Construction & Repair How-Tos
How To: Build a barbecue pit
In this free video series, expert Mark Sullivan will teach you how to build your very own barbecue pit. You will learn how to choose supplies and tools, how to level the ground and use gravel to secure the area, and how to place bricks in circle around the pit.
How To: Repair sheetrock from water leaks
In this video series of diy home leak repair, our construction expert and experienced handyman shows you how to do a complete and thorough job of patching that annoying hole in your ceiling.
How To: Set concrete pavers
In this video series, learn how to set concrete pavers from expert Mark Sullivan. Mark will tell you what tools you will need to set concrete pavers and what types of concrete pavers you can use for your home.
How To: Build a privacy fence
Learn to make your own privacy fence in this instructional video with expert builder Mark Sullivan. Mark will teach you all about fences and help you decided if a privacy fence is right for your yard or lawn.
How To: Tune up a steam radiator
If your steam radiator whistles or makes other obnoxious noises, the air vent may be clogged. Learn about the anatomy of a steam heating system and how to fix one up. Tune up a steam radiator.
How To: Fix a leaky shower
If your shower is leaking there are many parts that can be responsible. Learn how to test and fix all the parts of your shower. Fix a leaky shower.
How To: Install a grab bar in a bathtub
Does your bath have that "slick and sleek" aesthetic? Well you may be in danger! Installing a grab bar in the tub in your bathroom will give you something to hold on to if you slip and fall. Install a grab bar in a bathtub.
How To: Make a drawbored mortise and tenon joint
Learn step-by step from Nashville woodworker and former Fine Woodworking editor Matthew Teague, how to prepare and assemble a drawbored mortise-and-tenon joint. Make a drawbored mortise and tenon joint.
How To: Install stone veneering
You can make a plain-looking wall into a great-looking rock wall by veneering it with fieldstone. The techniques are the same for block, poured concrete, or even a wood-frame wall. Install stone veneering.
How To: Install drywall
In this home remodeling how-to video series, learn how to install drywall from home remodeling expert Joseph Hawkins. Joseph will teach you about sheetrock and what you need to know about installing drywall in your home. He will demonstrate drywall installation techniques such as measuring and cutting sheetrock, taping and floating joints in the drywall panels, and how to cut outlets out of sheetrock.
How To: Carve inlaid dovetails
Learn how to carve inlaid dovetails into a small wooden box. Polish off those woodworking tools as you sink into this tutorial from Sandal Woods.
How To: Paint a door
Tim Carter demonstrates how to paint a door. Simple-to-understand video will leave you with no trouble painting any type of door.
How To: Build a wrought iron fence
In this video series, our expert Terry Leafty will teach you how to build a wrought iron fence including information on gate patterns, fencing codes, how to choose a design, welding costs, and the use of hand and power tools.
How To: Build a patio from concrete pavers
Learn how to make a patio using concrete pavers; includes details on site preparation as well as cutting pavers and installing edging. Build a patio from concrete pavers.
How To: Install an electric garage door
In this online video series learn how to install electric garage doors from licensed engineer and licensed home inspector Drew Finn as he demonstrates electrical garage door installation including: mounting the door bracket, attaching the rail to the head, installing the drive belt, mounting the wall bracket, attaching the rail to the wall, attaching the head to the ceiling, attaching the door to the rail, installing the electric eye, wiring the head, installing the wall switch, testing the d...
How To: Make a tile patio
Learn how to tile over a concrete patio; watch a video demonstrating conversion of a dreary concrete slab into a beautiful tile patio. Make a tile patio.
How To: Install undercabinet LED lighting
Learn how to install safe, dimmable LED lights underneath cabinets in a kitchen or workshop. Step-by-step video instructions of the entire process. Install undercabinet LED lighting.
How To: Design and build a kitchen island
Learn how to build and install a kitchen island from ready-made cabinets; watch a video that demonstrates construction and assembly tips. Design and build a kitchen island.
How To: Remove a stuck screw
A useful tip from Ace Hardware. Learn how to remove a stuck screw without damaging a surface. This will help keep from stripping the screw and making your job tougher. Remove a stuck screw.
How To: Remove a screw with a stripped head
A useful tip from Ace Hardware. Learn how to use a hacksaw to remove a damaged screw with a stripped head without damaging a surface. Remove a screw with a stripped head.
How To: Patch a door knob hole in a wall
Learn how to patch a door knob hole or other small hole in drywall. One way is by installing a bumper or of course just patch it! Patch a door knob hole in a wall.
How To: Identify bearing and non-bearing walls
If you are planning on removing a wall or adding a door in your home it is important that you be able to identify walls in your home that are bearing the weight of other parts above them or around them. Learn clues to help identify bearing walls in various parts of your house. Identify bearing and non-bearing walls.
How To: Strain and thin paint
If stored for long periods of time paint can start crusting over or developing lumps. Learn how to strain and thin old paint for reuse and how to store paint to prevent crusting. Strain and thin paint.
How To: Apply painter's putty properly
Learn how to properly apply painters putty with this interactive video from Ace Hardware. See how to avoid some common mistakes when applying putty. Apply painter's putty properly.
How To: Repair cracks in concrete
Crack filler products vary in effectiveness but there are some general rules of thumb to follow. Learn how to effectively repair a crack in concrete with this interactive video from Ace Hardware. Repair cracks in concrete.
How To: Install baseboard with a coping joint
Baseboards can warp and break if not installed properly. Learn how to properly install baseboard by cutting a coping joint with this interactive video from Ace Hardware. Install baseboard with a coping joint.
How To: Hang drywall properly
Bob Fenwick shows us how to hang our own drywall from the basic tools needed for the job, to the actual hanging of the material. He gives a number of great tips for the beginner.
How To: Diagnose roof leaks and nail pops
Bob Fenwick shows us how to diagnose roof leaks and nail pops through shingle roofs
How To: Diagnose a gutter defect
Bob Fenwick shows us how to determine where a gutter leak is originating and what may be causing the problem, as well as how to correct it.
How To: Use a drywall rental lift
Bob Fenwick shows us how to use a drywall lift to install our drywall. For the do it your selfer this is a must. It allows you to handle large pieces of drywall without someone available to help you.
How To: Add a vent to your heating and A/C
Bob Fenwick shows us how to add a vent to the existing heating and A/C system of your home.This can be accomplished with a few sheet metal parts from your local home improvement center.
How To: Fix a basement wall failure
In this video we show you how to repair a basement wall that has started to push inward due to soil and water pressure.
How To: Build an outdoor kitchen
Tips on designing an outdoor kitchen, finding a contractor, fitting your budget, and cooking the perfect outdoor pizza.
How To: Make lumber from a tree
Learn how to mill lumber from a tree; details include felling the tree and cutting the log into planks using a band saw mill. Make lumber from a tree.
How To: Build a pull-out trash bin
Learn how to build and install a pull-out trash bin for your kitchen cabinets; watch a video of bin construction and installation. Build a pull-out trash bin.
How To: Tile over laminate countertop
Learn how to tile over a plastic laminate countertop; watch a video demonstrating the use of the thin-skin system to bond tile to plastic laminate. Tile over laminate countertop.
How To: Build a garden arbor
Learn how to build a garden arbor; watch a video that demonstrates construction and assembly tips; includes materials and tools lists. Build a garden arbor.
How To: Build a cold frame
Learn how to build a cold frame for your plant cuttings; watch a video of techniques for building the frame; includes tips, materials, and tools lists. Build a cold frame.
How To: Design and build an attached pergola
Learn how to design and build a pergola; watch a video demonstrating how the ledger, posts and beams fit together Design and build an attached pergola.
How To: Design and build a custom tree bench
Learn how to build and install a wrap-around tree bench; watch a video that demonstrates step-by-step construction and installation tips. Design and build a custom tree bench.