The Best DIY Projects of 2016

The Best DIY Projects of 2016

Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop

I’ve gotten a few questions so far on last weeks’ big laundry room makeover reveal, and to no surprise, many of them were about the DIY wood countertop. So, I figured the first post I would put up this week should include some answers!

Note: some links to products are affiliates, which help to support the maintenance of this site. See my disclosure page for more info.

About the Plywood Counter

The laundry room’s wooden countertop is made from 3/4″ Purebond maple plywood. It’s pretty heavy, so I had a beast of a time getting it to fit on my walls, which were also wonky as hell (the back corners were just slightly wider than the width of the wall where the front of the washer and dryer are… oh, the joys of working on an old house!) :) Remember: measure twice, cut once, and hammer to fit. In my case, I also used an electric hand planer to knock off 1/16″ widths at a time until things weren’t getting stuck on the drywall anymore.

Before installing, I did a little research and spied that Mandi from Vintage Revivals uses a nifty trick to save on the cost of a thick piece of plywood by gluing a more expensive one underneath, and I love that idea! If I’d had more time than an extended weekend to finish mine (I was under a pre-Christmas deadline), I might have tried this same trick, too; I think it would have made the plywood counter even stronger and less likely to bend under any weight (it’s not doing that now either, but in time with use, that could be something I go back and try to reinforce even more). Perhaps if/when I upgrade the front piece of the counter to look more substantial (even though the supports are offset from the edge of the counter by a few inches, you can still see some of the support along the wall, which could be hidden with a longer decorative piece of lumber attached to the front), I’ll see about adding another piece underneath. The plywood is actually just wedged into place and doesn’t move, so I can easily take it back out again if I needed to with a few swings from a mallet.

Cutting Plywood to Size

I bought a full sheet of plywood, but I took my measurements to Home Depot before the purchase and asked them to cut it for me (which they’ll do for free unless you have a lot of cuts to make… I only had 2, and they also loaded the pieces for me into my SUV).

Tip: When having a big box store cut the wood for you, it’s important to inspect the full sheet of plywood and make your cuts strategically so that you can get as smooth of a cut as possible and wind up with the section of the plywood you like the most. Their saws can handle the cut with ease, but there’s a lack of control and speed that you’ll have as a customer (compared to, say, cutting it yourself with saws you’re more familiar with using at home) and it’s good to be observant when they’re cutting things down.

When the saw was cutting with the grain (along the length of the plywood), the wood had very little splintering. This was important, since this would be the cut along along the front edge, where it meets the front of the washer and dryer (as in, the most noticeable front lip of the countertop once installed). But on the pass for the crosscut (when you cut the wood perpendicular to the wood grain), I was worried that it would splinter a lot. Even though these edges would be on the left and right side walls in the laundry room (so, not as noticeable as along the front edge), the concern was that these areas would not take stain as evenly if I had to patch it up with wood filler (even when it’s a stainable filler, the texture looks different, and I wanted to prevent/minimize the obvious parts that were patched). Using the first cut as a guide, the clerk and I both noticed that the wood splintered slightly more on the front of the cut than the back on the saw. So, I used that as a way to plan which side of the plywood would be the top and bottom so I could hide the splintered side underneath.

Countertop Support

As far as installation goes, I treated the countertop similar to how I installed the floating shelves on the right side: as one large shelf in need of support along three sides. However, given the narrow space, the room’s dimensions were a little tricky to work around. For one, everything I did along the back wall had to be done around the washer and dryer; moving them out of the room through the hallway and into the kitchen would result in both units getting off balance (it’s important to keep them from knocking around), so I made the choice to keep them in the room and simply climb over them to install the supports along the three surrounding walls.

The supports were created mostly out of some inexpensive 2x2s (be sure to inspect them carefully at the store for warping). I would have used 2x4s, but the height of the lumber would have created a huge gap between the counter and washer and dryer, and I didn’t want that much clearance on top (while you do want to leave some space for air flow around the units, I wanted things to still look like a more snug fit). Measurements of the room are far from square, so it was a lot of trial and error to get things level. It helps in these situations to mark everything down on the wood itself so you know which end is up, where the studs are, etc. Given that the room is also surrounded by the garage on the left, an exterior wall with masonry along the back, and a closet and bathroom along the right, I was very careful to use a stud finder and heavy duty drywall anchors to put each support in place.

Figuring out how to support the middle between the washer and dryer was a little tougher; with the entire length a little less than 5 feet wide, I was reluctant to try to build support from the floor (I already had so little wiggle room to move the washer and dryer around, any structure in the middle would have been very snug!). So, I settled on a heavy duty shelf bracket — the largest I could find in store boasted a 600-lb weight capacity — by attaching it to the back wall.

Stain and Seal

As for the stain color, I pretreated the wood with wood conditioner for an even coat and then used a couple of coats of ZAR in Modern Walnut along with a few topcoats of poly to seal.

To hide the plywood layers along the front lip of the counter, I again used 3/4″ iron-on veneer edging like I did with my entryway closet. Again, since I can see some of the supports still, I’ll probably cover this over at a later date with a stained piece of wood instead.

To my surprise, it didn’t take much effort to get the plywood level (pictured is my 4-foot level that I inherited from my grandfather). Phew.

Once in place, I tested it out a couple of times, and it’s very sturdy. While I don’t think it would be wise to stand on top of the counter itself and put my full weight on it, I planned for it to handle at least two full laundry baskets full (though the hope would be not to leave things in the laundry room anymore!). Estimates online said a full laundry basket could be around 18 pounds, so I planned for 40 but still made sure that the anchors I used in the wall could handle twice that amount.

The depth of the counter still had a small gap in the back to allow for the cord for the washer.

There you have it! More details about other features in the laundry room makeover, along with more DIY projects, coming your way shortly!

The post Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop published first on https://noambouzaglou.wordpress.com/

Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop

I’ve gotten a few questions so far on last weeks’ big laundry room makeover reveal, and to no surprise, many of them were about the DIY wood countertop. So, I figured the first post I would put up this week should include some answers!

Note: some links to products are affiliates, which help to support the maintenance of this site. See my disclosure page for more info.

About the Plywood Counter

The laundry room’s wooden countertop is made from 3/4″ Purebond maple plywood. It’s pretty heavy, so I had a beast of a time getting it to fit on my walls, which were also wonky as hell (the back corners were just slightly wider than the width of the wall where the front of the washer and dryer are… oh, the joys of working on an old house!) :) Remember: measure twice, cut once, and hammer to fit. In my case, I also used an electric hand planer to knock off 1/16″ widths at a time until things weren’t getting stuck on the drywall anymore.

Before installing, I did a little research and spied that Mandi from Vintage Revivals uses a nifty trick to save on the cost of a thick piece of plywood by gluing a more expensive one underneath, and I love that idea! If I’d had more time than an extended weekend to finish mine (I was under a pre-Christmas deadline), I might have tried this same trick, too; I think it would have made the plywood counter even stronger and less likely to bend under any weight (it’s not doing that now either, but in time with use, that could be something I go back and try to reinforce even more). Perhaps if/when I upgrade the front piece of the counter to look more substantial (even though the supports are offset from the edge of the counter by a few inches, you can still see some of the support along the wall, which could be hidden with a longer decorative piece of lumber attached to the front), I’ll see about adding another piece underneath. The plywood is actually just wedged into place and doesn’t move, so I can easily take it back out again if I needed to with a few swings from a mallet.

Cutting Plywood to Size

I bought a full sheet of plywood, but I took my measurements to Home Depot before the purchase and asked them to cut it for me (which they’ll do for free unless you have a lot of cuts to make… I only had 2, and they also loaded the pieces for me into my SUV).

Tip: When having a big box store cut the wood for you, it’s important to inspect the full sheet of plywood and make your cuts strategically so that you can get as smooth of a cut as possible and wind up with the section of the plywood you like the most. Their saws can handle the cut with ease, but there’s a lack of control and speed that you’ll have as a customer (compared to, say, cutting it yourself with saws you’re more familiar with using at home) and it’s good to be observant when they’re cutting things down.

When the saw was cutting with the grain (along the length of the plywood), the wood had very little splintering. This was important, since this would be the cut along along the front edge, where it meets the front of the washer and dryer (as in, the most noticeable front lip of the countertop once installed). But on the pass for the crosscut (when you cut the wood perpendicular to the wood grain), I was worried that it would splinter a lot. Even though these edges would be on the left and right side walls in the laundry room (so, not as noticeable as along the front edge), the concern was that these areas would not take stain as evenly if I had to patch it up with wood filler (even when it’s a stainable filler, the texture looks different, and I wanted to prevent/minimize the obvious parts that were patched). Using the first cut as a guide, the clerk and I both noticed that the wood splintered slightly more on the front of the cut than the back on the saw. So, I used that as a way to plan which side of the plywood would be the top and bottom so I could hide the splintered side underneath.

Countertop Support

As far as installation goes, I treated the countertop similar to how I installed the floating shelves on the right side: as one large shelf in need of support along three sides. However, given the narrow space, the room’s dimensions were a little tricky to work around. For one, everything I did along the back wall had to be done around the washer and dryer; moving them out of the room through the hallway and into the kitchen would result in both units getting off balance (it’s important to keep them from knocking around), so I made the choice to keep them in the room and simply climb over them to install the supports along the three surrounding walls.

The supports were created mostly out of some inexpensive 2x2s (be sure to inspect them carefully at the store for warping). I would have used 2x4s, but the height of the lumber would have created a huge gap between the counter and washer and dryer, and I didn’t want that much clearance on top (while you do want to leave some space for air flow around the units, I wanted things to still look like a more snug fit). Measurements of the room are far from square, so it was a lot of trial and error to get things level. It helps in these situations to mark everything down on the wood itself so you know which end is up, where the studs are, etc. Given that the room is also surrounded by the garage on the left, an exterior wall with masonry along the back, and a closet and bathroom along the right, I was very careful to use a stud finder and heavy duty drywall anchors to put each support in place.

Figuring out how to support the middle between the washer and dryer was a little tougher; with the entire length a little less than 5 feet wide, I was reluctant to try to build support from the floor (I already had so little wiggle room to move the washer and dryer around, any structure in the middle would have been very snug!). So, I settled on a heavy duty shelf bracket — the largest I could find in store boasted a 600-lb weight capacity — by attaching it to the back wall.

Stain and Seal

As for the stain color, I pretreated the wood with wood conditioner for an even coat and then used a couple of coats of ZAR in Modern Walnut along with a few topcoats of poly to seal.

To hide the plywood layers along the front lip of the counter, I again used 3/4″ iron-on veneer edging like I did with my entryway closet. Again, since I can see some of the supports still, I’ll probably cover this over at a later date with a stained piece of wood instead.

To my surprise, it didn’t take much effort to get the plywood level (pictured is my 4-foot level that I inherited from my grandfather). Phew.

Once in place, I tested it out a couple of times, and it’s very sturdy. While I don’t think it would be wise to stand on top of the counter itself and put my full weight on it, I planned for it to handle at least two full laundry baskets full (though the hope would be not to leave things in the laundry room anymore!). Estimates online said a full laundry basket could be around 18 pounds, so I planned for 40 but still made sure that the anchors I used in the wall could handle twice that amount.

The depth of the counter still had a small gap in the back to allow for the cord for the washer.

There you have it! More details about other features in the laundry room makeover, along with more DIY projects, coming your way shortly!

The post Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

Website // Subscribe // Advertise // Twitter // Facebook // Google+

Laundry Room Makeover: DIY Plywood Countertop published first on https://noambouzaglou.wordpress.com/

Win Big with a Space Dedicated to Watching Sports

By Seve Kale The Super Bowl is fast approaching and whether you’re more concerned with the best team or the best commercials, the following tips will ensure that you score a prime seat to the action without having to pay … Continue reading →

New Home Source Blog - Buying a New Home, Working with a Home Builder, Designing Your Custom Home

One of Atlanta’s Most Important Luxury Homes

This 15,000 sq.ft. artisanal French Provincial home is made up of slate and concrete, custom-made doors and windows in the Loire River Valley.

This luxury home is constructed by artisans from France. The detailed craftsmanship represents the apex of home building in southern America.

ONE OF THE SOUTH’S MOST IMPORTANT RESIDENCES HAS HIT THE MARKET

Designed not only to reflect the quality of lifestyle of a forgotten age, this home was also carefully crafted to house a modern family. This is an heirloom home designed to last hundreds of years and represents a seldom available opportunity to secure what is certainly one of the… See more at Luxury Portfolio Blog

Billed as “one of the South’s most important residences,” which is hard disagree and ignore when you look at some of the features of this artisanal luxury home. And the pool is just amazing!

Exquisite Buckhead Manse 5th Priciest in Atlanta Market

Before glancing at the sky-high cost to live in this 15,172-square-foot Buckhead mansion, it’s quite clear this home stands out in a big way. Featuring seven bedrooms, eight and ½ bathrooms, and all the absurdly opulent trappings of the filthy rich, at an even $10 million this property is the fifth most expensive listing on the… Read more at Curbed Atlanta

The following blog post One of Atlanta’s Most Important Luxury Homes Find more on: Arie Abekasis

One of Atlanta’s Most Important Luxury Homes syndicated from http://www.arieabekasis.com
One of Atlanta’s Most Important Luxury Homes published first on https://noambouzaglou.wordpress.com/

What Comes First with a Bathroom Remodel?

First things first. A bathroom remodel is a long process, and you’re going to want to be as prepared as possible before the job begins. If you’re researching the early steps of a remodel, you’re off to a great start! Many people ask us what they should prepare to do first and foremost when they start their bathroom remodel because they want as much preparation as possible.

However, what we tell them is different than they may expect. You might be curious about whether your bathtub will go in first, or that vanity you’ve had your eye on. But as you will see, there are a lot of “first steps” that need to be completed before you move on to the exciting installation—which is just another reason it’s so important to hire a licensed and bonded contractor!

The First Steps: Planning

The very first steps of a remodel involve careful planning of what you want to do. Before any demolition is completed, before permits are pulled, and before you even talk to a contractor, we recommend taking some time to have a general idea of what you want.

This means that you should go through images you like, snap and clip photos where you can, or save a folder on your desktop. Have a list of priorities so that you’re ready to discuss them with your contractor.

The First Discussions: Your Contractor

The first step in any major bathroom remodel is to talk to a contractor. If you’re making a major change—something more drastic than adding shelving, replacing a showerhead, or painting the walls—a remodeling contractor will make sure the job is completed properly, safely, and in accordance with local codes.

Most likely, you’re going to need a permit before you start any of the work. (You can find more information about permit requirements in Los Angeles here.) A contractor who knows the ins and outs of permits in your area will be able to see that you follow through with permits and more.

You can get a good idea of costs, timelines, and much more, and you’ll know that there are qualified people on the job from beginning to end. The contractor can order all of the necessary supplies so that the work is organized and less stressful overall.

The First Task: Demolition

When all of the paperwork is in order (which may take some time), it’s time to start the work. And what else could come first aside from tearing the old components of your bathroom apart? In most instances, it will take quite a while before any actual installations can be made.

Demolition may reveal some problems that should be addressed before work proceeds. For example, you may need to address a mold issue behind the old shower tiling, or there might be a plumbing leak.

The First Install: Plumbing, Electrical, and More

Now, finally, it’s time to start installing things. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you’ll see the new bathtub or sink in place right away. Plumbing connections must be made, electrical wiring completed, exhaust fans and more must all be hooked up properly.

As you can see, the beginning steps of a remodel are not exactly glamorous. It will take you a while to see the results you want, but with the right contractor on the job, you can feel confident the completed bathroom remodel will go smoothly.

The licensed and bonded contractors at Advanced Builders & Contractors are here to help with your bathroom remodel in Los Angeles, Ca. Call us today!

5 Active Adult Communities Shaping Up on NewHomeSource.com

By Drew Knight Thinking it’s about time to move on from the typical neighborhood and into one where you’re surrounded by neighbors with similar interests? If you’re nearing that 55+ age, you might want to start considering active adult communities. … Continue reading →

New Home Source Blog - Buying a New Home, Working with a Home Builder, Designing Your Custom Home

Laundry Room Makeover: Reveal!

Laundry Room Makeover: Reveal!

3 Kitchen Remodeling Thoughts for People Who Love Cooking

So you’re remodeling your kitchen and there’s just one thing on your mind: everything you plan to cook when the remodel is finished. If you’re someone who loves to cook, make your kitchen the ultimate place for the home chef with these tips.

#1: Carefully consider the placement of key appliances

The placement of the dishwasher is paramount for anyone who loves to cook. You need to be able to quickly clear things out of the way, and no cook wants to spend any unnecessary time cleaning and running from one side of the kitchen to the other, so carefully consider where you put this.

And then, of course, there’s the position of the oven and range. Today, there are far more options than ever before for your new kitchen. You can have a countertop natural gas range and a separate oven—or, more preferable, two—integrated into the cabinetry. That’s the dream of many home chefs.

#2: Make sure there is plenty of storage

If you love to cook, it means you also love having a lot of things to cook with nearby. Pots, pans, spices, cutting boards, the mixer, your oven mitts—they all need to have their place. Floor-to-ceiling storage is a godsend for any serious cook.

#3: Keep things easy to clean

First, the services in your home should be easy to clean, and your remodeling contractor can recommend some great solutions. Whatever you do, we recommend avoiding tile, as you’ll spend a lot of time wiping up between the grout.

In addition, any cook should have a sink and faucet arrangement that makes cleanup a breeze. Most of the at-home chefs we’ve worked with prefer something roomy, but from there the opinions on what works best differ. Two bowls gives you room to rinse things separately, while a single-bowl sink can be deeper and easier to work in. It’s all a matter of preference.

Call the licensed and bonded contractors at Advanced Builders & Contractors for your next kitchen remodel in Los Angeles, CA.

Arie Abekasis Journeys To Berditchov Festival in Jerusalem...

Arie Abekasis Journeys To Berditchov Festival in Jerusalem Israel - https://youtu.be/OOx5NoxXLVc

Arie Abekasis Journeys To Berditchov Festival in Jerusalem… syndicated from http://www.arieabekasis.com
Arie Abekasis Journeys To Berditchov Festival in Jerusalem… published first on https://noambouzaglou.wordpress.com/

New Year’s Resolutions for the Home

By Patricia L. Garcia It’s a new year and a new you, right? What about your home? It deserves to be at its best and organized this year too! Whether you are moving into a newly built home or it’ll … Continue reading →

New Home Source Blog - Buying a New Home, Working with a Home Builder, Designing Your Custom Home

Organizing My Photography Equipment

I am a compensated 3M-sponsored blogger. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.

Does anyone else ever do this? Just before the holidays arrive, I often start thinking about quick and easy interior organization projects. I know that a lot of people tend to wait until January and the new year to feel the organization bug, but I have found that for me, getting something just a little bit tidier before the Christmas decorating begins serves as the stress-reducing palate cleanser that I desperately need before the house explodes in twinkly lights and glitter (which I hope to soon have a lot of). This is one of them: my new photography equipment stand.

Last year, Mom picked a theme for my Christmas gifts, most of which centered around photography. It’s something I’ve always wanted to improve on (I mean, I take a lot of photos), but in order to get better at this particular hobby, you tend to need a lot of practice — and a lot of stuff. Between tripods, lighting gear, and other equipment, my office has had a pile of all of these in various stages of disarray for the last year. So finally, I decided it was time to give these things a decent home.

I looked for ideas on Pinterest with a few goals in mind:

• Most of my equipment comes with bags for safely traveling around with it. Even though I don’t really travel beyond the house with this equipment much, I liked the idea of keeping all of the equipment together and in their assigned bags for easy transport. This basically meant that I wanted a hanging system rather than a built-in closet organizer, which is most of what I found in my search.
• Given the other DIYs on my plate, getting something that worked but was also quick and easy seemed best.
• I had a number of hooks left over from an over-shipment from a previous project, so if I could make use of this, the less hardware I’d need to buy.

The closest idea that popped up on my radar was the concept of creating a post that normally would hold Christmas stockings like this one. I thought if I modified the concept, made it a little taller, etc., it could be a perfect adaptation to suit my equipment, plus I could then also move it around the house whenever I needed to have all of it accessible nearby.

Materials Needed:

• 2 – 2x4s, cut between 4-6 feet in length, your choice (I went with 6′ so I could have lots of hanging space between each hook)
• wood putty
• sandpaper
• wood glue
• hooks (I used black robe hooks, which served well for hanging straps across both prongs)
• painter’s tape (for delicate surfaces)
• paint and/or stain
• Scotch™ Felt Pads, Rectangle, 4 x 6 inch (sponsor)

1. Create a 4×4

In most of the tutorials I found for this project idea, the plans called for using a 4×4 deck post, which wasn’t going to work for me. The main issue with using it is that decking materials are typically made out of cedar (which is rough and would require a lot of sanding for the smooth look I wanted) or pre-treated (“PT” for short) lumber. Pre-treated lumber is much cheaper, but it’s often still wet from the chemicals it is treated with when you buy it at the store. This means that you have to wait for several weeks or even months for it to dry out before you can paint or stain it. And I didn’t have that kind of time patience. So, I went with an equally inexpensive option: making my own 4×4(-ish, since it’s more like 3×3.5″) post. To do so, I took two whitewood boards and glued them together. Then, I clamped them tight to allow them to dry…

And filled with wood putty, then sanded the whole thing down.

2. Cut base to size

I had some leftover 3/4″ birch plywood from a previous project, so it was an easy choice to square it off and use it as my base. The key is to make sure this base provides enough sturdiness to keep the post from being too top-heavy, so I would say at least 12″ or even 16″ is a good idea (mine is 13″ just because that was the largest piece I had).

3. Add edging to base

Since the edges of the plywood were really rough-looking, I once again used iron-on veneer edging to create a more polished look for the sides. I swear, I have used an iron for projects far more than actually ironing clothes!

4. Paint, stain, seal

I decided I wanted to go with a combination of white paint and stain, with white for edging and trim, and stain for the base and two sides of the post. This color combo nearly exactly matched the bookshelves I also keep in the office, so I liked the way this made the new post tie into the design of the room.

Getting the stain to match wasn’t easy, so I procrastinated a little between these steps and painted the other parts first. I found that a mix of natural, golden mahogany, and a quick wash with some antique walnut was the closest (there’s really no method to any of this; I just mix and test on a scrap piece until I find the color I like). Be sure to use painter’s tape to block off the parts that you’ve already painted (I used one for delicate surfaces since it was newly painted).

5. Add the base to the post

Once everything was dry, I marked off the center of the base and glued/nailed the pieces together. I also cut down some ready-to-install trim that I bought on my last trip to the store on a whim, and I really like the polish it added to the base.

6. Add felt pads to the base

Scotch® Brand sent me a big box of products to try out earlier this year, and one such product was perfect for adding to the bottom of the base.

These 4×6-inch Scotch™ Surface Felt Pads can be cut to size, but I used all four included in the package to cover up the splintery bottom of the plywood and keep this stand from scratching up my floors when/if I move it around the house.

7. Add hooks to the post

I hung two hooks closer to the top, a couple more about two feet lower, and two more about halfway down, alternating between the painted and stained sides of the post.

Then, it was just a matter of hanging everything up and finding it a spot in the office.

Project created by Sarah Fogle of The Ugly Duckling House for Scotch® Surface Protection

The post Organizing My Photography Equipment appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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Organizing My Photography Equipment published first on https://noambouzaglou.wordpress.com/

Organizing My Photography Equipment

I am a compensated 3M-sponsored blogger. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.

Does anyone else ever do this? Just before the holidays arrive, I often start thinking about quick and easy interior organization projects. I know that a lot of people tend to wait until January and the new year to feel the organization bug, but I have found that for me, getting something just a little bit tidier before the Christmas decorating begins serves as the stress-reducing palate cleanser that I desperately need before the house explodes in twinkly lights and glitter (which I hope to soon have a lot of). This is one of them: my new photography equipment stand.

Last year, Mom picked a theme for my Christmas gifts, most of which centered around photography. It’s something I’ve always wanted to improve on (I mean, I take a lot of photos), but in order to get better at this particular hobby, you tend to need a lot of practice — and a lot of stuff. Between tripods, lighting gear, and other equipment, my office has had a pile of all of these in various stages of disarray for the last year. So finally, I decided it was time to give these things a decent home.

I looked for ideas on Pinterest with a few goals in mind:

• Most of my equipment comes with bags for safely traveling around with it. Even though I don’t really travel beyond the house with this equipment much, I liked the idea of keeping all of the equipment together and in their assigned bags for easy transport. This basically meant that I wanted a hanging system rather than a built-in closet organizer, which is most of what I found in my search.
• Given the other DIYs on my plate, getting something that worked but was also quick and easy seemed best.
• I had a number of hooks left over from an over-shipment from a previous project, so if I could make use of this, the less hardware I’d need to buy.

The closest idea that popped up on my radar was the concept of creating a post that normally would hold Christmas stockings like this one. I thought if I modified the concept, made it a little taller, etc., it could be a perfect adaptation to suit my equipment, plus I could then also move it around the house whenever I needed to have all of it accessible nearby.

Materials Needed:

• 2 – 2x4s, cut between 4-6 feet in length, your choice (I went with 6′ so I could have lots of hanging space between each hook)
• wood putty
• sandpaper
• wood glue
• hooks (I used black robe hooks, which served well for hanging straps across both prongs)
• painter’s tape (for delicate surfaces)
• paint and/or stain
• Scotch™ Felt Pads, Rectangle, 4 x 6 inch (sponsor)

1. Create a 4×4

In most of the tutorials I found for this project idea, the plans called for using a 4×4 deck post, which wasn’t going to work for me. The main issue with using it is that decking materials are typically made out of cedar (which is rough and would require a lot of sanding for the smooth look I wanted) or pre-treated (“PT” for short) lumber. Pre-treated lumber is much cheaper, but it’s often still wet from the chemicals it is treated with when you buy it at the store. This means that you have to wait for several weeks or even months for it to dry out before you can paint or stain it. And I didn’t have that kind of time patience. So, I went with an equally inexpensive option: making my own 4×4(-ish, since it’s more like 3×3.5″) post. To do so, I took two whitewood boards and glued them together. Then, I clamped them tight to allow them to dry…

And filled with wood putty, then sanded the whole thing down.

2. Cut base to size

I had some leftover 3/4″ birch plywood from a previous project, so it was an easy choice to square it off and use it as my base. The key is to make sure this base provides enough sturdiness to keep the post from being too top-heavy, so I would say at least 12″ or even 16″ is a good idea (mine is 13″ just because that was the largest piece I had).

3. Add edging to base

Since the edges of the plywood were really rough-looking, I once again used iron-on veneer edging to create a more polished look for the sides. I swear, I have used an iron for projects far more than actually ironing clothes!

4. Paint, stain, seal

I decided I wanted to go with a combination of white paint and stain, with white for edging and trim, and stain for the base and two sides of the post. This color combo nearly exactly matched the bookshelves I also keep in the office, so I liked the way this made the new post tie into the design of the room.

Getting the stain to match wasn’t easy, so I procrastinated a little between these steps and painted the other parts first. I found that a mix of natural, golden mahogany, and a quick wash with some antique walnut was the closest (there’s really no method to any of this; I just mix and test on a scrap piece until I find the color I like). Be sure to use painter’s tape to block off the parts that you’ve already painted (I used one for delicate surfaces since it was newly painted).

5. Add the base to the post

Once everything was dry, I marked off the center of the base and glued/nailed the pieces together. I also cut down some ready-to-install trim that I bought on my last trip to the store on a whim, and I really like the polish it added to the base.

6. Add felt pads to the base

Scotch® Brand sent me a big box of products to try out earlier this year, and one such product was perfect for adding to the bottom of the base.

These 4×6-inch Scotch™ Surface Felt Pads can be cut to size, but I used all four included in the package to cover up the splintery bottom of the plywood and keep this stand from scratching up my floors when/if I move it around the house.

7. Add hooks to the post

I hung two hooks closer to the top, a couple more about two feet lower, and two more about halfway down, alternating between the painted and stained sides of the post.

Then, it was just a matter of hanging everything up and finding it a spot in the office.

Project created by Sarah Fogle of The Ugly Duckling House for Scotch® Surface Protection

The post Organizing My Photography Equipment appeared first on The Ugly Duckling House.

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Classy and Beautiful Luxury Homes In Arizona

Here are some of the most beautiful and luxurious homes situated in one of the most beautiful places in the USA, Arizona! Check out this video which features some of the most expensive luxury homes listed in the Arizona luxury real estate market.

This television show, “AZ Million Dollar Homes,” aired on ABC-15 in the Phoenix market. It takes viewers on a tour of luxury homes over $1 million dollars. This show features the most expensive home currently on the… See it here

In the summer, it gets hot in Arizona. And a luxury home in Arizona would not be complete without a swimming pool. If you’re going to add this feature in a luxury home, you might as well add a beautiful swanky swimming pool to go with it.

7 Luxury Swimming Pools That Have To Be Seen To Be Believed

If you’re going to have a professional that will take care of this feature, you might as well make a big splash. (Pun totally intended.) So, how does one improve on a pool? Well, you could put it on a roof, for starters. Or, you could go really, really over-the-top and… See more at The Huffington Post

Classy and Beautiful Luxury Homes In Arizona is courtesy of Arie Abekasis Blog

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Starting Off 2017 Right

Starting Off 2017 Right

What Homeowners Wish They Knew Before Their Bath Remodel

Our contractors do whatever they can to help homeowners feel prepared for a bathroom remodel. Choosing the wrong materials or neglecting to really spend time thinking through the design can cause some regret, and we think it’s important to have a space you love, the first time around.

We’ve heard a lot of people who try DIY bath remodels say there are many things they wish they had known or been able to do differently. We want to share those with you to help you from making some of the same mistakes.

#1: That It Doesn’t All Have to Go

Sometimes, homeowners decide to make drastic changes to a bathroom’s style or structure, without really realizing how much effort it will take. Updating vintage tile on the shower wall, for example, may prove difficult because layers of concrete underneath mean you have to spend far more time renovating this area.

Leaving some vintage features alone can still add a unique touch to a bathroom. And it may save you a whole lot of time and effort. Consider designing around these features, not in spite of them.

#2: Just How Much the Details Matter

These seemingly small details can make the biggest of differences in the finished product of your bathroom remodel.

• Lighting – The right vanity and overhead lighting, along with separate switches to control them, really makes a difference in your morning routine.
• Toilet Placement – You don’t want the toilet to be the first thing you see when you walk in the room, but you also don’t want it to feel inaccessible.
• Sink Height – It should be high enough that getting ready in the morning does not feel like a chore.

#3: The Importance of Hiring Professionals

Finally, many of our customers in LA tell us they wish they had sought our help sooner. The benefits of hiring an experienced, licensed, and bonded contractor cannot be overstated. They help with everything from the design to obtaining permits to moving the pipes around.

Call Advanced Builders & Contractors to work with licensed and bonded contractors in the Los Angeles area.

Gadget of the Month: FoldiMate Laundry-Folding Machine

By Drew Knight If you could get rid of one household chore in your new home, what would it be? I know what I would choose — folding clothes. And that’s exactly why we picked FoldiMate, an automatic laundry-folding robot, … Continue reading →

New Home Source Blog - Buying a New Home, Working with a Home Builder, Designing Your Custom Home

Diditan Luxury Home Builders Outstanding Five Star Review by...

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Diditan Custom Home Builders Sherman Oaks Excellent Five Star...

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What You Should Explore in Brentwood If You’re in the LA Area

Not to be confused with the city of Brentwood, CA, Brentwood is a neighborhood in the Los Angeles area that has been home to many major events through the years. During the 1932 Summer Olympics, Brentwood hosted some of the pentathlon event. Many celebrities have chosen this beautiful, famed area as home. It was even host to the infamous O.J. Simpson trial of 1994.

Still, anyone can enjoy the beauty and bustling activity Brentwood has to offer, no matter where they call home. If you’re in Los Angeles near the Brentwood area, check out what you can do to keep the family busy and enjoy a day or night out.

Enjoy a Local Tradition

Each year, the coral trees of San Vincente Boulevard are decorated with lights for the holidays. The coral tree median is a protected landmark in the neighborhood and they are worth seeing. Luckily, you can’t miss them!

The rising of the maypole is another longstanding tradition in Brentwood. This occurs every year at the Archer School for Girls, and more information about its mysterious roots is available here.

See the World-Famous Getty Center

One of Brentwood’s claims to fame is Getty Center. One of two locations of the Getty, the Getty Center is home to Van Gogh’s Irises, along with many other famous paintings throughout the 18^th, 19^th, and 20^th centuries. With a huge collection, new exhibits on display seasonally, and beautiful gardens and architecture, you can go back time and time again and never tire of this museum.

Shop, Shop, Shop

As in much of Los Angeles, there is plenty of shopping to do in Brentwood. Stop by the Brentwood Country Mart for the best the neighborhood has to offer. We love shops like the children’s boutique Poppy Store or designer clothing shop Intermix.

Stop for a Bite

Whether you live nearby or are just passing through, there’s always something new to try. Stop in for a bite at Farmshop, acclaimed for its local selection and is also partially a marketplace. Or try Tavern, which serves to everyone from the local to President Barrack Obama!

And when you need remodeling or construction services in Brentwood, call Advanced Builders & Contractors to work with licensed and bonded contractors in the area.