Family Handyman 75th Anniversary One-Sheet Plywood Challenge (#344) Official Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. ENTRANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THEIR OWN MATERIALS, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT, BUT THIS DOES NOT AFFECT ELIGIBILITY OR CHANCES OF WINNING.

Family Handyman 75th Anniversary One-Sheet Plywood Challenge (#344) (the “Contest”) is sponsored by Home Service Publications, Inc. (“Sponsor”), the publisher of Family Handyman and a part of the Trusted Media Brands, Inc. family of brands.

1. Eligibility: This Contest is open to legal U.S. residents residing in one of the 50 United States or District of Columbia, who are at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in the jurisdiction of their residence at the time of entry, whichever is older (“Entrant”). Employees, officers and directors of Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiary companies, judging agents and promotion partners, and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether related or not) of such employees/officers/directors are not eligible to participate. Contest is void where prohibited by law or otherwise regulated.

2. How To Enter:  Beginning on March 16, 2026 at 12:00am Central Time through June 30, 2026 at 11:59pm Central Time (the “Contest Period”), visit https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/plywood-challenge/ and follow the on-screen entry instructions. All entries must include your full name, address, city, state, zip/postal code, telephone number and email address. Entries submitted in geographic areas in which the entry is not permissible will be disqualified. If entries do not contain all necessary information, entrant will be disqualified. Please be certain to follow all directions. There is no limit on the number of entries per Entrant. However, each entry must be original, featuring a different furniture piece. Sponsor is the official timekeeper for this Contest. In the event the Contest is entered via a mobile device, Message and Data charges may apply.

3. Entry Requirements: Entrants must construct a household furniture piece from a single 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood (the “Project”), following all detailed requirements and guidelines provided below. The contest is skill-based, and winners will be selected based on craftsmanship, creativity, and effective use of materials.

Required Entry Materials:

• One or more photos of your completed Project
• At least one photo of you (the builder) with your finished Project
• A cut list showing the dimensions of each component
• A sketch or diagram illustrating how all parts nest within a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood
• Optional: Videos documenting the build process are encouraged but not required.

Project Specifications:

• Materials: Your furniture piece must be constructed from a single 4×8-foot sheet of plywood or MDF in 3/4-inch, 1/2-inch, or 1/4-inch thickness. You may only use one sheet of one thickness — combining materials from multiple sheets is not permitted. If your purchased sheet is slightly oversized from the factory (for example, 48-1/2″ × 96-1/2″), all components must still nest within a standard 48″ × 96″ footprint.
  • Additional building materials are permitted, including glass, mirror, fabric, cushions, upholstery, concrete, cement, metal (pipe, tubing, channel, etc.), or electrical components such as LED strips.
  • The following supplementary materials are allowed: magnets for closures, felt or leather pads for feet or drawer liners, and rope, cord, or webbing used as structural or functional elements (such as woven seats or hanging supports).
• Tools & Machining: Use whatever tools you have available to build and machine your design. CNC technology is welcome.
• Fasteners & Joinery: All fasteners are permitted, including screws, nails, machine screws, and bolts. Specialty furniture hardware, including hinges, drawer slides, shelf supports, and drawer pulls, is also permitted. Dowel, biscuit, and Domino joinery—along with their associated components—may be used. Adhesives, including wood glue, polyurethane glue, CA glue, contact cement, epoxies, and construction adhesive, are all permitted.
• Finishes: Finishing products such as paint, stain, sealers (polyurethane, shellac, etc.), wood filler, edge banding, and caulk are all permitted. Finishing your project is encouraged but not required.
• What to Build: We’re looking for household furniture—think chairs, tables, bookshelves, desks, benches, storage cabinets, and the like. Entries may be functional or purely artistic, though functionality will be considered during judging.

All entries must clearly demonstrate that the furniture piece meets contest guidelines.

Photos should be at least 5 MB in size with a maximum size of 25 MB, and 300 DPI. Videos should have a maximum size of 270 MB. Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes. All Entries must be created by a natural person without the benefit of computer scripts, automated processes or Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) generated or edited images; if there is any question to whether a given computer process qualifies as AI, Sponsor, at its sole and absolute discretion, will decide the Entry’s eligibility. The Entry must meet all specifications set forth by Sponsor in these Rules, including, without limitation, format, and any other specifications. The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any Entry for any reason. The Sponsor is under no obligation to disclose why an Entry has been disqualified other than the Entry was ineligible under these Rules. Entrants also agree that the Sponsor shall have no obligation to post or utilize your Entry, that all such postings, if any, will be in the Sponsor’ sole discretion and that the posting or utilization of an Entry does not guarantee the Entry will be selected as a winner.

All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Each entry must be the original work of entrant and must not infringe the copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity or other rights of any person or entity. Entrant must obtain requisite permission from any person who appears in a submitted video or photo to the grant of rights to Sponsor as set forth in these Official Rules.

4. Grant of Rights: By submitting an entry for this Contest, you grant Sponsor, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and licensees all right, title and interest in the submitted entry, which includes the perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, unlimited, irrevocable right and permission to use, promote, advertise, publish, broadcast, transmit, exhibit, perform and otherwise exploit (collectively, “use”) your video, photos, cut list, diagrams, sketches, and any other materials or information provided (collectively, the “submitted material”) in any and all markets and media, by any and all methods or means, whether now known or hereafter devised, for any purpose whatsoever as Sponsor, its licensees and/or assignees may determine in their sole discretion (the “Licensed Rights”), including without limitation for the purpose of marketing, advertising, and promotion, regardless of your eligibility for the Contest, and the right to use your name, likeness, voice, hometown (e.g., city and state) and biographical information about you in connection therewith. Sponsor reserves the right to edit, modify, add to, translate, reproduce and distribute the submitted material in any medium and in any manner as it deems appropriate, and you irrevocably waive any and all so-called moral rights you may have in the submitted material. This grant of rights is made without limitation upon time, circumstances, location, market, or medium of use, and includes without limitation all uses of the submitted material in all types of content, including but not limited to, the right to use the submitted material in connection with any other program(s), format(s), production(s), commercials, commercial tie-ins, product endorsements, licensing, product merchandising and/or merchandising of any kind, whether or not related to Sponsor, and also includes, without limitation, the right to use the submitted material to publicize, advertise and promote any and all programs, products or services of Sponsor, its affiliates, partners and licensees in any and all media. You also understand and agree that Sponsor may assign or sublicense the Licensed Rights and any and all rights associated therewith (in whole or in part) to any affiliate or any third party in its sole discretion and without providing any further consideration or notice to you. Sponsor may contact you via phone or email regarding your entry, and may request additional photos or videos to verify the entry.

5. Judging: All eligible entries received during the Contest Period will be reviewed and scored by a Sponsor-appointed panel of judges consisting of the Family Handyman editorial team and other judges as may be selected by the Family Handyman editorial team. All eligible entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

• 25% Originality: how original and inventive the submitted piece is across the design concept itself, the execution process, and the approach to plywood as a material.
• 25% Design & Execution: the strength of the design as seen through the submitted images/build video, including the cohesiveness of the overall form, the logic of how pieces were assembled, and how cleanly the final piece was brought together.
• 25% Craftsmanship: the quality and care of the physical construction, including the precision of cuts and joinery, the consistency of the finish, and the overall level of skill demonstrated in the making of the piece.
• 15% Image Quality: how clearly and effectively the submitted photos represent the finished piece, including adequate lighting, sharp focus, and images that capture the design, details, and craftsmanship from meaningful angles.
• 10% Use of Plywood: how thoughtfully the contestant utilized their single sheet. This includes the proportion of material used, how intentionally the plywood’s properties were showcased, and the complexity of techniques employed to work with the material.

The top three (3) scoring entries as determined by the judges will be deemed potential winners. In the event of a tie at any stage of the judging, the highest score in the Design & Execution criterion will break the tie.

6. Winners and Prizes: A total of 3 winners will be selected as follows:

• One (1) First-Place Winner:
  • Cash award of USD $2,500
  • The opportunity to visit the Family Handyman Workshop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to see their winning furniture design built and participate in a photo shoot of the project.
  • The first-place winner will be eligible to receive reimbursement of up to One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars (USD $1,500) for reasonable travel-related and lodging expenses incurred in connection with a visit to the Family Handyman Workshop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the winner only. The winner is solely responsible for arranging and booking their own travel and lodging. All travel dates, visit timing, and related logistics must be coordinated with and approved in advance by Sponsor and are subject to Sponsor’s availability, business needs, and scheduling constraints. Reimbursement is limited to actual, reasonable, and documented expenses for transportation and lodging directly related to the visit, up to a maximum of $1,500 total. The winner must submit valid itemized receipts and other documentation reasonably requested by Sponsor within the timeframe specified by Sponsor. Failure to provide required documentation may result in denial of reimbursement. No reimbursement will be provided for expenses exceeding $1,500. Any costs and expenses not expressly stated as reimbursable herein, including but not limited to meals, ground transportation, incidental expenses, travel insurance, taxes, fees, or personal expenses, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Travel must be completed within one year of the end of the Contest Period or the reimbursement portion of the Prize may be forfeited. Sponsor is not responsible for changes, cancellations, delays, or interruptions related to travel, weather, illness, acts of God, governmental action, or any other cause beyond Sponsor’s control. If the visit is cancelled, delayed, or becomes impracticable for any reason, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, reschedule, substitute, or eliminate the travel portion of the Prize. The Prize is non-transferable and no substitution or cash alternative will be provided except at Sponsor’s sole discretion.
• One (1) Second-Place Winner:
  • Cash award of USD $1,500.
• One (1) Third-Place Winner:
  • Cash award of USD $1,000.

All prizes are not transferable and cannot be substituted or assigned by the winner, unless prohibited by law. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a similar prize of equal or greater value in the event that the stated prize cannot be awarded for any reason. All taxes, if any, are the responsibility of each winner. Sponsor will not be responsible for any loss, liability or damage arising out of the acceptance or use of any prize(s). All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded, assuming a sufficient number of qualifying entries is received and meet the minimum judging criteria. The total approximate retail value of all prizes in this Contest is US $6,500. Prize Limit: One (1) Winner prize per household. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen Prize. No transfer (except to a surviving spouse), or substitution of prize except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Except where prohibited by law, by accepting a prize, each winner consents to the use of his/her/their name, prize won, photograph, likeness, statements, city and state of residence for publicity or advertising purposes in all media worldwide, including but not limited to Sponsor and its affiliates websites and social platforms (“Websites”), without limitation and without further compensation or notice.

7. Notification Process: Winners will be determined by Sponsor, whose decisions are final in all respect, and notified on or about July 10, 2026 by regular mail and/or email. Any winner will be required to execute a Statement of Eligibility, Release and Payment Authorization within 10 days of prize notification attempt or be disqualified and prize may be awarded to an alternate winner. For prizes won valued at USD $600 or more, each winner will be required to provide the Sponsor with a valid Social Security number and complete any required tax forms as a condition of receiving the prize. The Sponsor will issue and file an IRS Form 1099-MISC in the winner’s name for the fair market value of the prize as required by law, and the winner is solely responsible for any applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Return of prize or prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and an alternate may be selected. If a winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded.

8. Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability: By participating in this Contest, each entrant acknowledges that constructing furniture involves inherent risks, including but not limited to the use of hand tools, power tools, sharp implements, heavy materials, wood, metal, fasteners, adhesives, finishes, and other equipment and materials that may cause bodily injury, respiratory irritation, illness, disability, death, property damage, or other loss or harm. Each entrant further acknowledges that all furniture construction activities are self-directed and performed independently by the entrant, subject only to general guidelines provided by the Sponsor, and that the Sponsor does not supervise, direct, or control the manner or method of construction. Each entrant also acknowledges that he or she is solely responsible for supplying and maintaining his or her own tools, equipment, and materials used in connection with the Contest. Each entrant voluntarily assumes all risks, whether known or unknown, associated with participation in the Contest, including risks arising from the selection, condition, and use of personally supplied tools and materials, and accepts full responsibility for such participation and construction activities. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, judges, and agents, and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, successors, and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, damages, or causes of action arising out of or related to participating in the Contest, including, without limitation, claims based on alleged negligence. Each entrant certifies that they are physically and mentally capable of participating safely and agrees to follow all proper safety procedures and applicable laws at all times.

9. Conditions: By entering, participants agree to be bound by these complete Official Rules and Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, accessible at www.tmbi.com/privacy-policy.  Sponsor is not liable for any malfunctions or failures of any telephone network or lines, computer internet system, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer, mobile or any other device and/or its contents related to or resulting from participation or downloading/uploading any materials relating to this Contest, or other technical difficulties or failures or other errors of any kind.  Sponsor reserves the right to terminate or modify the Contest at any time for any reason.  In such a circumstance, all winners will be selected based on entries received to date of termination. Sponsor also reserves the right to modify this Contest in the event an insufficient number of entries are received and/or an insufficient number of entries meet the minimum judging criteria. In the event that two similar entries are received, only the entry judged to best meet criteria as set by Sponsor will be included in the final judging.  Entrants agree to indemnify Sponsor, its affiliated and subsidiary companies from and against any and all claims and liabilities arising out of or in connection with this Contest. In the event of any dispute regarding the identity of an entrant who submitted an online entry, the authorized account holder of the email address used for the entry at the time of entry will be deemed the entrant. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g. business, educational institute) that is responsible for assigning email address for the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any potential winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that such winner is the authorized account holder of the email address associated with the winning entry. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the operation of the website or the entry process.

10. No Recourse to Judicial or Other Procedures/Severability: To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded, and any entrant expressly waives any and all such rights. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction finds the foregoing waiver unenforceable, entrants hereby consent to the jurisdiction and venue residing exclusively within the federal or state courts sitting in New York County in the State of New York and agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. Entrants agree that these Official Rules are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without reference to principles of conflicts of law. If any provision(s) of these Official Rules are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect.

11. Winners’ List/Consumer Information: If you do not want to receive future sweepstakes or skill contest postal mailings from Sponsor, specify your request and write to: Family Handyman 75th Anniversary One-Sheet Plywood Furniture Contest (#344) Mailing List, P.O. Box 5089, Tipton, Iowa 52772-0529. To receive a list of winners, write to Family Handyman 75th Anniversary One-Sheet Plywood Furniture Contest (#344) Winner List, P.O. Box 5089, Tipton, Iowa 52772-0529. Winners’ list request must be received within one year of the end of the Contest Period.

12. Sponsor: Home Service Publications, Inc., 485 Lexington Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10017

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This Smart Thermostat Connects to Ring and Lets You Monitor Air and Energy

Still relying on a basic thermostat? It’s probably time for an upgrade. Smart thermostats do more than keep your home comfortable. They make things more convenient, precise and energy-efficient, too. Adjust the temperature of your house from your phone? Check. Get alerts before your HVAC fails? Check. Cut your energy bills without even thinking about it? Double check.

And if you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to upgrade, Honeywell just made the decision even easier. Their new smart thermostat connects with Ring so you can see and chat with visitors, features a sleek touchscreen, offers advanced indoor air quality controls and works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home.

Ready to step into the future of smart thermostats? Here’s what makes the Honeywell X8S the first of its kind.

Via Merchant

Product Launch

Honeywell X8S Smart Thermostat

A new smart thermostat that connects to your Ring doorbell

Shop on Home Depot

$219.99 at Lowe's

Shop on Amazon

What is the Honeywell X8S Smart Thermostat?

The Honeywell X8S Smart Thermostat isn’t your average smart thermostat. It pairs a customizable five-inch touchscreen with advanced indoor air quality control and video doorbell compatibility, so you can chat with visitors from your Ring or First Alert doorbell right from the thermostat.

See live video, track indoor humidity and air quality, check the five-day weather forecast and even peek at outside temperatures. When it’s idle, you can jazz it up with fun themes and color combos that match your style.

Hardwired (C-Wire required) and Energy Star certified, the X8S also keeps an eye on your energy usage with smart features and monthly breakdowns, helping you save on heating and cooling without lifting a finger.

How It Works

The Honeywell X8S puts control in your pocket. Using the First Alert app, you can adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere, anytime.

It keeps tabs on indoor air quality too, monitoring humidity, VOCs and estimated carbon dioxide levels, so you always know when to tweak ventilation for a healthier home. It also keeps an eye on your HVAC system, sending alerts if something seems off. That way, you catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

Pair it with Honeywell’s Smart Room Sensors, and the X8S can reduce hot and cold spots while learning how long your systems take to hit the perfect temperature. Then it adjusts automatically, saving energy even when you’re not home.

Available in black or white, the X8S works with a wide range of HVAC setups, supports dual-band Wi-Fi, and comes with a wall-mount plate for easy installation. Smart home integration lets you control it with your voice, making it truly effortless.

Where to Buy

VIA MERCHANT

Product Launch

Honeywell X8S Smart Thermostat

This thermostat has a five-inch touchscreen display and smart home capabilities

Shop on Home Depot

$219.99 at Lowe's

Shop on Amazon

Grab the Honeywell X8S Smart Thermostat for $219 at The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Amazon. Home comfort has never been so smart and effortless.

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10 Pro-Approved Tiling Tools Every DIYer Should Own

Wet Saw

For pros, a wet saw is essential to cut tiles to size. Small models range from $100 to $500. If you’re installing larger tile, those models can run $1,000 or more. “I used a DeWalt wet saw, which consistently delivered clean, accurate cuts on porcelain and large-format tile,” says Bezruchuk. “It’s an investment, but precision and reliability save time and material.”

Safety tip: Always wear ear and eye protection while cutting, and if you are cutting larger tile, you’ll need a second pair of hands. “You also will need a stand for the saw,” says master tiler Jeff Thacker. “And watch a video about how to use the saw, to help you do the job right and to learn how to use it safely.”

Manual Tile Cutter

A manual tile cutter is often enough to get the job done. Bezruchuk recommends Rubi models, which he has found to be durable and widely available. “It is one of the most useful tools on a tile job,” he says. “It’s fast, accurate, and ideal for straight cuts without the mess of a wet saw.” Rubi manual tile cutters start at around $120 and go up to around $500.

Angle Grinder and Turbo Diamond Blade

On smaller projects, you can often just cut the tiles with a turbo diamond blade on an angle grinder. “It’s affordable, versatile and works well for notch and specialty cuts,” says Bezruchuk. “Get a variable speed grinder to be able to polish tile without burning it.”

Add a polishing pad to your angle grinder to smooth cuts and finish exposed tile edges. Bezruchuk recommends 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1200 grit pads. “For dry polishing, Diamax Diaflex pads work especially well and are great for touch-ups and edge finishing,” he says. Safety tip: Always use eye and ear protection with grinders.

Trowels (Various Sizes)

Trowels are essential for spreading mortar and mastic, which are the adhesives used to set the tiles. “Trowels have notches on them that you can use to get the right amount of adhesive, whether you want 1/8″ thickness or ¼” or ½”,” says Thacker. “It’s important to use the same amount of adhesive every time so that your tiles are level.” Expect to spend around $25 to $30.

Angle Finder and Rafter Square

Angle finders help you measure the tile space at odd angles, so you can mark precise measurements before cutting. Rafter squares (aka fast squares) also help you check angles to make sure they are perfect. “You’ll use a rafter square more often than an angle finder because it’s easier to use and helps with more common angles, like 45 degrees,” says Thacker. Rafter squares cost $15 to $30 and angle finders around $30.

Tape Measure

A simple, yet essential tool for tile, a tape measure helps you calculate how many tile rows and tiles you’ll need for the space (don’t forget to take grout lines into account). “This can help you to prevent installing most of the tile and then ending up with a tiny space leftover where you can’t fit any tile,” says Thacker. A quality tape measure runs $25 to $50, depending on the length.

Levels

A level is a must for floors, to ensure they’re flat before you start laying tile, plus to keep your tiles flat as you lay them. “You’ll want to continuously use the level as you work, or you’ll end up with an unlevel floor that is already adhered to the sub floor,” says Thacker. “Then you either have to live with it, or tear it out and start over.”

Bezruchuk recommends an assortment of level sizes, including short (around 2 feet), 48-inch and 5-foot. He also recommends a laser level. “It isn’t mandatory, but it makes layout work faster and more accurate, especially on walls, showers and large-format tile,” he says.

Mortar and Grout Paddle

A mortar and grout paddle (aka mixer) is necessary for properly mixing thinset and grout. It fits into a drill, which is another handy tool to have. “You just have to ensure that you get one that fits your drill, through they are usually universal.”

Bezruchuk recommends a basic mixer from Harbor Freight. “You don’t need an expensive one if it does the job consistently,” he says. Expect to spend about $15.

Grout Float

A grout float is what you’ll use to grout the space after the tile is in. “It’s easy to use as long as your grout is the right consistency, which should be like peanut butter,” says Thacker.

¨Bezruchuk recommends a lightweight-style grout float, especially when grouting all day. “A lighter float reduces hand and wrist fatigue and makes detailed work easier, particularly around toe kicks and corners,” he says. Expect to spend around $10 to $12.

Other Accessories

“Knee pads are non-negotiable, even for small tile jobs,” says Bezruchuk. “Tile work is hard on your knees, and skipping protection isn’t worth it.”

Bezruchuk also recommends a simple grouting sponge for small projects and touch-ups. “You don’t need anything fancy, just a good-quality sponge that rinses cleanly and holds its shape,” he says. “For DIY work especially, a basic sponge makes it much easier to clean joints evenly without pulling grout out.”

FAQ

Do you need professional tools to tile?

Not necessarily, but it helps to buy reliable brands that can deliver accuracy. “A decent cutter, proper levels and good prep work will make more difference than expensive extras,” says Bezruchuk. “Professionals benefit from higher-end tools because of speed and durability, but DIYers can still achieve solid results with simpler setups if they take their time.”

About the Experts

• Jeff Thacker is a master tiler, remodeler and handyman with more than 28 years of experience. He also owns Jeff Thacker Master Tiler LLC in Ohio.
• Andy Bezruchuk worked full-time as a tile installer for years before expanding his business into general contracting, including turnkey remodels for kitchens, bathrooms and homes. His company is Bezruchuk Inc., based in Puyallup, Washington.

RELATED:

• • 7 Signs You’re Over-Decorating
  • 18 Cheap Decor Ideas That Look Expensive
  • 14 Traditional-Style Home Decor Ideas That are Still Cool

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Tried and True Tips For Keeping Your Grout Looking New

Seal regularly

Grout sealer blocks the tiny microscopic pores in cement-based grout, preventing dirt from penetrating deep into its surface. It makes grout more stain-resistant, helping it stay looking good. “Seal grout if you want it to stay fresh and more durable longer,” Podeyko says. “Sealed grout is also easier to clean and can tolerate more aggressive scrubbing and steam cleaning.” Sanded and unsanded cement-based grouts should be sealed a few days after initial installation and once a year.

Use neutral-pH grout cleaning products

When cleaning grout, always use low or neutral-pH cleaning agents like grout-specific cleaners, degreasers, dish soap or hydrogen peroxide. “A pH-neutral grout cleaner cleans effectively without breaking down the grout, which helps it stay cleaner longer,” Gelfusa says.

While it might be tempting to use bleach, resist the urge. “These products slowly dissolve the surface, creating microscopic pits that collect grime even faster,” Gelfusa says. Bleach also strips away protective sealers.

Dry tub and shower areas after use

To keep grout looking clean in the shower, keep standing water to a minimum. Squeegee tile walls after each shower and use a towel to wipe down ledges and shower floors, Rivera says. Water left to dry on its own encourages mold or mildew growth that discolors grout. This can show up as black, green or pink stains. Evaporated water can also leave behind mineral-based hard water stains that leave grout looking faded or yellow.

Sweep and vacuum regularly

Rivera recommends regularly vacuuming and sweeping tile floors to prevent dirt and debris from settling into porous grout lines. This practice not only helps maintain clean grout longer but also reduces the frequency of deep cleanings. The less dirt left on the grout, the cleaner it will stay. Sweeping or vacuuming before mopping is especially important to prevent pushing loose dirt deeper into the grout.

Consider a no-shoe policy

Outside shoes worn indoors account for at least a third of the dirt found in your home. If you have tile floors, this practice translates to dirtier grout that needs to be cleaned more frequently. Dirty shoes grind dirt deep into grout pores, making those cleanings more labor-intensive as well. To keep grout looking good as long as possible between cleanings, consider implementing a no-shoe policy in your home.

Regular grout cleaning schedule

Doing small maintenance tasks can extend the time between deep cleanings. Wipe down food splatters on tile backsplashes after cooking and quickly clean up any spills on tile floors, especially liquids that can stain, like coffee or wine. For spills, blotting works better than wiping, which drives stains deeper into grout pores. Include grout in your regular deep cleaning schedule to prevent dirt buildup and permanent stains. Consistent cleaning takes less time and effort than letting dirt accumulate over time.

Choose grout colors carefully

When choosing grout colors, opt for a mid-tone gray or brown grout, especially in high-traffic areas. While you may love bright white grout, it will be a lot of work to keep it looking clean, especially on floors. On the other end of the spectrum, black grout will hide dirt but will highlight any soap scum or hard water deposits in the shower and tub areas. And remember when choosing grout that it dries much lighter than it is applied, and color swatches typically represent a darker color than the actual product.

FAQ

Can steam cleaners damage grout?

Using steam cleaners to clean grout is generally safe, but they can damage unsealed grout.

What should I do if my grout is permanently stained?

Apply grout coloring products to stained grout or remove it and regrout the area.

ABOUT THE EXPERTS

• Mariya Podeyko is a deep cleaning specialist and the owner of :AM Cleaning in Alberta, Canada.
• Marisol Rivera is a cleaning expert and professional organizer with Sparkly Maid Austin in Texas.
• John Gelfusa is the president and CEO of HomeWorks, a Michigan-based remodeling company.

RELATED:

• The Real Reason Aluminum Foil Has a Shiny Side and a Dull Side
• Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong
• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling

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This Smart Smoke Detector Works with Ring and Sends Alerts to Your Phone

If you’ve ever walked in the door to smoke alarms wailing, you know the instant adrenaline rush: What’s burning? How long has that been going off? Is everyone okay? Your brain goes from zero to emergency mode in about half a second.

Good news: that scramble might soon be a thing of the past. Kidde and Ring just teamed up on a new smart smoke alarm that sends alerts straight to your phone through the Ring app the moment smoke is detected, even if you’re miles away.

In other words, you can bring pro-level fire protection into your Ring ecosystem (yes, the same one as that smart doorbell on your porch). Here’s what we know about the new device, and why we’re pretty excited about it.

VIA MERCHANT

Product Launch

Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

This smart smoke alarm pairs with Ring to deliver real-time notifications when smoke is detected.

Shop on Ring

Shop on Amazon

What is the Kidde x Ring Smoke Detector?

Ring and Kidde joined forces to launch a smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm built for faster detection and real-time alerts. If smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, you’ll get a notification straight to the Ring app whether you’re home or away. The alarm will also let you know when batteries are running low. And the best part? Those alerts don’t require a subscription (though you can add optional 24/7 professional smoke and CO monitoring if you like).

The new alarm comes in both battery-powered (no wiring required) and hardwired options, so you can choose what works best for your home. If you go the hardwired route, installing just one Kidde smart alarm can bring smart alerts to other compatible Kidde alarms in your home, too.

With advanced sensing technology, the Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm delivers up to 25 percent faster detection and three times more precise sensing than the average smoke alarm, helping give families more time to react and get to safety.

How It Works

The new Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm works like a traditional smoke detector but with a smart-home upgrade. When smoke or CO is detected, you’ll get a real-time alert in the Ring app telling you exactly when and where the alarm is going off.

If smoke or CO is detected, the alarm issues a clear voice alert announcing “fire” to warn you of danger. Kidde’s early, low-level CO detection is designed to help protect kids and pets who often feel the effects of carbon monoxide first.

Smart sensing also helps cut down on false alarms from everyday things like cooking, keeping the device reliable when it matters most. The alarm features a clean, streamlined design and an easy installation process.

Set up the Kidde Wired Smart Smoke Alarm in the Ring app, and you can also connect Ring cameras for instant visibility if an alarm goes off. One smart alarm can even extend alerts to your existing compatible Kidde hardwired detectors, so you’ll still receive real-time notifications if they detect smoke or CO. You’ll also receive notifications when batteries are running low, so you’re never caught off guard.

For added peace of mind, Ring offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring for $5 a month. Agents can call to confirm an emergency and request fire department dispatch if needed—but a subscription isn’t required to use the alarm or receive alerts.

Where to Buy

VIA MERCHANT

Product Launch

Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Make the most of your Ring app with this compatible smart smoke detector that delivers real-time alerts to your phone.

Shop on Ring

Shop on Amazon

You can purchase the new Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm on Amazon or directly from Ring. It’s available in both battery-powered and hardwired versions, with options that include carbon monoxide detection or smoke-only. Prices range from $50 to $75.

Designed to be a simple upgrade that brings faster alerts, smarter protection and a little more peace of mind to your home—exactly the kind of problem smart home tech should be solving.

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How To Get Dog Hair Out of a Car and Reclaim Your Ride

Go over everything with a vacuum

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, grab your trusty shop vacuum. No need to use any attachments, you just want to remove the easy, non-embedded stuff: dirt, debris, and any loose dog hair on the seats and carpets. Pay attention to the seat cracks and corners, as this is where hair and dirt build up.

Neutralize the static

If you feel like the dog hair is glued to the seats and carpet, static electricity is the culprit. Here is how to neutralize the static electricity:

• Fill a clean spray bottle with water.
• Set the spray nozzle to the widest spray pattern available to mist the seats and carpet.

Applying a bit of moisture neutralizes the static charge and releases the hair from the fabric. This makes it easier to scrape it with a pet hair removal tool. Don’t soak the seats, just mist them.

Scrape the area

Using a rubber-toothed pet hair removal tool, start agitating the seat fabric and carpet to pull the dog hair from the weave — this step requires some patience and elbow grease, and it works best when pulling the tool toward you. Work in sections, cleaning the tool between each, and piling the hair into a spot or line across the floor or seat for easy vacuuming later. If your tool has different-sized rubber teeth, start with the largest and work your way to the smallest.

Second vacuuming

Just like the first round of vacuuming, no attachments. You are cleaning up the clumps of hair you piled up and vacuuming the seats and carpet to get rid of any dirt or debris you scraped up.

Finishing touches

Use a lint roller to pick up any hair that may have fallen back onto the seat or carpet. Run a fan in the car, or air it out with the windows down, to dry any residual moisture from misting your seats during the static neutralizing step.

FAQ

What is the best dog hair remover for cars?

There are many different styles of pet hair removal tools, and many work for different applications. I find that rubber scrappers work best for most applications. To find the best tool for you, buy and test different options and see what works best for picking up your pet’s hair.

How can I minimize the amount of dog hair in my car?

You can minimize the amount of dog hair by using car seat covers and grooming your dog regularly. Although you will need to clean the seat covers, the amount of hair underneath the covers will be minimal.

What kind of vacuums do professional car detailers use?

Typically, professional car detailers use a combination of a powerful and durable shop vac with a specialty vacuum for car detailing, such as those offered by MetroVac.

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What the Color of a Fire Hydrant Actually Tells Firefighters

Most people, if you asked them to imagine a fire hydrant, probably picture a red or yellow structure at the edge of a curb. It feels standard. However, it turns out the color of a fire hydrant varies considerably, and often carries specific meanings that firefighters rely on.

So, why multiple colors? It’s all about varied water flow and emergency response. We’ll explain what fire hydrant colors mean and why they matter.

Why Fire Hydrant Color Matters

It should come as no surprise that fire hydrants are crucial to fire crews’ jobs. And a quick look at one can tell a firefighter a lot of information about the unit they’re working with, as crews are trained to quickly assess during an emergency.

Many municipalities across the United States follow the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association, which publishes guidance through NFPA 291 to help crews identify water-flow capacity at a glance.

Most hydrants leave the factory painted chrome yellow for visibility; however, departments often add distinct colors to the caps or tops. Those added colors communicate performance details. Hence why you might see a fire hydrant in your neighborhood that isn’t a traditional color. And why graffiti or street art on a fire hydrant is more serious than many realize.

NFPA encourages fire departments to distinguish between private and public hydrants. In fact, many jurisdictions paint private hydrants red so firefighters can identify ownership and maintenance responsibility, while public hydrants more commonly appear chrome yellow with color-coded caps.

Of course, this is not a set practice across all departments nationally. Many cities have their own colors either for aesthetic, branding, or coding reasons. State and local governments set their own requirements as NFPA 291 functions as guidance rather than law.

This is why, city to city and even neighborhood to neighborhood, you might see different-colored hydrants.

Different Hydrant Color and Marking Meanings

According to NFPA:

• Red generally marks a hydrant that delivers fewer than 500 gallons per minute.
• Orange typically identifies a hydrant rated between 500 and 999 gallons per minute.
• Green often designates 1,000 to 1,499 gallons per minute.
• Blue usually indicates 1,500 gallons per minute or more.

This isn’t the case for all hydrants, which, as previously discussed, can vary from municipality to municipality. However, these ranges are common for many locations.

How much of the hydrant is painted isn’t standard either. A hydrant’s top or “nozzle cap” color often indicates how much water it can deliver. However, some communities paint the entire hydrant body.

The color coding isn’t primarily for aesthetic purposes. Local fire crews will know exactly what they’re dealing with and whether they should be looking at the entire body or just a portion.

Also, color is only one part of a fire hydrant’s messaging. In fact, there are other markings that can provide more details to fire crews. In some areas, hydrants may display stenciled information on the top alerting low pressure ratings. Crews also look for reflective paint that improves nighttime visibility. Also, if you’ve ever seen a bag over a hydrant, it’s likely a sign there’s a defect, or it’s out of service and that crews shouldn’t use it.

These visual systems reduce guesswork so that when firefighters arrive on scene, they can quickly assess all important information at their disposal.

While many of these color codes were initiated in pre-digital times, digital tools now store detailed hydrant data that crews can access on mobile devices or be alerted to before arriving at the scene. These visual codes remain important because technology can fail, smoke can limit visibility, and emergencies often require rapid decision-making.

Noticing those colors adds a new layer of awareness to everyday surroundings. What once looked like a simple fixture on the curb carries a functional code that firefighters read instantly.

Sources

• National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 291 Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants
• American Water Works Association, Fire Hydrants Overview and Testing Practices

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