Skills

Master your craft and perfect your skills with these professional tips, techniques and industry insights.

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    Do Light Colored Shingles Last Longer?

    Opinion is mixed about color affecting shingle longevity, but unanimous about the importance of good ventilation under the shingles.


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    How to Keep Dogs Out of Flower Beds

    You can prevent dogs from rooting around in your flower beds by employing one of the following methods.


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    Will a Car Wash Hurt Your Car’s Finish?

    Will taking your car through and automatic car wash damage the finish?


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    7 Surprising Facts About Dandelions

    Unexpectedly nutritious and tasty, dandelions have plenty of benefits.


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    Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Polyurethane Floor Finish

    Find out which finish is best for your project, water-based or oil-based polyurethane. Both are durable and good-looking, but there...


    8 Tips for Building a Treehouse

    Ready to build your kid the coolest treehouse on the block? Start here with all the info you need, including...


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    How to Build a Brick Fire Pit

    Enjoy a crackling wood fire in your own backyard by learning how to build a DIY fire pit.


    How to Skim-Coat Walls

    A new approach for smoothing rough walls that's easy to master


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    8 Carpentry Tips and Advice From Actual Professionals

    We asked carpentry pros who have spent years sawing through 2x4's and pounding nails to pass along some of the...


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    How to Get Rid of Buckthorn

    Yank it? Topple it? Poison it? Here are your best options for shutting down this invader.


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    Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pool: Which is Better?

    A saltwater pool is a gentle alternative to traditional chlorine pools. Know the details before choosing one over the other.


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    What to Know About Invisible Fences

    Considering an invisible fence to protect your pet, but need more information? Here's how they work, ballpark costs and potential...


    15 Trees That Will Grow Anywhere

    Don't pass up the chance to add beauty with the best tough trees for your yard. These beauties are sure...


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    15 Hardy Shrubs for Your Yard

    Take the guesswork out of your landscaping and put these tough shrubs to the test in your backyard. These shrubs...


    10 Invasive Plants You Should Get Out of Your Garden Now

    Keep your guard up. Look out for these weedy pests and make sure they don't get a toehold in your...


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    5 Ways to Keep Your Neighbor’s Weeds Out of Your Yard

    Weeds can originate anywhere, but often they sprout close to home. Here are some ways to keep neighboring weeds from...

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    12 Essential Backyard Pool Accessories

    Here are the top items you'll want to make your backyard pool and spa a clean, safe and fun...


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    What Is the Best Flooring for a Basement?

    Looking to install flooring in your basement? Choose one of these five basement-friendly flooring options and enjoy good looks and...


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    What Makes a Pool Turn Green and How Do I Fix It?

    Learn about the five most common causes of green pool water and how to fix a green pool for good.


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    Should I Get a Pool? What to Know Before Taking the Plunge

    A backyard pool is fun for the whole family. Here’s what you need to know before getting one.


    Top 10 Fast-Growing Trees

    Try one of these trees for good looks and quick results.


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    8 Best Mold and Mildew Removers of 2024

    Mold and mildew can grow almost anywhere, from fabric to concrete. These are the best mold-eliminating products for almost every...

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    Here’s What to Do With Yard Waste

    Enrich your lawn and garden with these economical, chemical-free greenscaping practices.


    11 Ways to Create a Private Backyard Retreat

    A round up of some our favorite options for creating the perfect private backyard retreat.


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    11 Essential Tools for Carpenters

    I've been a carpenter for 40-plus years, but the carpenter tools I use daily haven't changed much from day...


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    13 Easy Plants to Bolster Backyard Landscaping

    They're as easy on the eyes as they are easy to grow. Meet 13 garden superstars that don't take a...


    20 Bad Spring Yard Work Habits You Need to Stop Doing

    It's been a long winter and you're ready to start some yard work. But before you grab that rake or...


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    DIY Chalk Paint: How to Make Colored Chalk Paint

    DIY Chalk paint is so versatile it makes refinishing projects a breeze.