There are some definite aspects to observe while painting a door. These points are described in brief under the following subheads: -

Prerequisites

To prepare the project of painting a door, an individual should have some basic observations. He should avoid starting the painting process of the door in any unfavorable climatic conditions. A damp weather or a rainy day should never be picked for starting such projects. This is because the extra moisture in the air in such adverse weather conditions will stagnant the process of drying the coat of paint applied on the door. Besides, the surface of the door should be thoroughly cleaned from any dirt. You can use a wet clean cloth to wipe the surface. But make sure you allow the surface to be dried out completely before applying the first coat of paint. Remove the dirt and grease if present on the surface of the door to obtain a smooth plane before painting. This is because it is always easier to paint a new door than painting the old ones. The grease which accumulates on older doors makes it difficult to sand them. It is always recommended to use oil paints rather than water-based paints. This is because the risk of warping or cracking is high in water-based paints than in oil paints. Before the process of painting actually starts, an individual should fill the cracks and holes of a door with putty. A masking tape should be used for doors having glass panels to avoid any breakage of the same.

Painting Process

An individual should apply primer before he starts painting the door using an oil paint. This is because the primer helps in bonding the paint to the door more easily. Tools that are generally used for painting include rollers and brushes. Satin paints and glossy finishes offer a nice look to the door of a house. An individual can paint a door either without displacing the hinges or by removing them before painting. If the door is to be painted in its place, it is recommended to paint the various parts adjoining to the handle at last. This will facilitate the closing and opening of the door easily. An individual should start painting the door from the middle and continue towards its edges. He should try to apply the paint evenly on all parts of the door. It is advisable to go for a relatively thin coat of paint than a heavy one in the beginning of the process. Instead he can apply several coats to provide a better finishing look. One should also observe the grain alignment of the wood while painting a door. This is because the paint usually sticks evenly on the surface of the door, if the strokes are made, in the direction of the aligned grain. It is also necessary to understand the importance of painting a door without leaving any brush marks. This can be done by applying the paint evenly on the door which would appear smooth in the end of the process.

These are the essentials factors that hold good while painting a door properly. An individual should observe the above mentioned information before paining a door of his room or a house.

Watch a video instruction on how to paint a door

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• The first and foremost step while installing drywall is to know about its required size which also depends on the height of the wall. You will have to measure out the length and width that will be needed for each piece. You now have to use a keyhole saw for the purpose of cutting holes for electric outlets, light receptacles and switches. The location should be measured very accurately and then marked on the drywall. The next step involves the placement of a piece of drywall in the designated location that lies along the wall stud’s length. Make sure that this covers only the half of the width of the wall stud. Take the help of drywall nails and then hammer them down in every seven inches on the complete length on the either side of drywall. You shall have to repeat this step in the middle of the drywall piece. If you do so, the drywall shall be held securely in place. Make sure that this process is executed on each wall.
• Every time you reach the end of a particular wall, make sure that you measure the width of the drywall that will be required to complete the task at hand. This measurement also has to be marked on the wall. You can take the help of a knife for cutting along the marking that you have just made and after having cut along a side, use the drywall to crack along the cut made. The backing can be scored with a knife by turning it over. This also makes it easy to come off. Use nails for securing it in place. All these steps have to be executed for all the walls and ceilings where you wish to install drywall.
• Take the joint compound and stir it till it becomes creamy and smooth. This will help us in the task of finishing the drywall after it has been installed. This particular compound has to be layered down between pieces of drywall by using a knife. However make sure that the drywall tape is placed on the top of the joint compound. This helps in pressing down the compound into place. You also have to use another layer of the joint compound over the drywall tape. This process has to undertaken for the total room and should be allowed to dry off. Use a finishing knife for the purpose of applying the drywall joint compound over the tape. Try smoothening out the sides while you apply the compound.
• After the compound dries off completely, you shall need to sand each of the seams and the drywall nails, which will thereby smooth out the drywall compound. Remember to apply a coat of primer before you set onto paint your walls.

Learn more about:

How to Install a Door

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• You shall need to prepare the space first where the sliding door would be installed. For doing this, you have to take the measurements of the door by its height and length. Now using these measurements, trace them out onto that particular wall where you plan to install the door. After having done that, take some long nails and drill them into the corners so that the nails drive onto the other side. Now by using these nail ends, you shall have to trace the outline of the sliding door onto the exterior wall. However you will have to ensure that the lines are very straight and accurate according to the designated measurements.
• The next step is to cut through the walls at those positions where you have just traced the measurements on. This task can be done with the help of a reciprocating saw. Make sure that all the drywall and debris is cleaned off the wall. Since this step will indicate later regarding your level of home improvement expertise, it is advised that you take the help of a professional for this process of cutting through the wall and of cleaning the drywall and debris. You will now have to build a frame in which the sliding door can fit into. You can use a wooden frame in this case. However make sure that you are using only the high quality wood for the purpose of the frame so that it stays durable for a long time and gets no attack of termites on it. A lumber or a home improvement store expert can guide you through this very easily.
• Now we have to deal with the installation of the sliding door assembly. This has to be done by first lining the edges of the wooden frame that you just built with adhesive caulk. Take the frame and then try to fit it completely into the wall space that you have created by using the traced measurements. For knowing whether the frame rests perfectly or not, you can use a level. The vertical doorjambs now need to be adjusted so that the sliding door stays plumb. Use shims to be inserted along the base for the purpose of leveling the sliding door. Now is the turn of securing the door that you have put up by using screws. You can also use roofing nails along with screws. For the purpose of making the screw holes waterproof, make sure to add a bit of caulk inside them. The last step involves the installation of glass doors onto the frame that you have mounted.

Learn more about:

How to Install Drywall

How to Build a Door

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How to Build a Door Frame

The first step to all this fun is to build a fence. There are various types of fences that you can build but a wooden fence would add an old world charm to your house and you can do it with ease as well. Here is a list of things that you would need to build a fence.

Things you would need:

• Pretreated lumber boards (depending on your requirement)
• Lumber or iron posts (depending on the perimeter, remember that each post has to be driven at a distance not more than 6 to 8 feet. So if you have a 80 feet long perimeter then you need about 8 or 10 posts)
• Concrete bags for posts
• Some screws
• Measurement tape
• Post hole digger
• Electric drill
• Electric Saw
• Hammer

Building instructions

• Choose the way you want the fence to be built. This basically means whether you want the foot walk to be a part of the fenced area or it has to stay separate. Depending on that you perimeter would change.
• Measure the area you want to fence.
• Depending on the length of the perimeter, decide the number of posts and boards you would be needing to complete the fence. If you want to fix a gate, then get the things you would need to make the gate including the deck screws and the latch.
• You need to make sure that there are no cables or sewerage pipes that go under the area you want to dig.
• Before you dig, put marks for the posts keeping in mind the proper distance in mind.
• You can use the digger to dig holes for the posts. Make sure the hole is 2 feet deep.
• Now take the concrete and mix. Pour it into the hole and keep the layer up to one foot.
• Drive the post in. You would notice that the concrete rise a bit more.
• Now keep placing the posts in to the holes that you have dug up.
• Once the concrete dries and the posts are stable.
• Take two long panels and nail them to the posts horizontally.
• Once you secure the boards, you can fix the panels to the board. You can saw and sand the panels you want in the shape you would like and nail them to the board that you fixed horizontally.
• Similarly, you can make the gate and fix it to the fence. You can also buy ready made iron gates and fix them to the post with deck screws.
• Paint the fence in a waterproof coat and your fence is ready.

You can decorate the fence by using different colors or even using different types of wood shapes nailed to the fence in a creative manner.

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How to Build Pergola

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• Hammer
• Nails
• Drill
• Circular saw
• Deck screws
• Joint braces
• 4×4’s and 2×4’s
• ¾ inch plywood

The step by step guide given below can help you out in building a loft in an easier and simpler manner:

• You shall have to begin by deciding on the size of the loft. Try gauging about the hugeness of the loft that you want to build in the room. Generally lofts are about 10 ft in length and 4 ft in width. You can either choose to build the loft in this size or else you can go about making it in the size that you desire. After having decided on the loft’s size, you shall have to build its frame. This frame has to be made by using deck screws. Keep in mind that the outer perimeter of the frame of the loft is to be built by using two 2×4’s and the cross members has to be made by using one 2×4. Keep the joint braces aside for using them at the time of building the loft’s longer section.
• After you have completed making the frame of the loft, you have to raise it up and then attach the 4×4’s to it by using screws. Take the plywood and position it on the loft’s top. Here also you have to attach the plywood to the 4×4’s by using screws. This will make the loft strong and durable.
• You shall have to use two braces from the 4×4’s and put them to the ground. This will prevent the loft from shaking. This whole process can be done by taking the 2×4 and cutting a diagonal section of it and then pushing that against the 4×4 and also against the ground. Continue pushing it against the 4×4 and the ground till it stops moving and then attach it to the 4×4 by using screws.
• You can use a small piece of carpeting and nail that on the top of the plywood. This can prevent the mattress from coming in direct contact with the plywood. Only after you are sure that your loft is strong enough, place the mattress on it.
• Another tip that might help you while building the loft is that you should saw the wood outside your house or may be in the garage. This will prevent the saw dust from spreading throughout the house and will also make the cleaning easier for you later on. You can always take the help of some friends while doing this task. Although there is not much of technicality involved in building a loft but there is a great extent of physical labor which is needed. So you can use a couple of hands more to make the task less exerting. Do not forget to put on safety goggles and face mask while you are handling the saw to cut the wood. Small wood particles might just get inside your eye and prove dangerous if you are not careful enough.

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So, if you have enough space in your garage and you want to make a workbench where you can take care of your small repairing and building works, then here is a list of things you can do and build your own workbench. Measure the area where you want to place the work bench and whether you want to fix it to the wall or keep it as an independent table. Either of these types can be easily built. Once you measure the area where you want to place your workbench, you must buy your lumber and iron L brackets to match that.

• Suppose you want to make a workbench that has 4 x 10 surface and a half inch wide body. You must get a board to meet this requirement.
• You would need supporting wall bracing with 2 x 4 x 10′ size.
• 4 Metal angled brackets
• 24 lag bolt of 5/16″ x 3″ size
• 16 Spikes
• 10 penny nails
• 1 1/4″ wood screws

If you want to fix drawers, you may have to get the extra items as per requirement. For the purpose of this article, we provide the steps to make the workbench.

• First of all you would need to fix the metal brackets. Determine the height of the workbench and put a mark. Place the metal brackets in equal distance and screw it to the wall. Use the lag bolts and secure the brackets properly.
• Cut out the support pieces and attach to the brackets. Place the support pieces each on the four metal brackets and screw them well.
• Now take the base support pieces and lay them in a horizontal manner covering all the four brackets and screw them to the support pieces.
• Take the top surface and the front piece and attach to the base support pieces.
• You can use the sand paper the clean the ends properly check the workbench for strength. If you find any edge is loose, you may need to add extra screws.
• Adding lining or a clean surface wood would save you from getting sharp edges and you can get a smooth running table.

Some people like to keep their instruments and tools close by to the workbench, you can even add wall brackets and cupboards to store such items.

Watch a video instruction on how to build a workbench

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Necklaces made from hemp are very much in demand now-a-days as they are very inexpensive and durable at the same time. Following are the steps necessary to know for making a necklace using the fibers of hemp: -

• Measure the length of the hemp fiber as per required by wrapping it round your neck. Cut the extra part of the strand using scissors. You can even go for two strands instead.
• The simplest way to give a design is applying the helically coiled pattern to both the stands. Make sure that the strands move into the pattern one after another but not at the same time.
• To keep the pattern intact put some weight by laying the necklace as straight as possible. Such weights can be a book, a couple of paper pressers kept at both the ends of the helically coiled strands.
• Now to the middle of the strands a locket sort of a knot can be made. An overhand knot can come into effect for this purpose. You can also apply as many numbers to knots you want. But it will look more attractive, if knots are made after leaving at least a few centimeters equally.
• To make it appealing as desired colors can be applied over the knots of the necklace. For this you can use oil paints as these have a lasting effect with very less efforts.
• Bright colors like red, orange or even blue can be used for coating the knots made of hemp strands. Because, we generally use dried hemp fibers for making a necklace. So these have a relatively take the color of light sea green or a straw color.
• Embellishments like beads or small glitters can be used for giving a funky look to the hand-made hemp necklace. You can make effective use of the wet oil paint for sticking these embellishments. Instead, intoxicated sticky materials or gums can come handy.
• Drying the hand-made hemp necklace is also an art. You cannot casually allow it to dry over a sheet of paper or a table top. Because chances of scrapping the wet color on the surface over which it was left to dry is very large. So logically, you should try to day the colored necklace in a hanging position.

Materials required: - Strands of hemp
Scissors
Embellishments (beads/glitters)
Colors (optional)

Applying your creativity with the steps mentioned above, a hand-made necklace of hemp can be prepared.

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• Things you need to make a platform bed are paper to sketch the design of the bed, measuring tape, wood saw, bench or other support to saw the wood, sandpaper, screwdriver and power screwdriver, hinges, wood sealant or stain, and cloth to apply sealant.
• First think and decide on the various aspects of a platform bed that you want for yourself. Consider the features like rim around the edges, headboard and footboard, sturdiness of the bed, etc and think about their pros and cons before you zero in on a design. Draw the design on a piece of paper and get an idea about the look of the bed after it is completed. Go for alternative designs if you don’t find the initial one convenient for you. In fact, drawing out designing plans before making the bed is a better practice to build one that exactly meets your criteria.
• The next step is to decide the length, width and height of the bed. Although the length and width are decided according to the size of the mattress that you want to use, the height should be calculated considering your convenience. Decide on the exact height of the bed after laying the mattress and subtract the thickness of the mattress to find the height of the bed. Add 4 inches to the length of the mattress; it is the length of your platform bed. Calculate the width of the bed based on your decision of using a rim. If you are going to use rim, add the width of the rim to that of the mattress. Hence, it is important to choose your mattress before you plan your bed size.
• It’s time to select the material to make platform bed. Particle boards are available with affordable price range. But they are stiffer than other materials. Plywood is better option when flexibility and cost is considered. Choose ¾ inch plywood and cut the material using a saw. If you are not confident of cutting them in perfect size, you can ask someone to do that for you or else, you can have them cut at any home product making store.
• The height of the supports for the platform bed is the height of the bed itself. Hence, the width of the board used for side supports should be equal to the height of the bed that you have calculated. And the length of the board should be the same as the decided length of the bed. Accordingly, cut the boards used for side supports along the width of the bed. In this case the length of the board is equal to the width of the bed and the width of the board should be equal to the height of the bed. Cut another board to make the platform of the bed to support the mattress. The length and width of this board should be equal to those of the bed. You can also cut several long pieces of boards instead of a single piece.
• Sand the wood and seal before you assemble the pieces.
• Now, take the boards where you want to fit the platform bed. Assemble the pieces of the sides with the help of screws using L-brackets. Attach the board meant to build the platform for the mattress. Your platform bed is ready for your use.

Watch a video instruction on how to make a platform bed

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• Materials required to build a halfpipe are 8 sheets ¾” plywood, 2×4” stock, 10’ PVC pipe, laminate, nails, 1 ½” screws.
• Tools required for building halfpipe are hammer, circular saw, drill with selection of bits, tape measure, fishing line, pencil/paper.
• Before you start building your halfpipe, inspect the site properly where you want to install the halfpipe. The overall size of the halfpipe should be determined by considering the area available for it. Again, while planning out the size of the halfpipe, keep in mind the standard size of the lumber and plywood.
• Begin with designing the layout of the frame which is a structure of two symmetrical sides. Now, use 2×4” stock to prepare the main bracing structure of the halfpipe which is approximately 8’ long and 4’ wide. The height of the bracing should be around 3’ 3”. Construct the base with two 4×8’ sections as floor supports and placed approximately 7 7/8” apart. Lay the side bracing on its sides so that the vertical bracings face each other. Build the finishing line so that the design creates a curve with 5’ 7 1/2” radius. This will form the bowl of halfpipe. Double up the bottom support with vertical support system and the base. Then develop the side bracing with the radius line of the curve.
• The next part of building halfpipe is the vertical support sides. Connect the sides of vertical support with cross members. While connecting the sides, make sure that the members are placed at least 7 ½” apart. Bend over the cross members at the point where the seams of the plywood meet. It ensures that the plywood won’t separate while using the halfpipe. With this much of work, you are ready with the frame of your half pipe.
• While constructing the halfpipe there are other several important matter to be taken care of to avoid damage on using. The meeting point of the horizontal starting platform and vertical decking is known as grinding rail. By introducing an element to this particular section of the halfpipe, you can significantly reduce the damage caused to both vertical decking and horizontal board. Screw a 10’ length of PVC piping to the support system and plywood to provide the support of a cushion to the transition area.
• As the main parts of the construction are over, it’s time to move on to the next level where you attach the plywood decking to the frame to form the platform. Bend over the decking and use 3” screws to fit it to the frame and prepare the ramp. Glue the surface of the ramp to attach plywood and prepare the surface for your use. Increase the support of the starting platform so that it can hold several people at a time.
• As you are investing money, time and energy for building your halfpipe, ideally you should be able to use it throughout the year. But, unfortunately, it is not possible in most places. Hence, while building the pipe think about the possibilities of disassembling the halfpipe in the off seasons. Screws are better options than nails in this regard. Also, keep in mind the storage requirements of the parts after disassembly.

Watch a video instruction on how to build a halfpipe

Learn more about:

How to Build a Loft

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How to Make a Mini Ramp

How to Build a Stage

As the Internet is the best source to provide you bar designing ideas, you have many options opened for you to build your own bar. But the fundamentals of bar building are much more than the designing part. There are several basic aspects of consideration for an ideal bar- a bar that you will love to boast. Here is a guide for you to get started with your bar designing plans.

• Yes, it is important to take time and think about the home bar to get a solid plan so that you will be happy with its result. There are several questions that you must ask yourself before you start building your bar. Do you want a permanent structure or a movable bar? How much space needed for the bar? Do you want your bar to be based on a specific theme? Are you going to design it yourself or hire a contractor? What are the additional features and accessories that you have planned for the bar? Have calculated the budget? Make a list of everything you need and rearrange the list based on priorities of the items. Visit other home bars to get more idea on it.
• While designing the layout of the bar, you need to consider the available space for it at your home. Whether, it is a straight side, rectangular, L-shaped or horse-shoe shaped, it is decided according to the shape and space in the room. If you want a sink think of plumbing and drainage. For a refrigerator, additional lighting or a cocktail mixer, an electric outlet is an essential requirement. Develop your plan carefully meet maximum of your requirements from the bar. Don’t hesitate to alter your initial idea, if it doesn’t work out.
• While selecting the furniture, make necessary adjustment to fit your needs. You can find an extensive range in designs and sizes for bar stools. Make sure the furniture pieces are comfortable. Give proper attention to arm rests and foot rails. Some basic accessories to mix and serve the drinks are shot glasses, cocktail shaker, bar caddy, bottle openers, bar mats, blenders, bottle pourers, straws and stirrers, margarita glass rimmer, glassware, beer mugs, wine glasses, rocks glasses, etc.
• There are many types of drinks such as rum, vodka, whiskey that you may pick to store in your bar. You just need to select the brand names for the kind of drink that you want.

Tips:

• While building your own bar, it is better to install bigger items such as refrigerator and ice maker prior to installation of other items.

Watch a video instruction on how to build your own bar

Learn more about:

How to Design Your Own Bathroom

How to Build a Bar

Design Your Own House Online

How to Build Your Own House