Crafting Secrets

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Welcome back for another article geared specifically towards DIY basement remodeling! In today’s article I want to cover building materials that I use on ALL of my basement finishing projects.

Over the last 17 years I have tried and used many different types of building materials putting my basement remodeling projects together. Some have been great products and others….well…. just plain sucked! I want to quickly run down my materials list that I use for my jobs so you will know what types of materials you will need to begin ordering yourself.

We will do this in a “natural job progression” order from beginning to completion of the project. Let’s get started!

1.) Wall studs will be constructed from regular “2×4″‘s either ordering 8-9-10′ studs depending upon your basement ceiling height! I use an air-nail gun loaded with 3-1/4″ framing nails for all of my framing projects! If hand nailing walls use 16 penny gauge nails to fasten studs to top and bottom plates.

2.) Wall top and bottom plates: Bottom plates (the ones on the concrete floor) will be “treated lumber”. Treated lumber will NOT ROT when exposed to concrete like regular “pine lumber” does. I order 2″x4″x16′-0″ treated lumber for these bottom plates. The top plates (the ones that I nail to the bottom of the 1st floor joist of the existing house) I just order regular 2′x4″x16′-0″ lumber the same as the wall studs.

3.) I use regular interior wiring for all outlets and light fixtures. I am buying standard 12-2 or 14-2 gauge 250′ rolls of these types of wiring. Use the “blue” nail-on “new construction” electric boxes for all outlets and switch boxes that you will be wiring. More on why 12-2 vs. 14-2 wiring and how to physically wire your new basement project in another training video

4.) I use regular craft-face 3-1/2″ fiberglass insulation to insulate my new wall cavities. Owens Corning brand. I buy the 12 piece pre-cut bundles instead of the continuous rolls because it’s easier to work with! Buy the correct electric staple gun w/ 1/4″ staples to fasten your insulation to the wall studs securing it into place.

5.) I use “new construction” 6″ recessed lighting “canisters” for almost all of my new basement ceiling lighting fixtures. Just spread the brackets and nail them up between the existing floor joists and then wire them to code. I discuss wiring in complete detail in another video series.

6.) I still like copper plumbing lines installed on my jobs. I use 1/2″ and 3/4″ copper lines to supply water to all of my bathroom and wet bar plumbing fixtures.

7.) For bars I can’t drain easily I use a Tray Pump to pump sink water “up-n-out” to the waste lines. For bathroom that I can not drain normally I use a “Sewage Ejector” pump to flush bathroom waist water up-n-out to the regular home waste lines. Different pumps for different pluming needs are used quit frequently when dealing with plumbing necessities “below grade”!

8.) I use standard 1/2″ drywall on all walls, ceilings, and soffits in all finished areas of the new job, except in the bathroom areas where there is a higher level of moisture. I use 1/2″ M.R. (moisture resistant) board in my bathrooms to combat the moisture levels. I screw and glue all of my drywall with 1-1/4″ drywall screws and drywall construction adhesive, this make for a strong bond to all wooden surfaces and prevents “nail-pops”!

9.) I use standard wooden pine trim (stain-grade(clear) and paint-grade(f.j. finger-jointed)) for all of the base trim, window and door trim, chair rail, crown molding.

10.) I use 3/4″ birch-ply plywood for all built-in bookcases, stereo racks, entertainment wall built-ins, etc… You can either paint or stain this material. It’s durable and beautiful to work with.

11.) For the flooring material I use a 6-pound commercial padding and a Berber carpet. I also use ceramic tile in all of my bathroom, bar and entrance door areas. Occasionally I use a wood floor product called Pergo to simulate wooden flooring when requested by the client

12.) I use wooden stair and banister products to finish-off all of my stairway areas

13.) I always finish my entrances to the basement area from the first floor with a “full-light 15 pane tempered glass door to add style and additional day light to the basement stairway.

That pretty much covers 95% of all of the different types of materials that I have been using for the last 17 years as a full-time basement remodeling specialist!

If you would like more information and ideas about basement remodeling visit: http://www.1Basement.com

Here’s to “Living Down Under”!

Edward Case

If you are planning on creating a truly unique Landscape in your backyard, there are virtually unlimited options and ideas that you can use to plan your project.

I was once in a customer’s yard in Maple grove that was almost 100% landscaped with almost no lawn.  He had a huge waterfall that flowed into a lagoon which was surrounded by a maintenance free golf green.  He had an outdoor fireplace which was close to an in ground spa.   This was a project that required the expertise of many different artisans.  I used the word “artisan” as it truly was a work of art!

Your project may not be as huge, expensive or time consuming as the “lagoon” yard, but most likely it will be what you have dreamed about and will be perfect for you.  The projects that I have seen that impressed me the most were the ones that turned the back yard into an extension of the indoor living space.

People that are avid golfers have created some very beautiful golf greens where they can practice their craft while their kids enjoy the swimming pool or sport court or while guests relax around the outdoor fireplace. The potential is limited only by your imagination and bank account.

If you are thinking about creating something more than a basic landscape project, you will probably want to contract separately with contractors for each feature in your yard.  A landscape contractor may say he can create a golf green for you, but the guys that do it every day will build you a much better green that will stand the test of time.

Additionally, almost all landscapers build retaining walls, but some specialize in boulder walls.  If you are wanting to install a natural looking boulder wall, you would be wise to contract with a company that specializes in boulder walls.  Creating a functional retaining wall with boulders requires special equipment and much more creativity than just stacking up keystone blocks.

I have also seen some wonderful landscape projects that even required the services of a good carpenter.  Cabana’s, pergola’s, gazebos and other features that use wood are best left for people that are used to saws and hammers.

Bottom line, spend some serious time thinking about what features and activities you want in your yard before you begin your landscape project.

Quick question: are you searching for chair table instructions for that great idea you’ve had in mind for quite some time? Now with the web so accessible, it happens that instruction in a variety of crafts has become very popular among both amateurs and skilled crafts people. It is highly recommended to take a few moments to read this brief article and realize what information is well within reach and why it’ll make your life a lot easier.

Click here for chair table instructions !

The sky is the limit in terms of the crafts you can take on – you can choose from both useful and decorative things. Possibly you saw a remarkable item in a furniture store and thought, “what fun it would be to actually create that” – there’s nothing stopping you. You’ll need to start by locating the essential facts, from people who know their subject. Even master woodworkers have to start somewhere – happily, it turns out that there’s a source in cyberspace which will help you in every phase of your work. An exceptional fusion of abilities is required to be a master craftsman and to be able to teach others – here’s an opportunity to learn from the masters.

Woodworking is a time-honored craft – you can very likely just look around your own house to see some excellent examples of it. As aristotle said a couple of thousand years ago, “those that know, do. those that understand, teach” – with expert instruction and help you can make some quality wood work right away. You’ll be better at this a lot faster if you consider the wisdom of those who have mastered these skills – your development into a woodworker will come faster if you’ll just listen to them.

Now that you’ve heard some of the advantages of using quality chair table instructions, you won’t be sorry if you spend a few minutes checking out the wide variety of guidance available. Set your sights low or aim high, but when you’re aided by knowledgeable instructors, you will soon acquire the confidence you need. There’s no longer any excuse for putting off building that custom bureau (or table, or wishing well…) – the means to make it happen are right at your fingertips. You’ll be making things yourself rather than simply buying them, so you obviously care about craftsmanship; high quality doesn’t always come easily, but you’ll be able to take pride in your work. Cyberspace is really something. It contains an encyclopedia of material about everything, and you can even learn how to get “hands-on” experience in a new hobby.

So you’re ready to get creative with wood – be sure to avoid some major hassle and use the highest quality cedar table plans – you won’t regret it. Prior to devoting a lot of energy and resources to your activity, you need to be sure you’ll have consistent help along the way. You are about to discover a way to find the trustworthy guidance you need in order to finally begin turning your woodworking dreams into reality – i’m sure you can’t wait.

Click here for cedar table plans !

Making wooden products is a fun pastime and no doubt you’ll come up with dozens of projects – who wouldn’t like to spend their spare time learning this time-honored art form? Humankind has been creating wooden objects both out of need and purely for pleasure for as long as we’ve existed – and now it’s your turn! Supported by a helping hand and some very simple materials, you will find yourself crafting up a storm. While researching this topic, i found a terrific web-based resource for plans along with detailed instructions, which is now accessible to anyone who wants it. Professionals in this area are eager to pass on their skills and illustrate the process by means of straightforward guidelines and confidence-building coaching.

For thousands of years, mankind has manipulated wood – you can very likely just look around your own house and be truly impressed with such ingenuity. It’s very rewarding to gain an aptitude for something new – you’ll be expanding your world, and i’m sure you’ll be eager to share your new skills, and what you’ve done with them. If you get your plans and instruction from the masters, you’ll have the ability to sidestep expensive, wasteful, and disappointing attempts and instead will demonstrate your new skills.

As you can access clear and accurate cedar table plans, there’s no end to what you can do – patient and knowledgeable help is there for you throughout, so feel free to take on something ambitious. I’m actually not surprised that these plans have been so in demand – they have saved many users a lot of wasted time and materials and prevented many from giving up in frustration. Maybe you’ve worked with timber before or maybe you’re clueless on the subject, you can be assured that you will find the assistance to complete the project you have in mind. I’m not saying you’ll immediately be ready to sell your own custom furniture, but remember that “rome wasn’t built in a day”; a pleasant and truly rewarding activity awaits you. You’re probably clearer now on what you need to do; it might be nice now to forward it to your fellow hobbyists who could be looking for help.

Have you just redecorated your living room and now as you look at it, you feel like something is missing? If so, don’t fret because there is a great way to complete its appearance, all you have to do is purchase a few accent tables to place in the space.

Accent tables are just the ticket if you think your space is missing something and for good reason because they have a fantastic appearance that is sure to please. What’s great about them is how they are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles, designs, and sizes. Like, you can get ones that are round, others that have a unique oval shape, some that are square, those that are rectangle, and some can even have drop down leafs while others are heart shaped. Some of the style options include those that have a traditional feel, others that are more on the modern side, antique ones are available too, and transitional ones that combine styles.

There are so many accent tables offered by manufacturers because of all the gorgeous substances they have, which are then refined in a number of lovely ways using different finishes. For example, you can get one that is crafted out of wood that features a cherry finish and detailed scrollwork, something that would fall into the antique category. Or, another antique option is one that is also crafted out of wood, but this time around it has a distressed finish and hand painted accents. Some other substances they can be made out of include metal, a combination of metal and wood, or a combination of metal and glass. While some other finishes include burnished brass for the metal, sleek espresso for the wood, and clear or frosted for the glass.

For an easy way to find the perfect accent tables for your space, just go online and do some shopping. You can browse the different options in no time at all and when you do happen upon something that you like, it is generally at the best prices possible. Shopping has never been so simple since you don’t have to step one foot outside your home to do it.

Not only are accent tables great for placing in your living room, but they would also be a nice choice for adding in other rooms as well. For example, maybe you have a bare spot in your dining room, like an empty corner. Well, you could put one in there to fill that void and really add to the overall look of the room. Or, you could place one in a foyer area if you wanted, like a nice way to break up the space, plus, it would also be ideal for displaying and setting down different things as well. A few other places that you could put one include at the end of a long hallway, in a larger bathroom, and in a bedroom.

When it comes down to it, accent tables are just a nice way to complete the look of any space. So, if you are redecorating, make sure to keep them in mind because if you don’t, your space might not turn out like you want it to.

Planning to try working with wood? first devote a few short moments to locating the most reliable side table plans that are out there. Now with the web so accessible, it happens that instruction in a variety of crafts has soared in popularity among both amateurs and skilled crafts people. This short article will show you how to get the most accurate and helpful instruction which will allow you to begin turning your woodworking dreams into reality – i’m sure you can’t wait.

Click here for side table plans !

Putting your carpentry ideas into action is very satisfying and you may discover you have a real gift for it – is there a better use of your free time than learning this time-honored art form? I’m sure you’ll be pleased at how quickly and almost effortlessly you can be on your way to crafting wood work of distinction. All you need to do is having access to the best help, from people who know their subject. It so happens that excellent plans are attainable from an impressive internet source – a great instructional aid for those just starting out as well as the pros. Highly experienced master craftsmen are willing to share their knowledge and illustrate the process by means of highly accurate and easily understandable blueprints.

Woodworking is a time-honored craft – you can very likely just take a trip to a local craft faire to become aware of some great possibilities. Perhaps you’ve heard the theory that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in anything; with practice and some solid guidance you’ll learn how to create beautiful handcrafts in no time. Be sure to follow the advice of the professionals and you will surely save yourself some very discouraging failed efforts so you can focus on creating some admirable finished products.

As you can see, you can make things a lot easier and more enjoyable by using professional side table plans, it would now be advisable to take a look through this site and realize the wide variety of guidance available. Even if you’re just starting out, by taking advantage of the necessary help, you’ll soon be on your way to success. There’s no time like the present to take steps toward producing fine wood products – i’m sure you’ll find this new hobby both useful and fulfilling. Perhaps it will be awhile before you can sell your own custom furniture, however, with practice and renewed confidence, your goals can certainly be achieved in time. Perhaps i’ve enlightened you a bit on this subject; if that’s the case, why not pass it on to your friends who’d be intrigued by this topic.