Active Construction & Repair Posts

How To: Install a Sliding Glass Cabinet Door

Cabinets that open straight out and shut to close make so much ruckus, especially when you've got someone who's angry in the house. Sliding doors, meanwhile, are super chic, classy, and easily draw open and close without a fuss. Not to mention that most sliding cabinet doors are made of glass, which means you can show off your newest Wedgewood dinnerware set and Rosenthal cups.

How To: Install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Ron Hazelton shows how to install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). First turn off the power to the electrical outlet at the circuit breaker or fuse box (check to make sure there's no power in the outlet!). Then remove the electric cover plate. Then gently remove the old outlet receptacle. Detach the wires from the old receptacle. Trim and re-strip the wires if necessary. Attach the wires to the GFCI receptacle per the instructions. Gently reassemble the receptacle and plate. Restore...

How To: Install a T-Mold Transition Between Laminate & Ceramic Tile

Installing a T Mold Transition Between Laminate and Ceramic Tile There are several different types of laminate transitions that you may need when installing laminate flooring. Each one is used specifically for where the laminate flooring ends, such as where the laminate stops at ceramic tile. Other transitions are used where the laminate ends at carpet, vinyl flooring, a threshold or a step down such as a sunken living room or stairs.

How To: Install a Split Jamb Door

Let Home Depot show you what it takes to install a split jamb door and the tools needed for this relatively easy job. Go step-by-step in this straightforward project, from centering and leveling the new door to placing shims and where to drive the nails. For more, or to get started on your own split jamb door installation project, watch the video on Dailymotion.

How To: Install a Ceiling Hook

The tools required for this project are: an electric hand drill, a drill bit of the appropriate size and goggles to protect the eyes from falling debris. You will also need a ceiling hook kit, available in most major home stores. In the kit, there is a hook; a spring-loaded anchor; a threaded shank or screw, which is threaded on both ends; and another threaded shank or screw, which is threaded on one side and has screw thread on the other side for wood installation. To install in a sheetrock ...

How To: Install a Mortar Shower Pan

Mark Donovan is remodeling a ceramic tile shower, and shows how to install a mortar shower pan. First consider the framing of the shower. Plywood, 2x4's and 2x6's provide a good foundation for the weight of the tile. Then remove the cover from the drain. Use duct tape to cover the drain hole. Staple 15-pound felt paper onto the floor of the shower, and up about an inch on the sides, trimming around the drain, to protect the wood from moisture. Then staple down metal lath to reinforce the floo...

How To: Lay Straight Tile with a Crooked Wall

Tiling always looks so easy when you see it done on a straight wall! But how do you do it with a crooked wall? Use a Measureright Pro to get the angle right. So if you've tiled from a straight right angle and you're just reaching the 'odd' shaped spaces between your last row of tiles and your crooked wall, you can use the tool to mark your final row of tiles so that when you cut them, they will fit right into the irregular shaped spaces between your final row of tiles and the slanting wall. T...

How To: Install a Timber Floor

G'day Knuckleheads. In this Owner Builder Episode we look at laying the timber floor. You'll see in this video the team showing you how to lay a timber / wooden floor. The timber or wood l used for the floor was a species of timber called Blackbutt. It's a solid 19mm x 130mm board which is very hardy and should stand up to a fair bit of abuse…which it will get at my place :-) Timber floors really give a warmth to your property and are well worth the effort.

How To: Grout Wall and Floor Tiles

G'day Knuckleheads and welcome to Episode 35! With the wall and floor tiling completed it's time to grout the tiles. In this episode Justin takes us through the tips and tricks of applying the wall and floor grout. Grouting really finishes the job off and is a job that any DIY'er can do by themselves. Check it out and let me know what you think :-)

How To: Lay Wall Tiles

G'day Knuckleheads. In this Owner Builder Series Episode we're up to doing the wall tiling in the bathrooms. Justin gives out some very handy tips on how to lay wall tiles in the bathroom. Check it out and let me know what you think.

How To: Install a window in a metal frame

A good way to install a window in a metal frame construction is to use some light gauge angle and screw it onto the sides of the window leaving a 10mm space for plaster. A flat head, self tapping screw is used to fix the window to the frame. Watch this video tutorial for a demonstration on how to install a window in a metal frame.

How To: Sand and Repair Drywall

In order to sand and repair drywall, you will need the following: 100 grit sanding sponge. After you have applied mud to the walls evenly, you will need to sand the walls until they are smooth. Hopefully, you minimized or mitigated most of the need for sanding in the application of the mud, by using feathering and thin layering. When the mud is completely dry, you will need to choose a good sander. It is recommended that you use a 100 grit sanding sponge. Place the sponge against the wall, an...

How To: Unblock a toilet with dish soap, hot water and no plunger

This is a great video about how to unclog your toilet without a plunger. The author of this video explains which ways she tried to unclog her toilet initially, and how they failed without any results. She then tells you how you can unclog your toilet with dish soap and some hot water, which actually works. If you are facing the same problem with your toilet, just try the method explained in this video and see if it actually works or not. Also, use this method to unblock a sink without a plung...

How To: Frame a Stud Wall

G'day, Knuckleheads, Uncle Knackers here. In this Episode, we look at making, and standing up the stud wall frames. How to build a stud wall frame is pretty straight forward but it is handy to know a few basic principles before you get stuck into it! Check it out!

How To: Mark Out a Stud Wall

G'da,y Knuckleheads, Uncle Knackers here. In this Episode, we look at marking the wall studs. Making a stud wall is pretty straight forward but you just have to know a few basics first. This stud wall framing video looks at a few basic principles that will hopefully set you up to make your first stud wall frame. Check it out!

How To: Install Decking Posts

G'day, Knuckleheads, and welcome to Episode 22 of my Owner Builder Series. In this video we look at cutting and setting up Verandah / Decking Posts. It's really important that you get thuds right as nothing looks worse than badly set up posts. Check it out and let me know what you think!

How To: Install House Wrap

G'day, Knuckleheads, and welcome to Episode 20 of my Owner Builder Series! In this Episode, we look at installing the Wall Wrap which goes on before the cladding is installed. It's a vapour membrane that protects the frame and internal linings from moisture damage.

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