Yet do-it-yourself masonry work can be highly satisfying and creative. And aside from the pleasure of seeing a job well done, one of the great things about doing masonry work is that its tools and materials are basic, inexpensive, and easy to understand. Basic Masonry Tools As befits a trade that has been in existence since the days of ancient Egypt, masonry work uses common items like crushed stone and limestone from the earth and simple metal shaping tools....

But a gleaming new kitchen will make your home more livable, and it will increase the equity value of your real estate like few other remodeling projects can do. A great new kitchen will be the focus of family life and can be the center of social gatherings. A fully remodeled kitchen is most certainly a project worth the time, money, and effort, and you can avoid being overwhelmed if you fully understand the steps that go into the process before you begin....

Here are 10 incredible before and after kitchen remodeling projects.

Sometimes, this is a matter of choosing plants with different growth habits that do not compete with one another or those that have different nutrient needs that make efficient use of soil. Broccoli does not mind having most other vegetables as close neighbors. A few plants, however, are known to negatively affect the growth and flavor of broccoli. Learn the differences so you can cultivate the best broccoli crop possible....

Reciprocating Saw The reciprocating saw has become an indispensable tool in the home remodeler’s workshop. Once known only by the trademark of Milwaukee Tools’ Sawzall, the reciprocating saw is now produced by virtually all toolmakers, in both corded and cordless models. Uses Reciprocating saws are excellent for making rough cuts. You cannot use a reciprocating saw for cutting precise lines in a piece of trim, but it is a trusted ally in demolition and even some moderately precise work....

Choosing this type of paint is easy, too. The paint does not have to be marketed as kids’ room paint or anything special. Simply put, any interior paint of a glossier finish will repel scuffs and stains well. Thus, eggshell will be better than matte paint, since it’s slightly glossier. For more protection, satin gloss paint will be better than eggshell. Need even more protection? Then step from satin gloss to semi-gloss paint....

This plant is sometimes also referred to as tiger beard or cat’s whiskers due to its long bracteoles that look like whiskers. The purple variety is a dark dusky color that ranges from maroon to purple but often looks black. A white flowering variety (Tacca integrifolia) grows twice as large as the black variety. Dramatic in the garden, bat flowers do not survive long in a vase and aren’t good as a cut flower....

Tomatoes grow on vines, and like many vines, the tomato plant grows rapidly. These plants can be troubled by blights, infections, and voracious insect pests. One problem you are likely to run into that sounds much worse than it actually is is blossom end rot. When tomatoes reach the half-grown stage, fruits that may seem fine otherwise begin to develop hard brown spots on the bottom. These gradually grow in size and turn leathery and black by the time the fruit ripens into redness....

Luxury bathrooms have become a way to pamper yourself at home. Your bath towels play an influential role in that pampering. If you’ve never used Egyptian cotton before, you don’t know what you’re missing. Extra-long staple cotton fibers give Egyptian cotton a softness, durability, and absorbency that’s earned a world-renowned reputation. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Calla Angel Luxe Chain Egyptian Cotton Bath Towels to see if the material and texture lived up to the hype and was worth the somewhat high price tag....

With over twenty-five years of design experience, Anna Baraness and Kristin Tarsi, founders and partners of Studio AK, have more than a few tricks up their sleeves. We recently connected with the duo to discuss their current must-have for all their projects—and they let us in on a little secret. What item made your work life easier this week/month/lately? Baraness and Tarsi: These cable ties—trust us on this one....

Steel Steel is the most popular material for garage doors, and for good reason. Steel doors are reasonably priced, durable, low maintenance, and available in just about any style you like. Steel can be painted, and it is available in textures that mimic wood. When shopping for a steel garage door, two features are particularly worth giving some thought to. First, steel is a poor insulator, so insulated doors are a smart choice for saving energy (and reducing noise)....

How Solid Surface Countertops Are Made Most of these surfaces are constructed of acrylic, marble dust, bauxite, epoxy, or polyester resins, and pigment. Sometimes actually called “synthetic stone,” solid surface countertops are a popular, in many cases, lower-cost choice in new home construction and remodeling. Solid surface countertops are sold under various brand names including Corian, Dekton, Avonite, and Silestone, providing a pleasing option for strength and looks while also durable and easy to clean....

The same virtues that make laminate flooring popular in homes make it a popular choice for commercial applications, such as retail stores and other businesses. But since these locations may experience higher foot traffic than homes, the types of laminate flooring used in these locations are a different form, often known as “commercial-grade,” or “high-traffic” laminate flooring. While it is not as sturdy as some other flooring materials, such as ceramic tile, this form of laminate is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a low-cost, low-maintenance flooring for moderate-traffic locations....

You’ve found the perfect duvet, but the duvet cover could be the final touch that takes the bed from cozy to irresistible. The Company Store’s Company Cotton Bamboo Sateen Duvet Cover falls into the luxury category, protecting duvets while adding another layer of comfort to your bed. Duvet covers offer an easier way to keep the bed clean because you can wash the cover rather than the duvet. The fabric and weave affect the duvet cover’s warmth, texture, and durability....

Linoleum vs. Laminate and Vinyl The best type of flooring for a bathroom is tile for its resilience, waterproofing, and variety. However, linoleum, laminate, and vinyl are often thrown into the mix, and they commonly get mistaken for each other. Each is very different in composition, durability, water resistance, and appearance. Linoleum: Made of cork dust, wood flour, linseed oil, and pine resin; 100% biodegradable; comes in many designs and colors; soft underfoot; and not overly expensive; not water resistant and can swell with constant water exposureLaminate: Composite wood consisting of fiberboard or plywood, including a photorealistic layer and plastic coating; looks the most like hardwood; scratch resistant; vulnerable to water damage; can be costlyVinyl: Made of plastic, specifically PVC resin; water resistant; affordable; easier to install; not as realistic looking; not environmentally friendly...