However, the power that a belt sander uses to cut through layers of paint will also remove large amounts of material at a rapid pace, so you need to be in complete control of the tool to avoid damaging the project. Before tackling a sanding or staining project with a belt sander, it’s important to learn how to use a belt sander properly. Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander An important part of taking on a sanding project is knowing which sander to use at what point, because many sanding projects actually require you to use at least two different sanders to get a completely smooth finish....

Over time, the brass compression sleeve beneath the compression nut can become virtually fused to the copper pipe, and this tool offers an easy way to remove it. A common DIY mistake when removing a compression fitting is to twist the compression sleeve with pliers—a method that can easily damage the pipe. Thus, while it won’t be used very often, a compression sleeve puller is a good tool for DIYers to own—well worth the $10 to $20 cost....

What Do Bird Ear Tufts Do? The exact purpose of ear tufts is largely unknown, but ornithologists have developed several plausible theories that are widely accepted as at least partial explanations for these unique feather features. Camouflage Ear tufts may be part of a bird’s camouflage. They help break up the shape of a bird and make it look more like a broken branch or other natural feature. This can help conceal a roosting bird or keep a silent predator such as an owl hidden from its prey....

What Are Garden Tubs? In current interior design and real estate jargon, the term garden tub generally refers to the types of freestanding, deep soaking bathtubs that have grown in popularity in homes in recent years. Contemporary garden tubs range from sleek minimalist oval forms to reproductions of 19th-century French roll-top bateau-style tubs that are said to have been named for their resemblance to the bow of a ship. You can also find garden tubs in round, rectangular, or asymmetrical shapes....

It’s estimated that over one-quarter of the water used in homes is used by toilets. Shrinking that number goes a long way toward reducing household use, plus it lightens the community’s demands on its surface and groundwater supplies.An easy way to do that is by installing a dual flush toilet. What a Dual Flush Toilet Is A dual flush toilet gives the user the option of flushing either a low amount of water (0....

Uses In case you’re not familiar with rotary dimmers, the dial is used to control the amount of brightness of a light fixture. It can be adjusted from a very dim, moon-glow level, to the bulb’s full brightness. The rotary knob turns from left to right. It’s in the lowest setting when turned to the far left and at full brightness when turned to the far right. Most rotary dimmers have a push-on/off function....

Art Deco architecture represents a style of building that is sleek, but not minimal. The architects of the time were inventive in their approach to design. They sought to create structures that were fresh, modern, and unlike previous revivalist styles. Art Deco buildings are unmistakable and represent an era that was at the center of the Machine Age. History The Art Deco style was seen throughout Paris in the early 1920s but made its first official appearance in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes....

We live in a world that’s partial to anything “fast”—fast food, quick cycles on the washing machine, one-day shipping, food orders with a 30-minute delivery window, the list goes on. Convenience and immediate (or as close to immediate as possible) satisfaction is preferred, so it’s only natural that home design trends and preferences shift to fast furniture. But at what cost? According to the EPA, Americans alone throw out over 12 million tons of furnishings and furniture each year....

Inspired by the French countryside—specifically Provence, hence the name Provencal—French country homes are more subdued and lived-in than the ornate designs typically associated with French architecture and decor. Defined by natural finishes and neutral color palettes, French country homes stray from the gilding and molding found in luxurious Parisian homes. History of French Country Architecture Although you’ll find many manors and massive chateaux houses in the French countryside, French country homes tend to be more relaxed with an Old-Word feel....

Area rugs—especially large area rugs to place under a queen-sized bed—can be a major financial investment. Plus, if you order a rug online, return shipping can be super expensive. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right size and style for your space before you buy. Not sure where to begin? Check out these simple decorating tips to choose the perfect rug to place under your queen bed....

Tongue and groove are often used in conjunction with wood floorboards, sheet paneling, wainscot, and any number of other materials where a tight, solid seam is required between separate pieces. One tongue fits firmly into the groove of the adjoining board. The purpose is to control vertical movement between adjoining boards. Horizontal movement is still allowed to a small degree and, in fact, is a desirable quality, since wood flooring will expand and contract....

Why Monstera Leaves Split The exact reason the leaves develop fenestrations is a mystery, but scientists have several theories. The most popular is that they split as they mature to allow light through to the lower leaves of the plant. Without the splits, the climbing growth habit of monsteras would cause upper leaves to shade lower leaves which could slow growth and impact the overall health of the plant. Another theory speculates that fenestration allows rain to pass through the leaves instead of accumulating on the surface....

Why Pollinator Gardens Matter Pollinators—i.e., animals that move pollen from one flower to another—are in decline. Pollinator decline is attributed primarily to the loss of habitat and to the use of pesticides. Urbanization is occurring at an alarming rate; our green space is disappearing. Green space is often converted to land for crops, monoculture lawns, or planted with non-native plants that do not support or host local insects that carry out pollination....

That said, if you’re already imaging yourself combing through your favorite antique haunts in search of that perfect vintage jewel of a crib, you might want to think again. While a chic throwback nursery is always a safe bet, a vintage crib may be anything but. Before you settle on a vintage crib or bring home a beautiful antique, take a moment to consider these important safety tips. Why Experts Say “No” to Used Cribs According to the U....

Art is so personal and is something that designers pay significant attention to when working with homeowners who have an existing gallery of pieces. “We often take cues from our client’s art collections to design their home,” designer Michelle Gage explains. “We look at the color, style, and composition to create spaces that work with that vibe. At the end of the day, we want the home to reflect the people who live inside of it....

Because crabgrass produces so many seeds, it cannot be controlled in a single herbicide application. Begin to apply crab grass preventer in early spring to prevent crabgrass, chickweed, poa annua, and other common lawn weeds from germinating, before they start to spread. Apply before the third or fourth mowing to protect all season long, and commit to a multi-year plan of prevention and control to rid your lawn of the unsightly weed....

Diurnal and Nocturnal Birds Most birds are diurnal, which means they are most active during the day but they typically rest at night. Nocturnal birds, such as owls, frogmouths, nighthawks, and night-herons, on the other hand, are most active during the night. They forage, hunt, care for their young, preen, and do other activities necessary for survival in the darkest night hours. Passerines, waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and most raptors are all diurnal birds, but when they’re not being active, what do they do?...

There are a lot of advantages to building an outdoor fireplace yourself. Primarily, you can spend a lot less money on it than if you had one built for you. You can also be in charge of the design. If you don’t like something, you can change it up so it fits you and your family’s needs. How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace from Living Stone Masonry Modern Outdoor Fireplace from Family Handyman Backyard Fireplace from Milk Paint How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace from Homesteading How to Make an Outdoor Gas Fireplace from DIY Projects with Pete Outdoor Fireplace from Chris Loves Julia Building an Outdoor Stone Fireplace from q[x] Building an Outdoor Fireplace from The Shed Outdoor Fireplace from Life in the Barbie Dream House How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace from The Spruce