9 Kitchen Countertop Décor Ideas: How to Decorate a Countertop

Earthy Neutrals

Decorate your countertops with warm tones and earthy textures to counteract the sterile feel of a kitchen, like in this example from @my_neutralhome_style. Stone cookware, wood utensils, and potted plants adorn the countertops for a lived-in cottage look. Bonus points for that unique countertop bench, which elevate items to create more space.

What We Like About It: The white and wood tone color palette creates a cohesive overall look, keeping the counters from looking to cluttered.

Article source here: 9 Kitchen Countertop Décor Ideas: How to Decorate a Countertop

Which Zip Codes Had the Hottest Housing Markets in 2024?

18062- Macungie, PA

Located just to the south of the much-larger Allentown, Macungie is a growing Pennsylvania borough within striking distance of several major metros on the eastern seaboard. Homes in Macungie spent an average of 16 days on the market in 2024, nearly a month less than the national average.

Article source here: Which Zip Codes Had the Hottest Housing Markets in 2024?

The 5 Best Soft Coolers, According to Our Editor After Months of Testing

MARY HENN/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop at Yeti

Best Soft Cooler Overall

Yeti M15 Tote Soft Cooler

Shop at Yeti

Pros:

• Unbeatable ice retention
• Durable outer shell
• Magnetic open and close
• Side pockets and grid make it easy to store and attach small items
• Tall enough to hold wine bottles
• Keeps ice frozen for 24+ hours
• Leakproof and waterproof
• 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Premium price
• Buckles can be difficult to fasten when cooler is full

If youre a long-time Yeti fan, its probably no surprise that this Yeti soft cooler ranks at the top of my list. To cut to the chase, Yetis ice retention is unbeatable. Couple that with Yetis sleek cooler designs, quality materials and endless cooler accessories, and its no surprise why Yeti is the best overall.

If youre wondering why Ive listed the M15 Tote over the Hopper Flip, it boils down to personal preference. I prefer the look and feel of a tote-shaped cooler over a box-shaped one. However, theyre virtually the same cooler regarding ice retention and construction materials.

The Yeti soft coolers keep things cold the longest (Ive tested a few, including Yeti hard coolers; the M12 Backpack made this list, too). The ice stayed intact after 24 hours with no noticeable melting, and after 40 hours, the contents were still cold. Typically, soft coolers cannot keep contents cold as long as hard coolers, but Yeti soft coolers make it well past the 24-hour mark.

The M15 Tote is the newest addition to Yetis Hopper Soft Cooler line, and its made with MagShield, which means magnets sit at the opening and make the cooler easy to open and close. The heavy-duty magnets lock in the cold and roll down so the whole cooler buckles shut for an added layer of protection. Additionally, the coolers fabric is incredibly durable and UV-resistant. The M15 can fit 32 12-ounce cans (without ice), while the larger M30 can hold 42 cans (without ice).

Article source here: The 5 Best Soft Coolers, According to Our Editor After Months of Testing

How To Install a Porch Light Fixture

One of my proudest DIY moments was when I first replaced a light fixture. Dealing with electricity comes with equal parts intimidation and fear. The thought of dealing with the connections of electric wires felt insurmountable and challenging.

Boy, was I wrong! While installing or changing a basic light fixture requires a high regard for safety and some attention to detail, it is not complicated. Nor does it require expensive tools. When it comes to electricity, there is one rule you cannot break or deviate from: Cut off the power to the source and test it before you touch it.

Although I have gained experience with electrical work, I would not consider myself quick or extremely skilled at it. Because we wanted to install our outdoor light fixture in a place without a junction box or wiring and intended for it to be connected to its own switch inside the entryway, I called an electrician. Burkhardt sent out a licensed electrician to install the box, run the wiring from outside through the walls in our office and to the entryway, and expand the box in the entryway to accommodate an additional switch, all in just a few hours. It would have taken me much longer to do and probably included patching more holes in my drywall. By calling, I turned this into a few-hour project rather than a full weekend project.

Choosing a porch light fixture

When choosing a light fixture for your porch, consider how much it will be exposed to moisture from the elements. When shopping for a porch light fixture, you find exterior grade light fixtures and damp-rated light fixtures. Choose accordingly if your light fixture will be exposed to all the weather elements, use and Exterior grade. If your light fixture will live under a covered porch that doesnt receive sheets of rain, you may opt for a damp-rated fixture. It is a judgement call, when it comes to electricity outdoors go for the best protection you can find. Look for a light fixture with a universal mounting bar or mounting plate to ensure it is compatible with whichever junction box was installed.

Safety considerations

As with all electrical projects, ensure that the power to the area you are working in is turned off at the breaker before beginning work. Use a non-contact voltage connector, insulated tools and a non-metal ladder during installation. And, if at all possible, choose to do your installation on a dry day. The last thing you want to do is install a light fixture when it’s raining.

Cut the hole

After determining where you wish to hang your outdoor light, use a hole saw to cut a hole through the soffit panels and OSB underlayment into the cavity above the porch.

Article source here: How To Install a Porch Light Fixture

How To Paint a Mailbox

We all want to enhance our curb appeal while keeping costs low and not dedicating too much time to the projects. Painting your mailbox is a task you can complete on a Saturday morning and requires only a few materials. Before you begin, make sure to check the forecast! You dont want to get caught in a thunderstorm or work in temperatures outside the 50-90-degree range.

Using spray paint is the quickest and easiest method to paint a mailbox, but you must work outside or in a well-ventilated area and never in an enclosed space. I went with a sleek black protective enamel spray paint for my metal mailbox to give it extra defense against the elements. Taking down the mailbox was a breeze, but I did have to swap out a few rusty screws.

Preparing before spray painting is the trick to making the mailbox look great. This means smoothing out dents, clearing away debris, and tackling any rust. I discovered more rust than I expected, so I had to put in some extra time to clean it up. Next time, I would wait until the final coat of spray paint has dried and hardened completely before handling it. I had to fix some smudged spots and repaint them, so as tempting as it is, be patient and dont rush!

Detach the mailbox

Detach the mailbox from the mailbox post using a drill to unscrew it from the bottom. Make sure to save the screws, as you will need to use them to reattach the mailbox later. Cover the post with a plastic paint sheet if you cannot remove the mailbox.

Article source here: How To Paint a Mailbox

Hisense Dehumidifier Review: A Budget-Friendly Option to Keep Humidity at Bay

Confession time: I live in a 100-plus-year-old house with an unfinished basement. In that basement, I operate my woodworking shop.

Because of the home’s age, it frequently leaks. Despite several upgrades over the years, it’s still drafty in the winter and damp during the Minnesota summers, especially in the basement. I struggle with combinations of humidifiers in the winter and dehumidifiers in the summer to maintain humidity control in my shop.

Having more than thirty years of experience in home remodeling and repair has allowed me to see the effects of humidity in houses that aren’t protected by dehumidifiers. In severe cases, I’ve found situations that included material deterioration and mold occurrencesMinnesota’s crazy weather can do that with ease.

I tested the $150 Hisense dehumidifier, which proved to be a worthy opponent to the excessive moisture in my space. Check out the full 4-1-1 on this dehumidifier to see if it’s the right choice for you.

Want to see all the dehumidifiers I’ve tried? Check out the best dehumidifiers for basements.

What is the Hisense dehumidifier?

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Amazon

Shop Now at Lowe's

Hisense Dehumidifier

Shop on Amazon

Shop Now at Lowe's

The Hisense 50-pint dehumidifier claims to control humidity in a home as large as 4,500 square feet. My basement and my home combined are not quite 2,000 square feet. However, with the level of performance I demand from the dehumidifiers I use for woodworking, it’s a pretty fair comparison.

Honestly, I’m a bit doubtful that any of the machines I tested could dehumidify a large home on their own without another method of circulating the air; they’re simply not large enough to move air through that big of a space.

This is where the Hisense makes sense (hehe, get it?). Costing up to $100 less than more well-known brand names, the Hisense is affordable enough to put one on each floor of the house (if needed). I would expect the Hisense dehumidifier to handle a single story with ease, with or without a wood shop involved.

Compact yet full-sized, this machine offers a generously sized condensation tank, which minimizes the need to empty it constantly. The machine also has the ability to bypass the reservoir with a drain hose to avoid the task altogether. It’s relatively heavy at 40 pounds or so, and the handles for carrying could be designed better. However, it’s on wheels for easy transportation, and it’s one of the quietest dehumidifiers that I’ve come across.

Hisense Dehumidifier Features

The Hisense dehumidifier has most of the same comfort and convenience features as more costly models. It features a 50-pint reservoir to catch the water it pulls from the surrounding air. The unit also contains a bypass connection with a hose attachment to avoid having to empty the reservoir when it’s full. If you choose to use the reservoir, it has an automatic shut-off-when-full feature to keep water from going everywhere.

The model’s other features include seemingly durable wheels for everyday use if you need to move the machine around. Its molded carrying handles seem designed more for looks than functionality. That said, they worked okay for me to get the unit up and down the stairs to the basement.

Hisense did the filter right on this dehumidifier. It features a micro-mesh design placed directly on the back of the machine for easy access when it’s time to clean it. What I like best is that removing the filter exposes the coil fins. While many dehumidifier models conceal the fins within the machine, making them hard to clean if the task becomes necessary, the Hisense makes cleaning easy with a coil fin brush.

From an operational standpoint, the Hisense dehumidifier features automatic operation, sleep mode, timer, digital display and humidity settings, a filter cleaning reminder indicator, plus high- and low-speed operation. The low speed of the unit is extremely quiet, while the high-speed setting is roughly as loud as that of a compact dehumidifier.

How We Tested It

The testing process for dehumidifiers in my home and woodworking shop seemingly never ends. In efforts to control humidity for this purpose, I’ve gone through a number of them over the years. For this review, I used the Hisense dehumidifier for two weeks, including one week with the reservoir and one week with the drain hose.

I set to the lowest possible setting of 30% humidity. Using the reservoir, I had to empty the machine at least once per day after a period of heavy rainfall. A few days during testing required me to empty the reservoir once during the day and again before bed to ensure it ran all night.

I liked the machine better with the drain hose attached, which meant I could set it and forget it, like you can with a self-draining dehumidifier. My only complaints are that the filter-cleaning indicator would turn on once every couple of days, even when it didn’t appear to require cleaning, and the reservoir, while functional, seemed somewhat flimsy, including the handle. While it’s likely just fine, I would have liked something that felt a little more beefy. Other than that, it ran like a champ, hovering at between 30% and 32% humidity anytime I checked.

Pros

• Super quiet low-speed operation
• Large capacity water reservoir
• Reservoir bypass option for continuous operation
• Heavy-duty power cord
• Budget-friendly pricing
• EnergyStar certified
• Accessible coil fins for deep cleaning ability

Cons

• Carrying handles could be designed better
• Water reservoir handle and construction are a little flimsy
• 4,500-square-foot capacity seems a bit overstated

FAQ

What should I set my Hisense dehumidifier to?

The humidity setting you choose for your dehumidifier depends on what feels comfortable to you. While many dehumidifiers can be set as low as 30%, some homeowners find that setting too low, and the air becomes too dry for comfort. For those who live in humid locations, a setting of 50% is usually adequate to feel a difference from the outdoors. In any case, for your home’s well-being, choose a setting between 30% and 50% for the best results.

What is the continuous mode on a Hisense dehumidifier?

Understanding what a dehumidifier does can help you understand continuous mode on your Hisense machine. When operating your dehumidifier at a particular humidity setting, the machine will stop removing water from the air when it reaches the desired level.

In continuous mode, the machine will keep running to remove as much water vapor from the air as it can, regardless of the humidity setting. The feature is useful when trying to dry out a room or an area that’s been affected by large amounts of humidity for a short time.

How do I get my Hisense dehumidifier to drain through a hose?

Getting your Hisense dehumidifier to drain through a hose is a simple matter of connecting a hose with a garden hose fitting onto the provided drain attachment. The fitting is found behind a small access door on the left side of the machine and is visible when the water reservoir is removed. There’s no need to remove the reservoir or make any other adjustments once the hose is attached.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

Of Lowe’s customers who purchased and reviewed the Hisense Dehumidifier, 60% gave the machine five stars. Positive reviews cite the dehumidifier’s efficient operation even after up to five years. However, some negative reviews point to a seemingly common problem with the unit.

Several customers complain of receiving an E9 code in the machine’s display within or after a year of operation or so. The E9 code means the machine can’t communicate with the humidity sensor, rendering the machine mostly unusable.

While the sensor is replaceable, it’s likely more trouble than most homeowners want to deal with. Fortunately, this situation, while noted in the reviews, seems to affect only a very small percentage of units sold.

Hisense Dehumidifier vs GE Dehumidifier

The Hisense 50-Pint 2-Speed dehumidifier is a full-sized unit designed for use throughout a home for overall humidity control. The GE dehumidifier is more of a one-room-at-a-time model. While both products appear in our review of the best dehumidifiers for basements, the GE model is perhaps better suited for small spaces.

The GE dehumidifier has a 20-pint capacity compared to the Hisense’s 50-pint bucket. However, you can attach a drain hose for continuous draining. The GE offers an auto defrost option, which isn’t available on the Hisense. However, the two machines are really best for different types of humidity-control needs.

If you’re looking to effectively control the humidity in one room at a time, the GE is more portable and efficient than the Hisense. On the other hand, if you need a dehumidifying workhorse for a large area, consider the Hisense.

Read more about other dehumidifiers we’ve tested, including the Midea Dehumidifier, Frigidaire Dehumidifier, and Eva-Dry Dehumidifier, the latter of which we think is one of the best small dehumidifiers.

Final Verdict

While there may be some concerns about the Hisense reviews stating trouble with the E9 codes, the problem is limited to a small number of machines in the big picture. My testing revealed the machine to be hard-working enough to handle my needs for controlling humidity in my woodworking shop, which isn’t an easy task.

Customers looking for a powerful dehumidifier that can handle big jobs at a budget-friendly price might do well choosing the Hisense dehumidifier.

I wouldn’t recommend the Hisense for doing the work of one of the best crawl space dehumidifiersthey have a hard job. But because of how powerful the Hisense is, I recommend attaching a drain hose to it for continuous draining, especially in homes with high humidity levels.

Where to Buy the Hisense Dehumidifier

VIA MERCHANT

Shop Now on Amazon

Shop Now at Lowe's

Hisense Dehumidifier

Shop Now on Amazon

Shop Now at Lowe's

The Hisense dehumidifier is available at Lowe’s and Amazon for $152 to $214.

Article source here: Hisense Dehumidifier Review: A Budget-Friendly Option to Keep Humidity at Bay

AI Interior Design Apps That Actually Work

If you are considering decorating or remodeling a space in your home, AI interior design apps can help you make some of the toughest decisions, from choosing a piece of furniture to deciding whether you really want those navy blue kitchen cabinets. The technology available at your fingertips, along with smartphones and tablets, can guide you and provide ideas by visualizing items in an area of your home through virtual reality, 3D modeling, and space planning.

According to real estate professional Stefania Cardinali of The Corcoran Group in New York City, using an AI interior design app can be a solid start to your overall design plan. “It’s a great way to realize and understand what may or may not work in a space. It can give a homeowner a creative edge and vision that one may not possess,” Cardinali says, adding that the technology can also help avoid design pitfalls before they happen.

Chadwick Boyd, a Real Estate Professional in New York City, agrees that AI design apps are becoming a popular tool for homeowners to help visualize your selections before you commit to any purchases. “Using an interior design app gives homeowners easy access to visuals so they can see what is possible and hone in on what they really are drawn to,” says Boyd. “When our brains see something, it becomes more real and possible.”

Ahead is a list of the best AI interior design apps that can help you make your vision a reality in your home. But first, a few points to remember before getting started on your design plan:

• Do your homework: Think of the technology provided as a guide. You still have some work to do before you begin any home project. Cardinali urges homeowners to do their homework about styles, finishes, furnishings, and other materials or “risk becoming overwhelmed by all the choices available.” Look around and get familiar with products and selections before you start having fun with the AI design apps.
• Know your measurements: Many of the tools in these apps rely on you knowing the measurements and specifications of your space. Be ready with measurements, photos, and links to sites with items you are considering in your plan. You’ll get the most out of each design feature if you are prepared with all the information you need about the space you are designing.
• Define your style: Look at photos on Pinterest, Instagram, and other social sites to get an idea of your “style.” Many sites will ask for a description to help launch a design plan, and if you aren’t sure of a design goal, scrolling through descriptions of “modern farmhouse,” “contemporary,” or “French country” can start to feel a bit overwhelming.
• Expect a learning curve: AI is a new technology, and therefore, many aspects are just starting to be smoothed out in the way they are used and deliver results. Be ready and aware that you are going to run into issues. One app I used placed two end tables on top of each other in my room sketch because I had two listed in my design plan! Be ready for some things to not seem to make sense, and move on or come back to it. We are all learning!

RoomGPT

RoomGPT offers a common AI prompt model and uses it to give semi-realistic renderings of your dream design. I found the free version simple to use with a quick upload of an image of my living room space. Select the type of room from a drop-down list of choices (i.e., a living room, bedroom, etc.), and design a style from a list of about 25 descriptions.

The system gave me two AI versions of a design for my living room, with the option to regenerate another option if the results didn’t suit my tastes.

User Experience

While RoomGPT is generally easy to use, you may want to take note that while RoomGPT provides visual guidance, you will need some knowledge of design descriptions and terms for matching items being considered to those pictured. Here’s where that homework on design language is helpful.

Cost

• 1 free design generation
• Must purchase credits for additional designs (credit packages range from $9 to $29 dollars for 30 to 200 designs)

Home Designs AI

is easy to use with an upload of a photo and the selection of which mode you want to use. With over 75 design different style choices, HomeDesignsAI offers plenty of styles to motivate your dream plan. In just a few steps, I had a picture of my living room uploaded and ready to play with design options. The app is user-friendly and a perfect option for beginners first trying their hand at interior design.

User Experience

The images of my room were ready to go with just a few steps and I found the tools available for swap-ins and outs were simple drag & drop options that gave me images that were clear and colorful. Other apps I used seem to distort colors that appear too vivid when testing color choices. While the lack of advanced options might be frustrating for more experienced interior designers, this could appeal to beginners.

Cost

• Free 1-week trial available
• Subscriptions range from $27 to $29 monthly

DecorMatters

If you are looking for an app experience that makes you feel like you’re designing with friends, DecorMatters is the service for you. The app is a combination of useful information and design resources to bring design projects to life and a social platform.

I found DecorMatters’s library of furnishings to be extensive. You can upload your designs to community boards for feedback and join in conversations with other home design planners. I particularly liked the option to use the app’s AI technology to find quality brand-name furniture options from stores where I usually shop online and in person.

User Experience

Home decor enthusiasts with experience creating spaces in the home will be comfortable with the app’s AI technology and probably appreciate the opportunity to give feedback to other users. However, the renderings for colors, shades of paint color, and fabrics do not “read” realistically in the results. I found the shades of yellow for a chair I was considering for a color choice all looked the same.

Cost

• Some features available for free
• Premium memberships available in packages ranging from $9.99 weekly to $39.99 yearly

REimagine Home

REimagine Home is a great starting point for someone dabbling in using AI to help plan their decor. The app’s virtual staging and renovation tools can arrange furniture and other items in rooms and imagine architectural details like paint colors on walls and trim. Designs for ceilings and design elements and options for flooring materials are simple to arrange to help complete a general design picture.

User Experience

REimagine Home is user-friendly for new users and helpful if a user doesn’t have a clear plan for a design. However, the library of options for furniture and other items might seem limited for some pieces or accessories when trying to recreate a popular design trend like “coastal” or “industrial.”

Cost

• 5 free design generations
• Must purchase credits for additional designs (credit packages range from $13 for 30 credits monthly to $99 for 1,200 credits monthly)

Palazzo

You never know where design inspiration will come from. A discussion about tennis led me to the AI interior design app Palazzo.ai, which tennis champ Venus Williams co-founded.

The service has you start with a quiz to pinpoint your design preferences, and then you upload a picture of your room to experiment with ideas and color palettes, furniture layouts, lighting fixtures, and other architectural details.

Ease of Use

Palazzo has limited design options because it is a relatively new app, and the AI technology is still expanding. But the restrictions are exactly what made it appealing, since there’s no getting overwhelmed by endless lists of choices.

This is currently a standard design app for a limited selection of color palettes, furniture, fixtures, and materials. They say their goal is to continue to expand and offer more options for large-scale homeowner renovation.

Cost

• Limited free design generations
• Must purchase credits for additional designs (credit packages range from $5 for 20 credits to $75 for 500 credits)

FAQ

Will AI replace interior designers?

No, AI will not be replacing interior designers any time soon. “Nothing will replace the feel of real fabric, the actual effect of a patterned rug to the eye and a room or how paint colors actually look in a particular space,” says Boyd. “AI is a great tool for efficiency and seeing what is possible, yet homes are places for real people created by real people. Nothing will ever replace the human touch and connection.”

While acknowledging the appeal of AI, Cardinali agrees with Boyd. “It’s become a tricky tango for the majority of genuine creatives, designers, and professionals in every industry,” she says. “Third-party machinations are not a certain or tangible aid for the consumer. In this case, the results of the designers’ end work should not be confused with graphic art or software design and development.”

Cardinali notes that interior designers offer a more comprehensive skillset than AI technology can, basing their designs on far more nuanced factors than just making a room look stylish. “As a real estate professional,” she says, “I would definitely recommend professional and knowledgeable consultation or guidance, both large and small, depending on the scope of the renovation or redesign project or when there is a great deal to inspect, anticipate, comprehend, and consider behind the scenes.”

Meet the Experts

• Stefania Cardinali is a licensed associate real estate broker whose tremendous success has been driven by the exceptional quality of her work. A high-level producer and award-winning professional, Stefania sits in the upper echelon of her industry because she is committed not only to meeting the needs, but also to surpassing expectations.

• Chadwick Boyd is a licensed real estate salesperson who brings a strategic, savvy and thoughtful approach to New York City real estate. Clients love working with him because of his 30 years of business and marketing expertise, careful attention to detail and warm, engaging demeanor.

Article source here: AI Interior Design Apps That Actually Work

Pro Tips For Selecting the Best Outdoor Paint or Stain

Are you ready to put the finishing touches on a project but feeling stumped by the sheer variety of paints on the store shelf? You’re not alone. Whether you’re painting your whole house or simply touching up a fence, selecting the best exterior paint or stain for a job can be confusing. While interior paint selection often centers around color, the harsh exposure that exterior paint takes from the weather adds another level to consider.

I reached out to pro painter Chuck Reger of Five Star Painting, and he helped assemble a go-to guide for beginners who want to pick the best paint or stain for their project. But remember that certain materials or weather conditions may warrant different choices, especially when painting over old coatings. If in doubt, the best thing to do is to take a sample of what you’ll be painting to a local dedicated paint store.

One general tip that applies to almost any project is to avoid bargain paints that compete purely on the merit of their low price. High-quality paints have a higher volume and better quality of pigments, resulting in more thorough coverage and superior adhesion. The gap between bargain paints (sometimes called “apartment grade”) and mid-tier quality is dramatic, and the time and material saved when you don’t need to apply a third or fourth coat will more than make up for the price bump.

Bare Wood

When working with bare wood, you must first decide whether to paint or stain it. And much of that decision is based on whether you want to celebrate the unique characteristics of the wood grain.

“Stain enhances natural grain,” Reger says. Paint “offers more color options and protection.”

If you do opt for paint, you’ll need to prime first. Primers fill the pores and checks in wood and form a good adhesion base for regular paint to adhere to. You can tint a primer with your base coat color to help coverage, and many manufacturers now make combo paint and primer in the same can.

Painting cedar and redwood requires a little extra care. These species have tannins in their heartwood that will bleed through the topcoats, leaving dark, ugly stains. (These same tannins make the wood naturally weather-resistant.) Prime them with a stain-blocking primer. This will bind the tannins and keep them from marring your finished project. Don’t short-change yourself by opting for a regular primer. A few dollars more can save you many hours of aggravation.

If you decide to stain your wood, you’ll have a new set of options. In short, you’ll choose how much tint (coloration) you want in your stain. Stains are typically classified with terms like clear, transparent, semi-transparent, or solid. Less tint means a stain will stay closer to the wood’s natural color, but it will require resealing more often. Personally, I like semi-transparent as a middle ground, but you may want to take a look at a range of options to find the right match for you.

Fences

Wood fences can be smooth or rough-finished and made of bare or treated lumber. The same tips that apply to bare wood (above) apply to fences and other bare wood structures fully exposed to the weather, such as exterior railings, gazebos and arbors.

“Paint provides a solid, protective layer but may peel,” Reger says. He adds that the risk of peeling is especially high if the fence has not been properly cleaned and prepared for paint.

Finishes like paint and solid stains form a protective film over wood fencing. This means they last longer and have stronger colors, but when they eventually peel, they require more effort to renew. Semi-transparent stains won’t last as long but shouldn’t form a film, making them easier to recoat when they fade.

Many people don’t consider stains when dealing with treated lumber. But given a few months to weather, the top surface of the treated lumber will normally take stain just fine. I’ve stained treated lumber posts that supported cedar fencing, and while it may take a little experimenting with the number of coats to get the right shade, the finished product looks great.

House Siding Body Paint

It wasn’t that long ago that most houses were painted with oil-based paint. Many DIYers prefer the ease of clean-up that comes with water-based acrylic latex paints. In fact, many latex paints resist the corrosive effects of sunlight better than oil-based versions.

However, latex paints do lag behind oil-based paints in one area: temperature sensitivity. Unless the label says otherwise, avoid using latex paints in temperatures below 50 degrees F or in direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight can cause them to dry too fast (often called “flash drying”).

Most homeowners find themselves choosing between siding paint with a flat matte or semi-gloss finish. Flat paint can often feel more welcoming and is more forgiving of the chips, dents and other damage most home siding picks up over the years. Semi-gloss or gloss paints highlight that sort of damage, but they’re easier to clean. If your home is prone to road dirt or landscaping splash-back when it rains, it’s convenient to give it a quick spray down with a hose and be done with it.

“Eggshell” paint has also become popular as a middle-of-the-road choice. It has a flat appearance but a smoother, easier-to-clean surface.

Smooth trim

Trim is an area where high-gloss paint really shines. The source of that shiny, glossy finish is the higher percentage of resins in gloss paint. These same resins make the finished coating more durable than flat latex. And because the trim covers a relatively small area, the shine isn’t so prominent as to be distracting.

On both body and trim siding, if the old coat is oil-based, you can paint latex over it. You’ll just need to sand the old surface to ensure good adhesion. If the old coat is latex, you’ll generally want to stick with latex for the new coat; because latex expands and contracts more than dried oil-based paint, the end result will be cracks running through the top coat.

Porch Paint for Floors and Stair Treads

Exterior flooring takes a beating from sun, rain, and foot traffic in equal measure. Foot traffic wears away the finish. The simple fact that paint slows the drying process once the wood gets wet will compound the problem by encouraging rot. All paint or stain solutions for flooring will require a fair amount of maintenance.

Select a paint that’s labeled as being specifically made for exterior floors or porches. If you try to paint stairs or flooring with wall paint, it won’t last very long. (I’ve had clients insist on trying this in order to cut down on material costs, and it never works out well.) Floor paints usually contain harder resins to withstand abrasion. They’re often marketed as enamel paints, meaning they have a higher-than-normal resin content.

Enamel floor paints are glossy and can be slippery when wet. To reduce this, consider a grit additive or non-slip/anti-skid paint (which has the additive added in the factory). You can also add non-slip adhesive strips later.

Five Star Painting’s Reger suggests stains for DIYers who like a natural look and durable surface and paint for those who value uniform color and protection. Generally speaking, a stain will last longer, but paint creates a solid barrier. If you want less maintenance, go with a stain, but if you want more protection for the floor or stair treads, go with paint.

Hardboard or Cement board

Cement board has a factory-applied finish, and each brand has specific painting instructions. Always check with the manufacturer for guidance when selecting a paint. That said, a typical solution is a primer coat followed by two coats of latex body paint.

Prime any cut ends and nail heads driven through the surface. Hardboard can deteriorate where the raw fiber is exposed.

Rough siding

Semi-transparent stains are often the best for rough siding. They soak into the fibers and protect the wood from weathering, but they don’t form a surface film and, therefore, won’t peel.

Expect the stain to last around three to six years, depending on the amount of sun exposure. (It’s not unusual for the southern-facing side of a home to fade much quicker than areas with shade.)

You can paint rough surfaces, but plan on spending more time on it than you would with smoother surfaces. You’ll need to work the paint into all the uneven surfaces, and the rough wood surface is often “thirsty,” meaning that it absorbs paint quickly and may need additional coats.

Decks

Decks are typically stained rather than painted. Reger recommends a stain to showcase the natural wood character. “Solid, horizontal surface-rated stains work better on decks for durability,” he says.

If you want to slow rot and deterioration with the least effort, simply apply a water-repellent preservative every year or two.

For a more attractive appearance, apply a semi-transparent stain. Lighter stains are typically a better choice for deck boards unless you have a strong color preference. Darker stains show wear faster and are more difficult to renew.

Concrete, Concrete Block, Stucco and Brick walls

Concrete, stucco and masonry all accept paint well. But once painted, restoring them to their natural state will be a hassle.

Acrylic paints often work well on vertical masonry surfaces. These paints “breathe,” meaning low levels of moisture in the masonry can evaporate without lifting the paint. Avoid oil-based paint because surfaces that contain cement typically are strongly alkaline and may cause the paint to bubble.

If the wall has numerous small cracks, consider elastomeric paint. These paints go on thicker and are more flexible than regular acrylic paints. But they cost more and have a lower coverage rate.

Concrete stain is usually the best choice for horizontal masonry surfaces. It’s more rugged than paint and easier to renew.

About the Expert

• Chuck Reger is a painting professional with Five Star Painting, a residential and commercial painting company with over 225 locations across North America, each one locally owned and operated by experienced professionals.

Article source here: Pro Tips For Selecting the Best Outdoor Paint or Stain

I Tried the All-New Lovesac PillowSac Accent Chair, and Here’s My Honest Review

LoveSac, the brand behind the coveted sectional sofas and pillow chairs, recently launched a new accent chair with the comfort of the classic Sacs. Whats different about the new accent chair? It sits on a stylish wooden frame, providing more support and an elegant look and feel.

We tested and reviewed the LoveSac Sactional, and we loved it. Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski said it would be the last couch shed ever own. Naturally, when we heard LoveSac was launching a new accent chair, we wanted to be among the first to test it. So, we had the LoveSac PillowSac Accent Chair sent to our house, assembled it and tested it!

Below is everything you need to know about the new chairseriously, we spared no details.

What is the PillowSac Accent Chair?

The PillowSac Accent Chair is a new, customizable chair from LoveSac. It has the cloud-like feel of the original Sacs but with an added durable oak frame, thick straps, and stylish hardware to hold the PillowSac in place. Its fully customizable, too. You can choose between tan or black base straps and brass, gunmetal or black hardware. Plus, there are more than 200 fabric options for the PillowSac cover, and more than 150 of those are machine washable.

Not sure if youre interested yet? The chairs frame has a lifetime warranty and a 60-day home trial period, so you can decide if its right for you without pressure.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at LoveSac

I Tried It

LoveSac PillowSac Accent Chair

The coziest oversized chair for all your lounging activities

Shop at LoveSac

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable lounge chair
• Quick and easy assembly
• High-quality construction materials
• Customizable
• Many fabric covers are machine washable (though not all)
• Can hold up to 350 pounds
• Modern style works with many different decor themes

Cons:

• Pricey
• Cushion looks a little sloppy post-assembly but does seem to shape up over time

PillowSac Accent Chair Product Features

The PillowSac Accent Chair Frame is made of durable Oak wood and weighs 32.5 pounds. The wood frame connects with twistable screws that are made for both style and function. The thick straps that serve as the chair’s base hold up to 350 pounds. The square-shaped PillowSac, which fits two people, is the one recommended for the new frame.

Sacs are made with repurposed foam (no beans or beads), which is great if you plan on putting it in a childs room or play space. The repurposed foam is intended to reduce environmental impact while providing super-soft, cloud-like comfort.

There are many cover fabrics to choose from. I was hoping for the Dove Channeled Phur, but the Light Chantilly Luxe Chenille could ship faster when I ordered the chair. Ill explain later why I think one of the “phur” fabrics would have been a better choice. Additionally, there are many LoveSac accessories for the new chair, including matching Squattomans, FootSac blankets and more.

How We Tested It

The LoveSac PillowSac Accent Chair arrived at my front door in three separate parts: the PillowSac, the frame and the cover. They all arrived on different days, too. Once all the parts arrived, I assembled the chair (which took about 30 minutes or so). The assembly was very straightforward and easyno tools were necessary! All I had to do was connect four pieces of the frame with twist screws, attach the straps (which Velcro in place) and place the Sac on top of the frame. The final step actually took the longest; it involved fluffing the Sac and putting the cover on.

I will say I found it difficult to fluff the PillowSac and get it looking right. Initially, it almost looked too big and too full for the frame. The PillowSac Accent Chair definitely has an oversized look, but it looked less like a chair and more like a giant pillow (hence the name, I guess). The more I sat in the chair, and it molded to my shape, the more it looked like a chair and less like a pillow. However, Im still a bit shocked by the appearance of the Sac after assembly. I do think a phur cover would look better. I dont love the overall appearance of the light chantilly luxe chenille fabric. Plus, its not machine washable, so I worry about how the cover material will hold up over time without being washed thoroughly.

The chair’s frame is stunning and feels like its made of high-quality materials. The Sac, while clumsy to work with, is super comfortable. Its inner foam stuffing feels like sinking into a foam mattress topper, and the seat is big enough to hold two small adults, an adult and child or an adult and pet. I liked snuggling in with my daughter or sprawling out by myself with a good book.

I would recommend putting the chair in a kids room or basement area. I personally like a more refined look for the living room, but this chair is uber comfortable and would be great for reading, lounging and enjoying movie night with the family.

Why You Should Trust Us

Shopping Editor Mary Henn is an expert product tester at Family Handyman. She has tested hundreds of products, including countless furniture pieces and home items. Mary has extensive experience testing the best sectional sofas, mattresses and more. When testing furniture, she looks at overall style, quality, comfort and value. For this piece, she assembled and tested the LoveSac PillowSac Accent Chair in her own home, so youll know how it looks and performs in yours.

FAQ

What is the difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair?

Lounge chairs are typically designed for comfort, while accent chairs draw the eye in and act as focal points. That said, the LoveSac Accent Chair is probably more of a lounge chair. It is made for comfort, and LoveSac offers accessories like a footrest to make it even cozier.

How do you coordinate an accent chair with a couch?

If youre trying to pick a cover fabric that will match your existing couch, dont try to match it perfectly. Rather, choose a different fabric in a contrasting color for a more effortless look.

What Others Have to Say

With nearly 4,000 customer reviews and a 4.7-star rating on LoveSac, the PillowSac is touted as comfortable, large, kid-friendly and durable. Many reviewers purchased the new LoveSac frame separately from their existing Sacs, which have lasted for many years. Most reviews citing the new frame say it elevates the look and comfort of the traditional LoveSac cushions. Additionally, reviewers say assembly is quick and easyand we agree!

PillowSac with Accent Chair Frame vs. Without

There are five different PillowSac sizes, with the largest holding up to four people. The PillowSac is best suited for the Accent Chair Frame, which you can purchase with the Sac you choose. Without the frame, your Sac will sit on the floor and look much like a beanbag chairbut without beads, as LoveSac uses recycled foam filling. Sitting the Sac alone on the floor might be ideal for kids rooms, basements and rec rooms, but the frame gives it a more refined look for common space where you might host guests frequently.

If you already have a PillowSac, you can purchase the PillowSac Accent Chair Frame separately to elevate your Sac.

Final Verdict

I found the LoveSac PillowSac Accent Chair incredibly easy to assemble and very comfortable. I love curling up in the oversized chair with my morning coffee and a good book. The one issue I had with the chair was getting it to look neat and tidy after assembly, so I recommend it for a basement or playroom.

However, I did notice that the more I sat in the chair, the more it began to mold to my shape and look like the pictures online. Overall, it is very well-made, and if you love the feel of the PillowSac, youll likely love the Accent Chair Frame, too.

Where to Buy the PillowSac Accent Chair

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at LoveSac

I Tried It

LoveSac PillowSac Accent Chair

The cloud-like chair you'll want to curl up in for hours

Shop at LoveSac

You can shop the PillowSac Accent Chair Frame at LoveSac for $675; if you want to bundle the PillowSac with the frame, itll cost you around $1,300, depending on which materials you choose.

Article source here: I Tried the All-New Lovesac PillowSac Accent Chair, and Here’s My Honest Review

Wood Foundation Basics and Techniques

If you’re considering a wood basement, don’t worry about durability and strength. If in doubt, it’s best to get an opinion from someone who’s built a few dozen and had to guarantee their performanceme! I’m positively gleeful over the 20 trouble-free years we’ve had with ours at home and have yet to hear a single complaint from any of the dozens of customers I’ve built them for. The clients I still hear from love the advantages wood foundations have to offer.

• You can build them yourself.
• They’re dry and warm.
• They’re easy to finish (inside and out).

And because the wood frame construction is relatively simple, they’re easy to alter even after the basement is in. In fact, I added six windows and doors in my walkout basement three years after the house was finished.

Why wood foundations are durable

You won’t find too many unhappy wood foundation owners as long as the installation is done properly. Successful wood foundations depend on using the proper wood, good drainage and waterproofing.

Most people considering a wood foundation are concerned about rot and strength. Foundation-grade wood used in foundations is treated by steam-impregnating it with a chemical called CCA (chromated copper arsenate) at a concentration of at least .6 lbs. of chemical per cubic foot of wood so that the chemical penetrates deep into the core of the wood. The copper part of the compound is toxic to fungus, mold and bacteria, while the arsenate is toxic to pests like carpenter ants and termites.

Long-term durability isn’t an issue with a sound wood foundation. That’s been well documented by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Forest Service testing. Proper construction techniques are everything. When wood foundations fail, it’s always a case of poor construction techniques. The key elements are properly sized sheathing and framing, secure floor tie-ins and proper drainage.

Strength is a matter of engineering

Strength is simply a matter of following the guidelines in the wood foundation manual by the Southern Pine Council. Framing member widths and spacing, as well as sheathing thickness, depend mostly on backfill height. The deeper into the ground, the stronger the wall needs to be. In our example below, 2x8s are spaced every 16 inches with 5/8-in. sheathing, with the wall resting on 2x10s, which in turn rest on an 8-inch thick gravel footing.

The concrete floor resists ground pressure at the bottom, while the top is anchored to the floor system above with joist hangers and clips. This design is acceptable for most normal-height backfill scenarios. Any and all water will filter through the gravel backfill, footings and under-slab fill where a perforated sump basket collects it for pumping away from the house, or drained to daylight if your home’s on a hill.

Wood Foundation Details

Wood foundations require foundation-grade pressure-treated wood, studs sized for soil pressure, the proper fasteners, solid gravel footings, damp-proofing and good drainage.

Article source here: Wood Foundation Basics and Techniques

Over 30,000 People Love the Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifier—Here’s Why It’s a Gamechanger for Musty Closets

Many of you can probably remember a smelly closet in your grandparents’ house.

That stench was likely caused by excess humidity, which led to mold and mildew, which can also present health risks. There were very few ways to address this issue back then without extensive and expensive repairs, but luckily, that’s not the case now.

Today, you can stick an Eva-Dry dehumidifier in there and save your clothes and closet. Because it doesn’t use electricity and is reusable, you can place it in safes to keep firearms, collectibles, or other items from being damaged by humidity.

I’ve used the Eva-Dry dehumidifier for nearly a year, and to be honest, I’m obsessed with it. My clothes have never smelled fresher, and at under $25, it’s a no-brainer if you live in a humid area or need to keep moisture out of a confined area.

What is the Eva-Dry dehumidifier?

VIA MERCHANT

Shop Now on Amazon

Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifier

Shop Now on Amazon

Pros:

• Very compact
• Quiet
• Can be used in safes
• Under $25 on Amazon
• Cordless
• Renewable

Cons:

• Unit gets very hot when plugged in

Eva-Dry dehumidifiers come in different shapes for various purposes, including some self-drainingmodels, but today, we’re looking at the Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier. It’s a little smaller than a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo DSif you’re old school, making it easy to store in safes or closets.

The renewable aspect refers to the non-toxic crystallized silica gel that attracts and absorbs extra moisture in the air without electricity and can be reused. Once the beads in the center display turn from orange to green, you plug it in to heat the unit to get rid of the absorbed moisture. It can then be used again, thus repeating the cycle.

It can work in spaces up to 333 square feet, which is larger than my last New York City apartment. So, it could even be used as abasement dehumidifier for some smaller homes. For this Eva-Dry review, I used onein a small bathroom and the other in a closet.

Eva Dry Dehumidifier Features

Let’s take a look at some of the most notable features of this nifty dehumidifier.

Renewable

The Eva-Dry dehumidifier uses crystallized silica gel to absorb four to six ounces of moisture from the air. The company claims it can be reused for about 10 years by heating the gel about every month to release the stored water (more on that in a second).

These gels are sometimes used in cat litter to reduce odors, and they can absorb up to 40% of their weight in water vapor. They capture the humidity by storing it in microscopic capillaries and holding it there until releasedin the case of Eva-Dry, by being heated when plugged into a standard outlet. It takes about 10 hours to completely dry it out, at which point it can be reused wherever you had it. Be warned: The unit will get hot when charging, so it’s best not to touch the front of it.

The gel is orange and turns green when it’s at its maximum capacity and needs to be plugged in.

One thing to keep in mind is that you cannot customize how much moisture the gels absorb like you can with electric dehumidifiers.

Compact

The Eva-Dry dehumidifier is the smallest we’ve tested, yet it can work in rooms up to 333 square feet, about the same as some electronic models out there (reminder: this only uses electricity to release the water vapors). This allows it to be stashed in a corner, on a shelf, or in most safes.

Although they’re technically sealed, humidity can still enter safes and cause rust or mold/mildew growth, which could damage what’s inside. For example, the inner parts of a firearm could rust if exposed to humidity, possibly causing it to malfunction or misfire.

You could even use it as a crawl space dehumidifier.

Long-Lasting

I know one of your top questions is, “How long does the Eva-Dry dehumidifier last?” To be honest, I don’t know. The company states it can hold anywhere from 4 to 6 ounces of water. For reference, that’s about three-quarters of a cup. I’ll get into how long it took to get there in a little bit, but the short answer is, “It depends where you put it.” The company claims it can last for 20 to 30 days.

Cordless

For my money, one of the best features of the Eva-Dry dehumidifier is that it’s cordless. You might be asking, “How do you plug it in?” There’s a plug located on the back that can be used when it’s time to heat the silica gel. This makes it compact and portable, and because it doesn’t use electricity to run (only when drying out), it is 100% quiet.

How We Tested It

I originally tested the Eva-Dry dehumidifier when researching our best small dehumidifiers roundup, and I loved it so much I bought another one to use elsewhere around the house. I’ve had one in the master bedroom closet and the other in the laundry room.

I wrote down when I first placed one of the units in their respective location and then marked the date when the silica gel turned from orange to green, indicating when it had absorbed all the moisture.

As you could probably guess, the one in the laundry room needed to be recharged much quicker than the one in the closet. The former only took about five days, and the latter lasted about three weeks to a month, depending on the weather.

It’s hard to measure this, but I’ve also kept track of how “fresh” the closet has smelled and felt, and I can tell you there’s been a considerable change. We live in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC, where we’re sweating harder than a snowman in Phoenix from May to September due to the excess humidity. To be clear, it’s not going to provide relief the way my Midea dehumidifier does, but without it, I’d have damp clothes.

I prefer to line-dry most of my laundry, which is pretty difficult with all that excess water already in the air. Since using the Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier, my clothes have dried quicker and more thoroughly.

Lastly, I timed how long it took to heat the unit and turn the silica gel from green back to orange so it could go back in its place. It was generally around the 10-hour mark advertised by the company, giving or taking an hour depending on the temperature of the place where you place it.

Another suggestion for a dehumidifier for larger spaces? Check out our Frigidaire dehumidifier review.

FAQ

How long do Eva-Dry dehumidifiers last?

Eva-Dry says its renewable dehumidifiers can last about a month before needing to be plugged in to release the water, though it can be shorter or longer than that depending on how humid it is in the area you put it.

Can you leave Eva-Dry plugged in?

No, it’s advised to unplug the Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier after it has released all of the stored water vapor so you don’t damage the silica gels or the unit, which gets hot when plugged in.

How does the Eva-Dry dehumidifier work?

The Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier uses crystallized silica gel that attracts, absorbs and stores water vapors using microscopic capillaries that can hold up to 40% of their weight. The gels turn from orange to green when full and will hold onto the moisture until it’s released via the heat produced by plugging the unit in. Once all the water’s gone and the gels are orange, the dehumidifier can be placed back in its original spot (like a musty closet).

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

The Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier has a 4.2 average rating on Amazon, with more than 20,000 of the nearly 33,000 reviews being five stars. “Its rapid, effective, and energy-efficient design has been a welcome change, as it quickly removes excess moisture from the air with no leaks, spills, or unpleasant odors,” says Florida resident and five-star reviewer CZDM.

Negative reviewers said the unit didn’t perform as advertised, with some showing pictures of hardened spices or other signs of excess moisture in areas where they had placed an Eva-Dry dehumidifier.

“[I] put [it] back in the closet, this time adding another dehumidifier bag that I bought from Home Depot, and in two weeks that bag was full of water, but this little unit still shows the same orange window like the day I received it,” says one-star customer reviewer Shaun Meyer.

Eva-Dry Dehumidifier vs Pro Breeze Dehumidifier

Pro Breeze produces and sells air conditioners, heaters, air purifiers and dehumidifiers, like Eva-Dry. The brand doesn’t have a cordless, renewable option like Eva-Dry, though it has several small dehumidifiers. I’ve used the Pro Breeze Electric Mini dehumidifier, and think it’s another great choice for small spaces.

Right off the bat, the Pro Breeze has a larger capacity than the Eva-Dry renewable, capable of holding up to 8.45 ounces of water, while the Eva-Dry can hold anywhere from 4 to 6 ounces.

The Pro Breeze is good for spaces up to 205 square feet, which is actually smaller than the Eva-Dry’s 333-square-foot coverage area. Still, I think there’s a case to be made for the Pro Breeze because it’s more efficient at its job.

You’ll feel relief from the humidity much quicker with the Pro Breeze than the Eva-Dry, because the electric unit is more powerful at sucking in water vapors than the crystallized silica gel. So if you’re looking for a dehumidifier because it’s uncomfortable in a room or RV/camper, go for the Pro Breeze. If you’re just looking to keep excess moisture from ruining a small area like a closet or safe (or you’re on a tight budget), the Eva-Dry is your pick.

By the way, consider complementing your dehumidifier with a compact air purifier like the Blueair Air Purifier to eliminate other airborne nuisances.

Final Verdict

There are very few products that I outright recommend to virtually everyone, but I can’t think of a single person (minus those in climates where excess humidity simply isn’t a concern) who shouldn’t buy the Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier. The cordless, compact, renewable and energy efficient. Most importantly, it’s incredibly effective at its job, at least in my experience, with two of them across two different apartments and one home.

It’s not ideal for making huge rooms more comfortable, but it can prevent excess moisture from ruining clothes, firearms, or collectibles sensitive to water vapors.

Where to Buy the Eva Dry Dehumidifier

The Eva-Dry Renewable dehumidifier is available on Amazon for less than $25. It is also available at Home Depot for the same price.

Article source here: Over 30,000 People Love the Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifier—Here’s Why It’s a Gamechanger for Musty Closets