. That would be at approximately the 10 o'clock position and the 2 o'clock position on the wreath.
Step 3

Once you have the pieces arranged, use a pencil to mark the locations where each piece comes in contact with another piece. This will help you apply the glue in the right place. Glue one piece at a time until you have all of them glued together.
Step 4

Drill a hole in both of the pieces that will hold the chain. The holes should be the appropriate size to fit the screw threads of the two drawer knobs.
Step 5

Use the two drawer knobs to attach the two ends of the chain to the wreath.
Step 6

Spray paint your wreath. We used Rust-Oleum Universal Paint & Primer in One, in Champagne Mist color.
Step 7

Hang your new wreath on your door, in the family room, or anywhere you'd like to add a bit of festive charm.

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WOODEN SUNBURST WREATH

With a few simple materials, you can build a bold and beautiful wreath bursting with warmth. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Skill Level:: Intermediate
Time:: 24 hours, including drying time

Step 1

Cut 3 inches off 24 of the shims. Cut 6 inches off 12 of the shims (cut them in half, in other words). This will leave you with a total of 24 shims in each of three lengths: 12 inches, 9 inches and 6 inches.
Step 2

Cut the plywood into a 16-inch circle. (Look in the cull lumber bin at The Home Depot for a small piece of plywood.)
Step 3

Glue the shims onto the plywood circle. Start with the 12-inch shims. Place them evenly around the circle, and take care that each shim extends beyond the circle the same distance. Next, glue on the 9-inch shims, and then the 6-inch shims. Let the glue set.
Step 4

Spray the entire piece with polyurethane. Let dry completely.
Step 5

Glue the mirror to the center of the wreath.
Step 6

Attach a picture hanger to the back.
Step 7

Display your wreath on your front door, or in your family room or back porch.

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LIVING SUCCULENT WREATH

Turn a succulent garden into a unique natural wreath. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Skill Level:: Novice
Time:: 2 hours

Step 1

Rehydrate the sphagnum moss by soaking it in warm water for about 20 minutes. Sensitive individuals may want to use a particulate respirator or dust mask when working with dry sphagnum moss.
Step 2

Place the wire wreath frame in the plastic planter saucer to keep your work area clean. Wearing gloves, tightly squeeze out the moisture from the moss before generously molding it into the wreath frame.
Step 3

Wrap the moss in place using garden training wire.
Step 4

Insert scissors into the moss to create an opening for each succulent.
Step 5

Roll the roots and soil together then insert a plant into each opening. You might want to unbend some paper clips and use them to help secure each plant in place.
Step 6

Water the wreath by misting or spraying with a water bottle until moist. If the wreath will be staying in the plastic planter saucer, simply add water to the saucer and allow it to be absorbed. Hang the wreath in a bright location - some morning sun is preferred, but afternoon sun may be too intense for your wreath. Water the wreath by heavy misting from the back when the moss looks dry.

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WIRE WREATH

The leaves and berries give this wreath a familiar, organic feel. The wire makes this wreath fun and unique. Just follow these simple instructions for your own wire wreath.

Skill Level:: Novice
Time:: 3 hours

Step 1

Make the body of the wreath using 1/4-inch plywood. Cut a circle 12 inches in diameter. Then, cut an inner circle that is 6 inches in diameter. Spray paint the wooden ring.
Step 2

Run the 14 gauge wire in and around the entire wooden ring. You can space wire as wide or tight as you like.
Step 3

Thread the 5-foot strip of burlap with your 4-foot piece of wire.
Step 4

Creating small loops, place the wire on the back side of the wreath and secure every few inches with a heavy duty stapler.
Step 5

Take a piece of the 7 1/2-inch wire and create three large loops. Wrap the excess wire around the base of the three loops to secure the looped section. Secure the end of the looped section on the back of the wood ring with the stapler. Continue to do the same with the remaining 7 1/2-inch wire pieces, adding looped sections of wire around the face of the wreath.
Step 6

Accessorize the front of the wreath with leaves that have been spray painted. Attach them by wedging between the wire that is wrapped around the wooden ring.
Step 7

Add holiday picks to the wreath as you did the leaves. Finally, use a glue gun to secure the decorations permanently.
Step 8

Display your unique new wreath on your front door.

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STONE FIRE PIT

Fun family evenings around a fire make this DIY project a winner. It will enhance the look of your backyard, too.

Skill Level:: Advanced
Time:: 2 days

Step 1

Hammer a stake in the center of the area that you have selected for the patio/fire pit area. Attach a string to the top of it and then roll it out to outer edge of the desired width and cut. While holding a can of spray paint and the string walk in a circle and mark the outer edge with spray paint.
Step 2

Dig out four inches of soil from the entire area.
Step 3

Add two inches of gravel and compact it into place then add two inches of base sand and compact it. If you desire the top of the paving stones to be level with the ground, then you will need to add the thickness of the paver to the depth that you dig out.

Lay out your pavers in the desired pattern. Pour finishing sand on top of the stones and work into the joints with a push broom. Keep adding sand till all of the joints are filled to the top.

Hint: Figure out the radius of your circle by measuring from the center point to the outer edge. Now to find the square footage of the circle you will need to multiply 3.14 x radius x radius = square footage.

Now figure out the coverage of each paver and divide that into your square footage to find out how many pavers you will need.
Step 4

Layout your pavers in the desired pattern. Pour finishing sand on top and work into the joints with a push broom. Keep adding sand until all of the joints are filled to the top.
Step 5

Drive a stake in the middle of the circle, where you want the fire pit to be. Lay the first course of blocks 24 inches from it. Continue till you complete the circle. Place the next two rows with the blocks staggering the intersection of the two blocks on the row below.

If your kit came with a metal ring, place it inside the circle of stones.

Now remove one block at a time from the top row and glue it to the two blocks below. You can use an industrial adhesive such as Liquid Nails.
Step 6

Enjoy your new fire pit by making S'mores.

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Project Index

The How-To Community

LAMINATE WALL

STRIPED MOSAIC TILE WALL

DIY BATH STORAGE SHELVES

UNIQUE KITCHEN BENCH

NOOK DESK

SCALLOPED HEADBOARD

CORNICE HEADBOARD

HALLOWEEN WREATH

GARDEN HOSE WREATH

PRETTY HIDE-AND-SEEK WREATH

WOODEN SUNBURST WREATH

LIVING SUCCULENT WREATH

WIRE WREATH

STONE FIRE PIT

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