Bread knives have a serrated edge that cuts with a slight sawing action, without crushing the loaf. While bread knives are designed to last a long time without sharpening or honing, they will eventually get dull. A special tool called a serrated knife sharpener can help return the blade to a sharp e

While making over your kitchen counters and cabinets can be as extensive as ripping out the old surfaces and installing brand new material, it can also be as quick and easy as applying a coat of paint. You can completely remodel both the counters and the cabinets in your kitchen with paint. It is im

For homeowners who are planning to remodel a kitchen, the addition of a new kitchen island or replacement of an outdated island can really enhance the overall look and functionality of the kitchen. Kitchen islands add more work space or can house a slide in stove or a cooktop, which can be very help

With its high contrast, black and white stripes, zebra print makes a striking decorating statement. However, not all zebra is the same. Depending upon the direction you take, you can decorate a zebra themed bathroom that basic black and white with a punch of color; top to bottom zebra; colorful and

Lampshades should be the crowning glory of a lamp. You can take the most basic lamp and turn it into art by putting a little faith into creating your version of how a lampshade should look. Don't be afraid to try new lampshade ideas in your home. Change your mind and you can simply change the look.

A standing seam metal roof is a prefab sheet metal that can be installed over any firm roofing surface, including up to two layers of traditional shingles. The large sheets make installation much faster than traditional shingles and the long-lasting material will help to offset any additional cost.

Some potential problems with dishwashers, including the Kenmore Ultra Wash, are somewhat easy to predict, like dishes that don’t get completely clean if the dishwasher is overloaded or spotting on items if the rinse aid dispenser is empty. However, less common issues, such as water leaking fro

Each time you make a loan payment, the first part of the payment goes toward paying off any interest accrued on the loan. Then, whatever is left of the payment, your lender applies to the principal. Knowing how much of your payment goes toward principal allows you to calculate your new loan balance.

Linoleum is a close relative of vinyl. Both come in the form of floor tiles and can be easily installed on any hard, flat surface. If you have an old garage that you're not going to use for cars anymore, installing linoleum is one way to make it a space you can use for something else, such as a man

Many buildings have a framework that is built on a foundation and is then sheathed with some type of siding and interior wall covering. Certain methods are used to ensure the building is structurally sound and will last for many years. The corner wall studs are an important part of the framing since

Ceramic tile is a great way to change the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom and can be done by just about anyone as long as you have the proper tools and materials. Ceramic tile can be a detailed, difficult process in some cases, however, depending on the size of tile you are using and the size

Wood floors can be made up of either solid boards or engineered planks of wood layers pressed together. Laminate flooring, invented by the Swedish company Pergo in the 1970s, is a synthetic product with a photograph of wood grain on the surface. Laminate is considerably cheaper than wood, but wood h

A basement pole distracts the eye when you are looking to finish the basement. The bare wood or steel pole creates a harsh line that cuts through the basement’s appearance. Beautify your basement pole using a flexible pole wrap. Measure the height of your pole to ensure that your pole wrap wil

A roof ridge vent helps to ensure proper ventilation in a house or a building. It is a fixed vent that is attached to the top of the roof and draws out hot air from inside the house. Ridge vents are available in both plastic and metal. You need to have the correct tools and materials available befor

Alder is a member of the birch family and is tan to reddish in color. It has a consistent, but faint, straight-grain pattern interspersed with a few tight knots. Availability, low cost and alder's resemblance to more exclusive hardwoods make it a favorite among cabinetmakers, musical instrument manu

Nothing can make a more dramatic change to the appearance of a room than changing out the flooring. You can easily use vinyl tiling to change the look of any room. You can do this without having to use glue. By selecting self-adhesive flooring tiles, you can lay down a new floor in a few hours.

Home surveillance systems are becoming increasingly more popular among home owners. Late summer and the holiday season have the highest rates of home break-ins and home owners are becoming more savvy when it comes to securing their property. DIY systems vary in cost and the individual needs to asses

When you think of a cottage, a small retreat on the beach, in the countryside or in a quaint village comes to mind. It's a place to relax and enjoy your surroundings. The wall colors of a cottage, accordingly, should bring a bright and inviting feel to your home and make you feel cozy as you walk th

FunctionRain chains are beautiful design elements for your home that work to guide rainwater from your roof to the ground. Rain chains have been used for hundreds of years in Japan and South America as a way to collect the rain and save it for household basics and irrigation. Today's...

Drywall is used to line the walls in many modern homes.drywall, sheetrock image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.comDrywall, also known as plasterboard, is the material used to create walls in many modern homes and has been in common use since the 1950s. The advantages of drywall over the...