Cut the wood for the base (A), sides (B), top cap (C), front and back top faces (D)andpot supports (E). All the components are straightforward, square cuts on the miter saw,exceptthe front and back top faces (D)that havea miter cut on each end.
Weve tested a range of coolers, comparing the classic Yeti Roadie vs the Oyster Tempo and rounding up our all-time best coolers for camping. Now, weve tested the newest lightweight, soft cooler from BruMate, one of our favorite cooler brands.
To cut to the chase, we love that the new BruMate MagPack Soft Cooler is made for easy carrying and travel. You can pack it in the backseat of your car or sling it over your shoulder for cold refreshments wherever, whenever. Above all, we love its second-to-none ice retention abilities. This sleek, portable cooler will be your favorite cooling accessory for sporting events, springtime picnics and day trips.
Made for on-the-go adventures, the new MagPack Soft Cooler from BruMate is lightweight, durable, leakproof and insulated to keep things cold for days. It has a magnetic lid to seal in the cold instead of a cumbersome zipper top, and its soft outer shell is waterproof and punctureproof. This small but mighty cooler keeps things cold for24 hours and sometimes longer.
Each cooler has straps and handles for easy carrying and waterproof pockets for storing a few essential items when needed. The tough insulated lining is antimicrobial, so your drinks stay cold and fresh (free of mold and mildew).
The BruMate MagPack Cooler comes in three sizes and four colorways. Keep reading for all the specs and features.
VIA MERCHANTA sleek, ultra-portable soft cooler with maximum ice retention
The BruMate MagPack comes in three sizes: 12-can, 18-can and 24-can. The two smaller sizes have shoulder straps, while the largest size is designed as a backpack. Each size is available in four contemporary colors: graphite, lilac, sage and nightfall blue. The largest weighs under eight pounds, and the smallest weighs six pounds.
We tested the smallest cooler in lilac. The interior of the 12-can cooler is 8-1/2 inches tall, 11 inches wide and 6-1/4 inches long. Outside, the mini cooler is 13-1/2 inches wide, 9 inches long and 11-1/2 inches tall.
The smallest 12-can cooler fits most of my daily needs. It can fit, as it says, 12 standard 12-ounce cans with ice, 8 pounds of ice only or two bottles of wine and liquor plus ice. Itll hold multiple drinks and a large meal for a long workday or overnight shift.
I tested the BruMate MagPack for several months before writing this review. Off the bat, I noticed the cooler is beautiful. It looks and feels like its made of quality materials and performs like it, too. Its incredibly durable, easy to carry and well-insulated (cold cans alone will keep their temperature, even without ice). I love the lilac and sage colorsthe lilac is even prettier in person than online.
I used the cooler to carry evening drinks to gatherings with friends, my partner used it to pack his lunch for the workday, and as a new mom, I even used it to carry milk for the baby when we had to spend whole and half days going to appointments. Its excellent because its lightweight and keeps things dependably cold. Should there be a spill, it will be contained within the coolers leakproof seal. Plus, the inside is made of hard, BPA-free plastic, and the soft interior lining is easy to wipe clean.
Regarding storage space, I found that you can fit 12 cans snuggly with ice packs by lining four cans along the bottom and stacking two more rows of cans on top. Taller cans (larger than 12 ounces) must be turned the other way, but they fit in the smallest MagPack cooler. Standard wine bottles also fit; I could pack three in the smallest cooler. However, taller wine bottles do not fit in the 12-can cooler.
When keeping things cold, I prefer coolers with ice packs instead of real, meltable ice. With quality ice packs, I found the cooler keeps items cold all day long. With enough ice packs, packed items stayed cold overnight and well into the following day. To be safe, after 24-36 hours (depending on the coolers internal and external environments), I recommend repacking this cooler if what youre carrying needs to be preserved at freezing temperatures.
To put this coolers ice retention into perspective, most soft coolers cant last two days before their inner contents become lukewarm or soggy. With this cooler, drinks remained cold past the 48-hour mark. It has a similar ice retention rate to Yetis Hopper.
I only found two issues with the cooler while I was using it. For a cooler of this quality and price, I would expect it to come with its reusable ice packs. However, BruMate sells its signature Black Ice separately, but I did not have those to test the cooler. To get the most out of your BruMate cooler, Id recommend buying the brands reusable ice packs. However, they do come at a relatively high price.
The second issue I had with the cooler is minor. I found that the lid handle isnt easy to open. It latches well (you can hear it clicking into place when sealed shut). Sometimes, however, it takes me a few squeezes to get the lid to unlatch and open. Again, this is minor and only delays opening by a few seconds, but as a parent to a newborn, those few seconds can be crucial, so I think its worth mentioning.
We recommend the BruMate MagPack if youre shopping for a soft cooler with the best ice retention. It is expensive and can be tricky to open, but it also holds ice just as long (if not longer) than competitor brands like Yeti. Its also incredibly durable. The MagPack survived many drops and throws into the backseat of the car during testing without a scratch or dent. If you want the best soft cooler to keep things cold, this one is it.
VIA MERCHANTA soft cooler with maximum cooling powers made for on-the-go adventures
You can shop the BruMate MagPack Soft Cooler directly from BruMate and on Amazon. The 12-can cooler retails for $200, the 18-can for $250 and the 24-can for $275. FYI: BruMate frequently runs sales and deals, and you can score 10% off your first order by signing up for emails. Snag one now in time for Mothers Day!
Flagstone comes in various colors, and the hues in the stone depend upon the area of the country where it was quarried. This fire pit from @cascapes_landworks was made with Mahogany Blue Brown flagstone that has a gorgeous combination of blues, grays and browns on each piece.
What We Like About It: The perfect layout of stones. “I use three-way joints, meaning no more than three stones are fit together,” says Taube. “This forms consistently irregular series of Y’s and T’s in the joinery pattern. That visual repetition is very important for looks, but it’s also easier to level.”
Most of my homes out west have included a large outdoor living space in the backyard perfect for barbecues, fire pits and social gatherings. But when I moved to Florida, where mosquitoes and rainstorms are prevalent, I soon came to appreciate the perks of fresh air combined with greater weather and pest protection.
If you’re trying to decide whether to build a porch vs. a patio, here’s how to figure out which is right for your home.
By definition, porches are architectural structures connected directly to a home and accessible through a door. They are almost always covered by a roof and often located at the front of the house, with stairs leading down to ground level. Sometimes, they are also enclosed with screens or windows.
“Most have wood floors, though concrete floors are not unheard of,” says Rafi Friedman, the president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. “These can be anything from a small shelter over your door all the way up to large outdoor living spaces that wrap around your home.”
The cost of building a porch varies depending on the location, size, intricacy of features and how it attaches to your house. But nationwide, the average 200-square-foot porch runs around $14,500, according to Angi’s statistics.
“For a small porch under 100 square feet, without many features, it can cost about $4,500,” says Angie Hicks, cofounder of Angi. “For a larger 600-square-foot wraparound porch with features like lighting, heaters, fans and other elements it could cost up to $90,000.”
“A porch is a great way to expand the space of your home,” says Hicks. “It can provide a relaxing, sheltered outdoor space that can be great for sitting out and enjoying a cup of coffee, even in the rain.”
Other benefits of porches include:
“Porches are ideal for small, intimate gatherings and sitting quietly to watch the world go by,” says Friedman.
“Perhaps the most expensive part of building a porch is extending the roof out to cover it,” says Friedman. “This requires modifications to your home and specialized contractors to make sure the work is done correctly.”
Other cons of porches include:
“With a porch, it’s important to understand its limitations,” says Hicks. “Many people might add a porch thinking it can provide more entertaining space, but it is generally a smaller space that can’t accommodate larger groups, so is a bit more difficult for entertaining.”
Different from a porch, a patio is a freestanding structure built next to your home, such as a concrete pad. They are often located in the backyard and are simpler than porches, with minimal railing, covering and other structures.
“They can be made of pavers, flagstones or gravel, but concrete is by far the most common material choice,” says Friedman. “They’re large, open, flexible spaces that are good for everything from lounging, dining and grilling to quiet nights around the fire and a play space for kids.”
Again, it varies according to size, materials, complexity, and whether you need to remove an existing patio or deck. However, the average price is around $4,000, according to Angi’s statistics.
“A good cost estimate for patios is around $15 to $25 per square foot, including labor and materials,” says Friedman. “So a 400-square-foot patio would cost around $8,000.”
“Patios are a great way to entertain large groups of guests,” says Hicks. “They’re great places to set up tables and chairs, a movie projector or anything else you might dream up.”
Other benefits of patios include:
“You’ll also need to do more accessorizing of your patio,” says Friedman. “Furniture, umbrellas, fire pits and grills can quickly add to the cost of your project.”
Choosing between a porch vs. patio all comes down to what you want to do with the space. If you want a more intimate place to get fresh air that’s protected from bugs and weather, a porch is your go-to solution. But if want to entertain larger groups of people, or your budget is smaller, then a patio is the better option.
“The thing that differentiates patios the most is the material used to build them,” says Hicks. The most common patio materials include:
Angie Hicks is cofounder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), where she also works as the Chief Customer Officer. Through her roles there, she’s helped guide people through home maintenance decisions for more than 25 years.
Rafi Friedman is president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his team have a collective 100 years of experience building backyard living spaces, including more than 100 pools annually.
VIA MERCHANTPros:
Cons:
Along with being recommended by every appliance expert we spoke to, Bosch was also the top brand in a Consumer Reports survey of more than 75,000 people, according to consumer trends analyst Nguyen Huy.
“Bosch emerged as a leader, earning top marks for predicted reliability over five years,” Huy says. “This aligns with Bosch’s reputation for quality engineering and thoughtful design.”
Drew Hamblan has used several appliance brands in new builds and renovations and says Bosch offers the best value due to their reliability.
“Bosch models, particularly those in the 800 Series, provide an excellent user experience with features like quiet operation, energy efficiency and advanced drying technologies that employ Zeolith (a chemical compound) for perfect, spotless results,” Hamblan says. “These dishwashers are designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen design, from traditional to modern, without being a distraction.”
The Bosch 800 series is a 24-inch dishwasher available with a pocket or bar handle, comes with a third rack for utensils and has five wash cycle settings. Here’s how to get the most out of your dishwasher.
Even the pros use graph paper to lay out the ceiling grid for each room. It helps not only with your materials list but also with getting equal-sized panels at each side of the room. Include items like light fixtures and heat registers. The room should be bisected at the center by either a main tee or a centered row of ceiling tiles. Wades tip on ordering materials: order by even numbers. If a room is 9 x 11 ft., order enough for a 10 x 12-ft. room.
This gorgeous patio extension by @jstreeservicetx involved a bigger patio and a roof extension, creating a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The planked ceiling and columns and made of sustainable cedar; and is big enough to house a sitting area and outdoor kitchen.
What We Like About It: The covered design and sustainable materials promote a cozy gathering space while letting in loads of natural light and preserving the connection to nature.
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Transform a blank wall into an indoor herb garden like @ht_creative with wall-mounted rails and containers. Make sure the wall gets plenty of sunlight before installing your garden. What’s great about this herb garden is how it’s completely customizable. If you want a larger garden, keep stacking on more rails the plants can be rearranged on the rails as needed.
What we like: “I love creating wall gardens and vertical growing setups as space-saving solutions,” says Eichhorn.
VIA MERCHANTPros:
Cons:
The EGO 24″ XP cordless snow blower is my new bestie for snow blowing. As a long-time fan of powerful, gasoline-powered snow blowers, Ive been constantly amazed by the power produced by battery-powered machinesparticularly snow blowers that require an enormous amount of power. The Ego delivers the kind of power found in a gasoline-powered snow blower.
This machine comes with a variety of batteries but two 56v, 10Ah are standard. A rapid charger gets you quickly to your task. Variable speed forward and reverse are accessed from the handle. Headlights on the deck and handle allow you to see what you’re doing and allow you to be seen.
To hear more, check out my full review of the EGO 24″ XP here.
Every spring, an annual ritual is re-enacted in garages and sheds all across America: the opening of old paint cans. You may have lived through this before gingerly pulling the top off an old paint can and peering inside, hoping it’s still usable. These days, it’s often accompanied by frantic internet searches for “Can paint freeze?”
But we’ve got you covered! Here’s the lowdown on whether paint freezes, what kinds of paint are most vulnerable to freezing, and how to deal with frozen paint.
The short answer is yes. The more nuanced answer is that it depends on the paint, and how cold it gets inside your garage.
Home paints can generally be divided into latex or oil-based paints. Latex paints contain water, while oil paints contain an alkyd resin and a petroleum product, such as naphtha. These two types of paint react very differently to cold weather.
“For the most part DIYers only really need to worry about water-based paint freezing,” says Brandon Walker, Superintendent with ASAP Restoration. “Oil-based paint will freeze, but only in extreme conditions like the Alaskan tundra during winter.”
Water-based paints freeze at or below 32F. The specific temperature at which a given paint will freeze will depend on the ingredients of the paint. A water-based paint’s blend of ingredients can lower its freezing point in the same way salt lowers water’s freezing point. It’s not a dramatic change, but it can give you a little leeway in a mild cold snap.
Oil-based paint is extremely unlikely to freeze in your garage. Unlike oil-based craft paint (which often uses a linseed oil base, and freezes around -4F), oil-based house paints can withstand almost any recorded temperature in the continental US.
In almost all cases, yes, paint does get ruined if it freezes.
“All paint will be denatured if it freezes,” says Walker. “When water-based paint freezes it ruins the texture and consistency of the paint. This means that even when it thaws out again, it won’t work the way it did before the freeze occurred. It’s a lot like freezing milk when it thaws out, you have milky water, and a lot of clumps that don’t look right. Paint will do the same thing.”
Making things worse is that the paint will likely go through many freeze/thaw cycles over the course of a winter. The best way to deal with frozen paint is to keep it from freezing in the first place.
The easiest way to keep paint from freezing is to store your paint inside, or in a temperature-controlled garage.
The pros I spoke with suggested taking a few simple steps, such as fully closing the lid to prevent evaporation and storing paint in a temperature-controlled room such as a basement or closet, to avoid freezing.
“We always recommend inside the house and never in the garage or a storage shed unless they are heated,” says Anthony Kulikowski, Franchise Owner of Five Star Painting of South Bend Indiana.
First and foremost, it’s important to emphasize that most paint that has frozen will be ruined. “Frozen paint will be denatured and clumpy even after it thaws,” says Walker, who compares thawed paint to “applying cottage cheese to your walls. If you don’t mind bubbles, inconsistencies, and defects, then it’ll work but not look good.”
In other words, nothing’s stopping you if you want to take the chance on frozen paint, just know that you’re risking quality. If you want to roll the dice, allow the paint to warm up to room temperature slowly, then stir it well. If it looks like cottage cheese, it’s a loss, and you should dispose of it properly. If the paint color and consistency appear normal, you can give it a try.
Even then, it may not perform as expected. “Once a paint has frozen,” cautions Kulikowski, “the color and sheen may not match any longer, and you may have issues with getting it to bond properly as well.”
In short, if you don’t want to throw away your thawed paint, it’s best to use it on projects where appearance and durability aren’t as important.
Oil-based paints are very unlikely to freeze. However, do get thicker (more viscous) and are often unusable in freezing conditions. “When oil-based paint gets too cold,” explains Walker, “the viscosity of the paint is affected, and it starts to run more like molasses than syrup. Additionally, there are temperature ranges in which paint dries and cures.”
Absolutely, says Scott Paul, Owner of DeckStainHelp.com. He advises looking for the following signs that your wood stain has gone bad: “excessive thickening, jelling/clumping of the material or skinning on the top portion.”
Anthony Kulikowski has been a painter since high school, working as a contractor just before opening Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company, in 2017. He loves seeing his team succeed, giving back to the community, and working with his mentors, gathering knowledge he can share with future franchise owners.
Brandon Walker has been in the painting and construction industry for more than 20 years. After running his own company, he decided to advance his skills as a Superintendent with ASAP Restoration. Brandon cut his teeth as a teenage painter working for Walker Paint Masters doing commercial projects for Planet Hollywood and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa among others.
Scott Paul has used and sold enough decking and wood stain to cover over 100 million square feet. The owner of DeckStainHelp.com, he started his first decking company in 1993. That business evolved into exterior wood and deck restoration, and today Scott and his companies have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area. He is an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
Walking into your home after a long day should bring a sigh of relief. Kick your feet up! You’re home. But opening the door to find the aftermath of a break-in? There’s nothing more unsettling. Increasing your home security is a great way to keep intruders out. But how? There are a lot of choices out there.
“Before diving into home security considerations, it’s essential to identify your primary concern: safeguarding your property when you’re at home, or protecting it when you’re away,” says Kirk MacDowell, home security expert at Batten, a company that advises consumers on security needs. Do you have young children? Multiple access points? Valuable tools or art? And what about the cost of home security systems? Can that play a role?
Of course, it can and it should. Ahead, we explore home security with MacDowell and ADT expert Andrea Barge to help you navigate your options.
It depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of windows and doors you need to protect, and whether you get cameras and specialized sensors. “I’d estimate the cost at roughly $1 per square foot,” MacDowell says, so for a 2,000 square foot house, plan to spend “around $2000 for a comprehensive system, although costs can vary.”
Barge agrees that costs are variable, and points to ADT’s starter kit, with a hub, two sensors, app access and a Google Nest doorbell for under $400. “The pricing of security system installations can vary significantly, largely depending on the type of installation and the specific features or packages you choose,” Barge says.
The devil’s in the details, and security systems are no different. Here’s a breakdown of average costs, according to our experts and SafeWise’s research of national companies (in parentheses, rounded to the nearest dollar).
If you have a smaller budget, it’s still possible to get a good security system. MacDowell says “the absolute must-haves would be safeguarding doors and windows against intrusion, along with potentially incorporating at least one camera for added surveillance.”
Cost isn’t your only consideration when it comes to choosing a home security system. Another choice? Wired or wireless. “You can still get either a hard-wired or wireless system, depending on your preference though both types have their advantages and disadvantages,” Barge says.
Wired systems have fewer components, which reduces complexity, Barge says. Wired systems are also “less prone to power depletion, not as susceptible to electrical interference, and video recording persists even during internet disruptions,” Barge says. They’re reliable and permanent.
But, wired systems are harder to install, and they demand precise execution, MacDowell says: “This entails drilling holes, extensive wiring and meticulous installation procedures.” Unless you’re a dedicated DIYer, this may be a hurdle.
Barge points to many benefits of wireless security systems: portability, battery operation, firmware upgrades and seamless integration with other smart home devices.
Then there’s a third option: a hybrid. “[H]omeowners may already have a pre-existing wired security system they wish to enhance with wireless elements, such as integrating interactive services,” Barge says. Hybrid feasibility is highly dependent on your current setup, and the components you want to add.
So, is installing a home security system a job best left to the pros, or can you handle it? “Homeowners can certainly DIY a home security system,” Barge says. “This option is great for those who enjoy hands-on projects, and prefer to have immediate control over the placement and setup of their security devices.”
What about monitoring? If you DIY your security system, will someone be there to help you when you need it? Yes. “DIY systems can absolutely have live monitoring, which is highly recommended for comprehensive security coverage,” MacDowell says. Barge says professional (live) monitoring offers peace of mind, while self-monitoring gives you more control.
So, which system feels right? It’s really a matter of personal preference.
“DIY security systems are generally the easiest to install for most homeowners,” Barge says. “They come with clear instructions, and can typically be set up without any specialized tools or technical expertise.” There’s no poking around in your attic, or cutting holes in your walls, or having an installer out to your house.
Both options offer monitoring by you or a live person. Self-monitoring is generally less expensive, but it puts the onus on you to call for help. With professional monitoring, someone is watching at all times. Barge says this is a good option for someone who is not always on their phone, or goes out of town frequently.
One note from Barge, if you do go the DIY route: “When selecting smart home devices to integrate into your household, ensure they are compatible with your existing smart home security system.” The last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of time installing things yourself, only to find the devices don’t communicate.
It depends on your preferences, but as far as popularity goes, wireless gets the nod. User-friendly, portable and customizable, “wireless systems have become the norm in residential settings, reflecting their ease of installation and heightened security features,” MacDowell says.
And wireless is getting better every day, by enhancing sensor range and “incorporating encrypted sensor technology to thwart unauthorized access attempts,” MacDowell says.
The experts say yes. Burglary is a crime of opportunity, and burglars are less likely to target a house with a security system. The average loss from a burglary in 2019 was $2,661, according to the FBI, so if your home security system costs less than that, it pays for itself every time a burglar decides your house isn’t worth the trouble.
Generally, yes. Check with your insurance company to see how much. Many large and small companies, including Progressive, State Farm and Hippo, offer discounts for installing smart devices, security cameras and monitors. Your savings (up to 20% according to Safewise) depends on your insurance company and the security components you choose.
Electricity is the miraculous force of nature upon which modern civilization is built, but too much of it can be a bad thing. Imagine what would happen if the high-voltage signal in the power lines, or the immense energy of a lightning bolt, were to pass directly into your home appliances.
Such an electrical surge would be a disaster, but it’s one you can prevent with a surge protector. The big question is: “How much does a whole-house surge protector cost?” The answer is anywhere from $70 to $700, not including installation.
I can attest to the damage a power surge can cause. Years ago, a lightning strike destroyed our solar energy system, knocking out the inverter and the control panel for the generator. Would a surge protector have saved our system? I consulted Jay Sanders, a Batimore-based general contractor, and Kent Boll, who founded his own electrical company in 2005 and is now CEO of a multi-trade home-maintenance company based in Minnesota, for the answer. Here’s what they told me.
A whole-house surge protector is a device that detects an unsafe electrical surge and diverts it away from your home’s service panel. “Like a bouncer for your home’s electrical system, it stands guard, ready to block or redirect any sudden spikes in electrical current that could harm your appliances and gadgets,” says Sanders.
“It’s a crucial piece of equipment in regions susceptible to lightning or frequent power surges, offering an additional protective measure for precious electronics and appliances,” adds Boll.
Sanders and Bell identify three types of surge protectors:
Installed between the power meter and the grid, this type protects your electrical system from external surges that might be caused by lightning or a malfunction in the power lines.
This is the more common type. Installed directly in the panel, this surge protector protects your electrical system from both external surges and internal surges, which might occur when a large appliance switches on.
Besides the two main types, Boll also identifies a third type that may be installed on an electric outlet or power cord. “While they are not technically whole-house protection devices,” he says, “they are often used with Type 2 protection devices to provide a layered approach to surge protection, protecting susceptible electronics such as televisions, computers, and gaming consoles.”
Sanders puts this in simple terms: “It is like a filter. When it senses too much voltage, it channels the excess away from your home’s circuits, preventing damage to your electronics.”
Boll explains in more detail:
“The surge protector persistently oversees the voltage entering the home’s electrical panel. If the voltage surpasses the standard threshold (usually 120V in the U.S. for residential settings), the device recognizes this as a power surge and promptly diverts the surplus voltage away from the home’s electrical circuits, typically by grounding it (discharging it into the earth), where it poses no risk. Once the overvoltage has ceased, the device automatically resets, and normal electrical flow is restored without interrupting the power in the home.”
The cost to purchase a whole-house surge protector ranges from $70 to $700, with the national average being around $300, according to Sanders. On top of this are installation costs, billed at a typical rate between $50 to $100 per hour (depending on the installer).
Type 3 surge protectors are far less expensive, costing $20 to $30 and requiring no professional installation.
Installing a whole house surge protector isn’t a DIY job, according to Sanders. “It involves messing with your home’s main electrical panel, which can be dangerous if you’re not a pro. So, it’s a solid “no” for DIY and a “yes” for calling in a licensed electrician.”
Boll concurs: “Only a professional electrician is familiar with local building codes and electrical standards to ensure that the installation meets all regulatory requirements and does not void warranties or insurance policies.”
“Depending on the location, there are indeed certain state incentives available,” says Boll. “Some regions may offer incentives as part of broader initiatives to promote energy efficiency or electrical safety in homes. To find out if there are any incentives available in your area, check with local utility companies, state departments of energy, or energy conservation and efficiency websites.”
The metal oxide varistors inside whole-house surge protectors tend to corrode and wear out fairly quickly. Online experts tend to recommend replacement after two to three years, and the longest you should wait is five years.
When you compare the whole-house surge protector cost to that of losing your essential appliances in a power surge, the surge protector wins by a mile, especially if you live in an area with higher-than-average electrical storm activity.
Yes, there is a way to repair holes in upholstery. Whether it is a small tear or a burn hole from a fireplace ember, you can fix it. You’ll just need patience and attention to detail.
It can be very frustrating looking down at a small hole in an upholstered piece ofold furniture, knowing you should be able to repair it but not having a clue where to begin. As with most things requiring a repair, the answers to fixing upholstery can seem like ancient secrets hidden behind a cloud of long-lost wisdom. I am here to share some of those upholstery secrets, put the wisdom in your hands and help you repair your favorite piece of furniture instead of tossing it out over a silly little hole.
In order to repair the hole, you must disassemble the seat and access the back of the fabric and hole almost like you are about to reupholster the chair completely. If disassembling the piece of furniture is too challenging, you may be able to repair it from the front.
Neatly trim the hole, clearing away any frayed strands or burn marks with a sharp pair of scissors.
A home theater lighting system consists of multiple light sources, as seen here in this design from @buildmontage. His theater features LED strip lighting on the floor and around the curtains, down light fixtures in the rear, and the star of the show that star ceiling! The star ceiling is an impressive DIY project using acoustic boards, neodymium magnets, and fiber optic LED lights.
What we like: The star ceiling provides subtle light and an eye-catching decorative element, adding to the overall immersive feeling of the theater.
The cost of tree removal is a key consideration when deciding whether to remove a tree from your yard. In addition to beautifying your landscape, filtering the air, lowering energy bills and making us happier, healthy yard trees can add up to 20 percent to your home’s resale value, according to a 2021 study conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Bureau of Business Research.
Healthy plants have a higher value, so you want to keep them healthy as long as you can. But sometimes, the worst happens and a tree is fatally injured in an ice storm or pests, or one grows perilously close to the house or power lines. In these cases, the trees usually have to go.
Ahead you’ll learn what factors go into tree removal costs to help you decide how to take care of your trees.
“Just like every fingerprint, every single tree is different and unique,” says Jason Hayes of Davey Tree Care Service. “That goes for every tree removal, too. To give an accurate tree removal cost, an arborist needs to see it in person.”
Tree removal can cost from hundreds of dollars to thousands, depending on the size and location of the tree, the difficulty of access, and the scope of the job.
Each region and city has unique factors that influence local market costs, including demand, accessibility of services, market and supply costs, and population density.
Mature, multilimbed trees are more difficult to handle safely and take longer to remove.
Sometimes, Hayes says, the client asks that equipment not be used on the lawn, for instance, which may necessitate more time and labor.
The more people, heavy equipment, and time needed to complete and clean up the job, the higher the cost.
Even if you are athletic and know how to handle a chainsaw, tree removal is serious, often dangerous work – especially if it involves ladders or climbing.
“A great rule of thumb for DIY tree care is that if you would have to use a ladder to reach and remove tree limbs, that tree is too big for you to work on safely without the help of a pro,” says Hayes. “The same rule should be applied to tree removal. If you are wondering if you should call in a professional or not, then you probably should.”
“Before hiring someone to remove a tree, the two most important questions to ask are if they are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)-certified and if they have their own company insurance – you should also see proof of both of these things before signing on the dotted line,” says Hayes. “ISA Certification will ensure that you are hiring someone who is safe, reliable, educated, and efficient. For insurance, if you hire someone who does not have insurance, any property damage or injuries that may occur could be your fiscal responsibility.”
After that, check their reviews online or ask for referrals. Hayes suggests asking them to “specify how they plan on removing the tree, what equipment they will be using, the path they will be taking to get to the tree, and if they are going to be removing the limbs and tree from the property when the job is finished.”
“The dormant season is the best time of year for tree pruning because bare branches make it easier for arborists to inspect trees,” notes Hayes. “Dormant tree pruning also decreases the likelihood of attack from insect pests and pathogens.”
Regardless of the season, if the tree is a hazard, threatening to fall on property or utility lines or harboring contagious diseases or pests, it should be removed as soon as possible.
Many municipalities are adding tree protection laws to help preserve as much mature tree canopy as possible because of its environmental benefits. Regulations and fees vary by location, with each city or neighborhood setting specific rules, so always check those first. You can usually find these on your municipality’s website; try searching “trees.”
It depends. It can lower property value if you remove trees that are healthy.
“Trees add a lot of value to properties because of their many benefits, such as cutting heating and cooling costs, stormwater reduction and more. Just having a nice, healthy tree in the front lawn can increase property values by 10% or higher,” says Hayes. In other words, you’ll want to consider carefully whether it makes sense to remove a healthy tree, even if it’s blocking a desired view.
Christina Pfeiffer, a horticultural educator, recommends keeping your trees as healthy as possible and pausing before removing them. “Trees are the ones that contribute the most to our home environments with the potential to do so for the longest time. Also, if we lose trees it takes a long time to replace the benefits they provide,” says Pfeiffer.
“It makes good sense if your tree has issues that need attention or you are concerned that your tree might not be safe, you want to hire someone with the expertise to sort that out who can give you a good plan. Sometimes there are things they can do to address all those concerns and keep the tree on the site.”
However, Hayes adds, “But if a tree is in extreme decline and is a potential hazard, it can decrease property value and curb appeal. In this case, it’s important to contact a certified arborist to discuss next steps for the tree.”
Jason Hayes is an ISA-Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) who holds an associate degree in agriculture from Purdue University, where he also studied forestry. He is a Davey Tree Care Service district manager in the Southeast Seattle, Washington office.
Christina Pfeiffer is a horticultural educator with over 30 years of experience in landscape management and arboriculture. She holds horticulture degrees from the University of Washington and Michigan State University. She is the co-author of “Pacific Northwest Gardening: Month-by-Month.”
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This elegant gravel patio from @distinctivedesignnj features pea graveland is surrounded by rows of formal hedges. The blooms, greenery and bordering grass give the patio an elevated look that would be right at home in a lush English garden. Simple seating and a fire pit make it a finished gathering space.
What We Like About It: The blend of casual and formal. A gravel patio tends to have a more relaxed aesthetic, but the hedges and square shape add sophistication.
KATIE BANDURSKI/FAMILY HANDYMANPros:
Cons:
While it might not hurt to try and save money on toppers and protectors, Dr. Wang cautions against penny-pinching when purchasing a mattress. “You really can’t put a price on getting a good night’s rest!” he says.
If you are looking for the best mattress in a box and are willing to invest in something high quality, Senior Editor Katie Bandurski recommends the Helix Midnight Elite. While it might not be the cheapest mattress in a box, this top-of-the-line option offers five layers of high-density medium firmness foam.
The mattress weighs a total of 172 pounds, but luckily, Helix divides the base and comfort insert into two separate boxes. This makes the process of hauling it up or down any stairs a whole lot easier. Immediately, Bandurski was impressed by the lack of any “new mattress smells” and that she was able to assemble the bed solo. Another unique aspect of the Helix is that if you aren’t happy with the firmness level, you can simply swap out the insert instead of having to purchase a new mattress altogether.
The Helix Midnight Elite “looks like it came from a luxury mattress store, not a box,” notes Bandurski. In just a few weeks, her sleep quality “drastically improved,” as did her back pain. She adds that the mattress does a great job of minimizing movement, which equates to less sleep interruptions and higher quality sleep. “The Helix’s five foam layers and hundreds of individually wrapped steel coils do a great job absorbing shock,” she says.
Interested in learning more? Check out Bandurski’s full review of the Helix Mattress.
I love indoor plants.I can never say no to another orchid and because friends and family know I love them, I get a new one a few times a year.
If you are like me, hanging a plant from the ceiling wasn’t a consideration until I found I had no more room on my coffee table, windowsill, plant stands or countertops. That’s when it occurred to me that I could just hang a plant anywhere I wanted. Whether in a corner of the living room or centered in front of a window, hanging a plant from the ceiling is simple and all about making sure you’re supporting the weight of the plant.
As soon as you have determined where you want to hang your plant from the ceiling and have purchased hooks with sufficient weight capacity, you can start the installation process.
Ceiling joists are the horizontal framing members that span your ceiling, supporting materials such as drywall and light fixtures and transferring the weight of the roof and rafters to load bearing walls.
Toggle bolts, toggle anchors, or butterfly anchors are fasteners for hanging objects on hollow walls and ceilings. Toggle bolts have wings that open inside the hollow wall when they are tightened, which allow them to brace against the backside of the drywall or lathe for greater strength.
Swag hooks are Decorative hooks used to hang items from the ceiling, such as plants or pendant lights. The hooks typically include stair bolts for attaching the hook directly to the ceiling joists or toggle bolts to attach it to hollow areas of the ceiling where the joists are not present.
Choose where you want to hang your plant and determine if there is a ceiling joist near that location. A wood ceiling joist is preferred and will give you a hook that is both sturdier and easier to install. If you’re unsure about a stud location, use a stud finder to confirm its exact position.
Cut all pieces of wood Cut the wood for the base (A), sides (B), top cap (C), front and back top faces (D) and pot supports (E). All the co...
