Cinder blocks used as supports for shelves are inexpensive ways to create a storage system. But cinder blocks can be heavy and dangerous for people to work with. If a cinder block falls over, it can cause property damage and possibly injure a family member or pet. You have alternatives to cinder blo

Thresholds keep the world at bay by providing a weathertight seal at the bottom of exterior doors. Wood thresholds also provide that little something extra by adding a touch of elegance to your entry. Most wooden thresholds are made of oak, although pine versions are also available. They are typical

Many home improvement projects require drilling a hole between floors. Whether you need a hole to run a gas line into a kitchen for a stove or to install electrical wiring, you can do the job without much time and effort. The procedure and tools needed for drilling the hole is the same whether the f

As their name implies, carpet tiles are squares of carpeting approximately 18 to 20 inches square, depending upon the manufacturer. They come in a variety of textures, colors and backings. Installing carpet tile in your basement is as easy and uncomplicated as installing it in any other room in your

Antique ceiling tiles are a fun way to spruce up a boring ceiling. Although they were historically made from tin, many of antique-style ceiling tiles produced today are made of aluminum alloy. You can paint them to match your decor or choose a metallic sheen to make them even more of a focal point.

Solar plants convert sunlight to transferrable heat or electricity.Frank Chmura/Photodisc/Getty ImagesSolar energy plants are large-scale projects that are designed to produce energy for profit or at least for widespread use. Large solar plants are being planned in places such as the...

Masonite is a composite wood product designed for strength. Masonite is used to cover work surfaces and needs to be replaced when damaged or worn out. Because it is designed to be replaced, Masonite is screwed to the surface it protects rather than being glued down.

Earth sheltered and underground homes save energy and provide greater security than more conventional homes. They are also easier and less expensive to maintain, since they may not require new roofs or exterior paint. Architects and builders have eliminated many of the design problems that plagued e

You can make unfinished basement areas more useful by framing them in and turning them into finished living spaces. Many basements have nooks, crannies and unusually shaped spaces that may require some creative framing. A tape measure and some imagination are all that's needed to turn these crannies

Formica countertops are fairly common, and they are often updated to a more expensive material such as stone or tile. If you are thinking of starting a do-it-yourself project to improve your counter surface, there is no need to tear out the entire counter. You can save yourself time and money by bui

PVC pipe is used in many places throughout the home for plumbing. It can be used for the water heater, sink, or toilet fixtures. These pipes will carry the water supply from the main source to the fixture. After time, they may need replacing, and to do so, the sealants will need to be broken so they

Pole buildings may serve as barns, carports, and woodpile shelters, for example. Selecting the right location and building materials, and paying attention to design and landscaping, can make the difference between an eyesore and a structure that enhances property values.

When wet surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms are left to air-dry, minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium) are left behind as the water evaporates. Homes with hard water are particularly susceptible to hard-water stains and lime-scale buildup on kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Linoleum tiling is an inexpensive way to put down a clean and attractive floor in a modern building. The material comes in 1-foot self-adhesive squares, so they can be installed with minimal mess and clean-up. Once the linoleum tiles are set into place, the resulting floor requires little maintenanc

An earthen roof is a covering made up of organic materials--soil, plants, grass and other types of vegetation. Earthen roofs provide many advantages, including longevity, effective insulation, cooling and protection, and improved aesthetics. The insulating and cooling properties of earthen roofs mad

A kitchen towel with a knitted topper gives a country look and feel to any kitchen. Using the topper, you can easily attach the towel to an oven or refrigerator door handle for easy access. Use worsted weight yarn for the topper to ensure that the yarn will wash and dry attractively when the towel b

Installing a new hardwood floor can transform the look and feel of your entire home. Known for durability and natural, rustic appearance, hardwood is a popular choice for many kitchens, family rooms and other areas throughout the home. When installation is complete, most manufacturers recommend that

You can install the many types of finishing trim in many ways. Carpenters usually cut baseboard trim with a cheap miter saw and miter box that has corners cut either in an inside or outside direction at a 45 degree angle. Finish nails help to install the trim, securing the pieces. Installers caulk

Building your own steps to access your deck is possible and can save you money.

Adobe Churchadobe church image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.comWith the advent of the 21st century, more people are expressing an interest in green building techniques for homes. One green approach to building is to use earthen material, which is readily available. Indigenous peoples...