DK Handyman

Sprucing up a room while staying home? When painting walls and ceilings, never use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. These glosses will highlight *every* imperfection in your walls. Instead, try an eggshell finish, or a washable flat finish.

Raised garden beds are a great way to grow fresh vegetables. Unfortunately, the kinds we've found at home centers are expensive, only about 7" tall and usually about 4' long. For the same cost (about $50), you can build a 2' x 6'bed that is 11" tall. To build it you'll need four 2x6 x 8's, one 4x4 post and two -inch exterior screws. (Treated lumber is not recommended, use Douglas fir instead). When you have all the materials, cut the 4x4 into six, 10" pieces, and cut two fee...t off of each 2x6. Lay two post pieces on their sides then screw two 2x6 pieces to each post (screw the posts at either end of the boards). Repeat for the other two posts and boards. To complete the box, screw two of the shirt boards to either end. If you lack the skill or tools to complete this project, we can build it for you in one hour or $80 plus materials. Please post questions for this or any other project to this page. We are always happy to help.

If you're sitting around your house being a little bored, I'll be posting some simple DIY projects for you to consider. Today's Tip If you are hanging curtain rods, heavy shelves, mirrors or pictures in drywall, don't use the plastic anchors that are often supplied. Instead, look for specialty anchors at your home center. Someone there should be able to guide you based on your project needs.

Dave’s tip: before winter sets in, walk around the outside of your house looking carefully for cracked caulk around your windows, doors, and all molding and trim. Be sure to check for cracks at the bottom of entry doors and garage doors where the doors meet concrete. Re-seal cracked caulk and repair any rotted wood trim to prevent big problems down the road.

Our website got a facelift over the holiday! Check it out at dk-handyman.com.