20 Of Family Handyman’s Most Incredible DIY Projects

Polished Concrete Table Top

Working with concrete may not sound like a quick project, but you’ll surprise yourself with just how quickly this gorgeous concrete table-top  comes together. It’s an excellent starter project if you want to learn how to incorporate concrete into more of your DIY projects.

Wooden Swing

Don’t forget the kids when you’re building features for your backyard. This wooden disc swing is an easy winner; as long as you’ve got a suitable tree or other solid frame  you can install this and become the owners of the coolest backyard on your block.

Elegant Outdoor Table

Build this attractive, durable stone look-alike table in a day, using inexpensive concrete products available at many home centers. You simply mold and pour the top, then assemble the wooden legs. When sealed, it’s stain-resistant and can be used indoors or outside.

Greenhouse

While you’re updating your outdoor space, why not give yourself somewhere to up your gardening game. Building a greenhouse is a great way to expand the growing season for your garden, whether you want fruits and veggies or to supply your own floral studio.

Simple Folding Chair

This folding wooden lawn chair is the perfect project for a beginner. It boasts a simple design, with a carrying handle cutout in the back for easy portability and a neat interlocking look. The chair shown is cedar, but you could also use Cypress fir or pressure-treated wood.

How to Make an Adirondack Chair and Love Seat

This Adirondack chair and matching love seat are designed for outdoor comfort. It’s one of the wood projects designed for easy assembly, so that a novice can build them. And you can build them from inexpensive, durable wood that, once stained, looks beautiful.

Floating Bookshelves

These shelves are handsome, easy to build and inexpensive. And they’re strong even though they have no visible supports. They appear to float on the wall, no clunky hardware or brackets. We made them from only two parts—half of a hollow core door and a 2×4.

Build a Built-in Bookcase

Sometimes simple IKEA hacks are the easiest DIY projects. This one has no complex wood joints and no tricky techniques. You simply glue, screw and nail the parts together. Learn how to use inexpensive materials like birch plywood and standard trim to build this classic, built-in wooden bookcase.

Bookcase Built by Two

Build this simple pine bookshelf in one day with a miter saw, biscuits—and a young helper. It’s a great way to teach your kids about woodworking and safe tool use. If your children have shown an interest in DIY projects, this is the perfect entry point.

Entryway Shelves

Entryway shelves can help corral shoes, bags, and other miscellaneous items that get shed when you and your family members come inside after a long day. This project can be easily customized to solve whatever your specific storage needs are; it’s quite versatile.

Saturday Morning Shelf

This versatile cherry shelf goes together in a few hours, and with a quick-drying finish you can have it on the wall in a day. The extra-wide top makes it perfect for books, antiques and collectibles. Build it before lunch—spray on the finish after dinner.

Install a Wall-Bed-Bookcase Combo

A wall-bed combination or drop-down bed helps save a lot of room in a tight basement, so consider installing this DIY Murphy bed and bookcase. While a Murphy bed can be super simple- some are just an upright box that contains a folddown bed-  this is a deluxe version that includes ample storage.

Classic Simple Bookcase

Craftsman-style furniture designs are still popular today, and with modern tools you can build a classic bookcase like this one from the Stickley catalog in a weekend. It’s a step above beginner. While it’s not a project to take on alone if you’ve never done woodworking before, if you’ve done even one or two other DIY projects under your belt you should be able to handle it with ease.

Build a Showcase Wall

This built-in entertainment center mixes architectural simplicity with a pop of color to make it stand out. This showstopper of a bookcase is an intermediate level project, but if you’re confident in your skills it’s well worth the time and work it takes.

Build a Traditional Bookshelf

Need a great-looking bookshelf with classic lines by tomorrow? Using clever shortcuts and standard materials, you can build a bookshelf like this in a day. It’s a great option if you’re looking for simple DIY projects you can do quickly. You can even build multiple of these bookcases to give your living room or den the ability to house your entire library.

Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase shows off a small room’s height while adding a lot of space-saving vertical storage. This Greek Revival-style wood bookcase is much easier to build that it looks. It’s the kind of woodworking project you can use to impress your friends and family.

Custom Box Shelves

Organize the clutter. These simple, but handsome, box shelves will store books, hats, shoes, and all kinds of knick-knacks. You can even sit on them!

Record Display Case

If you’ve got a record collection that you want to show off, why not build a display case for them? This wooden crate is designed to hold several records and is complete with a display sleeve on front so you can display your most prized album.

Make Your Own Built-In Shelves

Use this project for built-in shelves to unlock hidden storage space between the studs in your walls. Install a single, open box of shelves, or install two boxes and add a set of glass doors to make a cabinet. Either way you’ll have given yourself extra storage space.

DIY Rustic Barn Door and Hardware

Rustic barn doors have become popular recently and we’ve got the plans to create your own rustic barn door. Getting that distressed look is one of those DIY home projects that can be done without spending a lot of money and still looks great.

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Turf Pros Explain How To Make Your Yard the Envy of the Block

Fertilize Smartly

Fertilize in spring so your lawn has the nutrients it needs for the growing season. But don’t overdo it, cautions Chrissie Handley, a lawn care specialist at Online Turf, or you can affect the pH balance of your soil, causing bare patches and uneven, discolored growth.

Also, fertilize in the morning or evening, whenever the temperature is mild and the grass moist. “This will minimize the sun being directly overhead and burning the fertilizer onto your lawn, which can create yellow, dry patches,” says Handley.

Aerate and Overseed

Aerating and overseeding the lawn in the spring, and sometimes again in the fall, helps thicken the turf, which will also help naturally crowd out weeds. Aeration machines pull up tiny cores of soil, allowing water and oxygen to better reach the roots and deepen their growth.

“Aeration also reduces soil compaction,” says Ryan Walts, training manager and business coach at Lawn Squad. “A common mistake is skipping aeration in compacted soils, which can lead to poor water retention and weak grass growth.”

Overseeding afterward is good for getting new seeds in those holes. It’s also the best fix to create re-growth if you accidentally scalp your lawn by cutting it too short, says Handley.

Be Proactive With Weed Control

Another turf tip from McCausland is using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds from sprouting, then using targeted treatments to help manage any that appear. On the downside, most of those products contain glyphosate, which is increasingly being banned by municipalities because of its potential link to cancer, plus the damage it does to native bees and other beneficial insects. One natural alternative is products with corn gluten meal. Overall, however, the best, lasting defense against weeds is to create a thick, healthy lawn in the first place.

Mow at the Right Height

As springtime sets in, don’t feel rushed into mowing your lawn, says Handley. Instead, wait until you can see your grass actively growing. If you mow too early, you can risk scalping your grass, causing bare, uneven patches, making it susceptible to disease and easier for weeds to take hold.

Also, for the first mow of the season, use your highest blade height setting, and afterward, never take more than 1/3 of the length of your lawn off at any one time, she says. It depends on the species of grass and your climate, but in general, grass that’s at least three inches tall provides enough shade to inhibit weeds from sprouting and keeps the grass stronger.

Maintain Your Mower

Keep mower blades sharp for that perfect, clean cut. That not only looks nicer, but it keeps grass blades from getting ripped up, which makes them susceptible to patchiness and disease. But Handley offers this warning: “While sharpening your mower blades is important for a clean cut, but over sharpening them can cause them to become brittle, meaning they’re more likely to break when encountering lawn debris like sticks, rocks etc.”

And if you’re curious about electric lawn care, here’s turf tips for that.

Don’t Mow Wet Grass

Mowing wet grass tears the grass leaves, which creates many problems including making them more vulnerable to fungal disease, reducing their durability in adverse weather conditions, risking damage to your mower and giving the lawn a clumpy, uneven look.

“Your grass needs to be standing up straight, rather than bending over limply or in clumps, as the mower blades slice through it,” says Steve Corcoran, CEO at Lawn Love. “Think of it as the difference between cutting a string that’s pulled taut vs. a loose one.”

Water Deeply in Spring

“Overwatering and under-watering are among the most common lawn care errors,” says Handley. “Overwatering deprives the grass roots of oxygen by limiting the airflow, causing root rot, while under-watering can dry out and kill the plant.”

The ideal amount of water depends on your grass species and climate, but in general, water deeply and infrequently in spring. This encourages roots to grow deeply into the soil and gives your lawn a more stable base for the coming summer.

Water In the Morning

When temperatures are high, it’s best to water in the morning or evening to make sure the sun isn’t evaporating moisture from the ground. “Also check your soil moisture levels regularly,” says Handley. “If it’s hard and compacted, the lawn likely needs water, but if it’s moist enough to form a loose ball when squeezed, it won’t need any extra watering.”

Green Up Your Fertilizer

Resist the temptation to over-fertilize. It can actually harm your grass, plus excess fertilizer pollutes drinking water and wetlands, causing algae blooms and other problems. Instead consider organic lawn care, like eco-friendly soil treatments such as compost or organic soil amendments. “Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving lawn, providing essential nutrients and helping grass grow stronger and more resilient,” says Walts.

You can also DIY a nutrient boost using compost or leftover coffee grounds, says Handley. It’ll save you money, plus “Coffee grounds are a great eco-friendly alternative to chemicals since they’re rich in nitrogen,” she says. Mix grounds into a top dressing or topsoil, then sprinkle the mixture over your lawn.

Practice Winter Maintenance

Maintaining the perfect lawn doesn’t just mean caring for it during the spring and summer. “You have to take care of it during the cold months, too,” says Corcoran. “Of course it’s not going to look lush and green during those months, but the way it’s treated during its dormancy can impact its health and appearance during the growing season.”

To treat your lawn kindly in winter, remove excess debris that’s fallen on it to ensure it gets enough oxygen and airflow to prevent diseases. Minimizing foot traffic is also essential.

Let Your Creativity Grow

The times are a-changin’ and these days lawn envy doesn’t necessarily mean a wall-to-wall green carpet of grass. Many homeowners, from luxury to humble, are embracing lawn alternatives or at shrinking the size of their traditional turf. Some alternatives include drought friendly yards, native grasses, wildflower meadows, native plant gardens and pollinator gardens.

And, if you are planning your yard from scratch:

The most enviable yards start with proper planning for what works for you and your family, says Laura Barrera, a designer at Douglas Elliman. “Grab a pen and paper and draw out where you’d like to place key elements such as a lawn, pool, jacuzzi, pergola, BBQ or dining area,” she says. Also, “Know the difference between designers and installers.”

Be on-site for last-minute changes when the landscaping is being done, and ask your installer to roll and tamper the soil before laying grass to ensure the final result looks even. For extra lawn envy, make a front yard access to your property with green leaved lush plants, she says. “It will create a wow effect and make your neighbors and potential buyers impressed. It’s like a first impression on a date.”

About the Experts

• Chrissie Handley is a lawn care specialist at Online Turf, a turf, compost and soil e-commerce company with more than a decade of experience in turf-laying, grass maintenance and seasonal gardening.
• Steve Corcoran is CEO at Lawn Love and has been working in the lawn and landscape industry for more than a decade.
• Ryan Walts is training manager and business coach at Lawn Squad and has worked with the turf science, management and maintenance for more than 15 years.
• Jason McCausland is a technical coordinator at Weed Man, where he has worked for more than 25 years, starting as a lawn technician.
• Laura Barrera is a designer and luxury and wellness real estate associate at Douglas Elliman, and works with contractors and landscaping on a weekly basis to add value to properties

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6 Reasons Your High Beams Won’t Turn Off

With almost 60 years in the automotive service industry as a General Motors and ASE Master Technician, automotive technology instructor, and vehicle owner, I know how important properly functioning headlights and high beams are for safeguarding you, your passengers, pedestrians and other drivers’ safety while driving at night.

When it comes to headlights, one might think the biggest worry would be them going out, but another serious problem one might experience is high beams that won’t turn off. This could be dangerous for a few reasons. Besides blinding oncoming traffic, in foggy weather, the bright light from high beams bouncing off the fog can also blind you. It also indicates something’s amiss with your electrical system.

When I first started as a mechanic, “dimmer” switches were simply floor-mounted levers that you pushed to turn the high beams ON and OFF. For safety reasons, by the 1970s, manufacturers replaced the floor-mounted switches with multi-function, steering column-mounted levers (AKA “stalks”) that control headlights, high beams, turn signals, windshield wipers and washers. Today, auto settings that sense when you do and don’t need headlights or high beams and turn them on or off accordingly are very common.

Ahead, an ASE Master Technician and I will explain the most common reasons your high beams won’t shut off.

Reasons Your High Beams Won’t Turn Off

There are several possible reasons your high beams won’t turn off, including:

• Failed or damaged headlight or dimmer switch.
• Misadjusted or loose headlamp lever actuator rod linkage or switch.
• Failed or shorted relay.
• Loose, damaged or corroded wiring.
• Dirty, damaged, or failed automatic headlamp and or high beam sensor.
• Software communication or sync issues between different components.

Depending on your car’s year, make, and model and whether you have the skill and tools to disassemble some tricky assemblies, you may find some simple DIY repairs, while others are dealer-only fixes. Before you begin to troubleshoot the reasons your high beams won’t turn off, check your owner’s manual or service manual to pinpoint where the headlight, high beam dimmer switch, sensors, relays, and fuses are located.

Headlamp or high beam dimmer switch

If a headlamp or high beam dimmer switch is located on the floor, it can be simple to replace. Pull up the carpet and install the new switch.

If the switch is located in the steering column, try using compressed air to clean out any dirt or debris from around the switch level. If you can see the switch wires at the base of the actuator lever, lightly spray with an electrical contact cleaner.

If the switch is located at the bottom of the steering column, spray the actuator with silicone spray (do not use WD-40 o other flammable or harsh chemicals), then move the lever back and forth to lube the switch and actuator.

If the steering column headlamp/dimmer switch needs replacing, it’s best left to the pros.

Headlamp lever actuator rod linkage

On many cars, the dimmer switch is located at the base of the steering column. When you pull back on the lever, a rod (or linkage) activates the switch on and off. After a few years, said ASE Master Technician Joe Simes, “the [dimmer] switch can become loose, or the [actuator] rod may come out of adjustment.”

Many years ago, something similar happened to me. A loose ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column was keeping my vehicle on, draining the battery. Simes explained that “loosening the dimmer switch mounting screws at the bottom of the steering column and adjusting the switch position [and spraying with silicone spray] is something any DIYer should be able to do. But he warned, “leave this to the pros if any SRS (Supplemental Restraint Systems—airbags) components are involved or need disassembly.”

Relays

Relays permit a small amount of current to control a larger, second high-current circuit. When you turn on a switch (the input circuit), a small amount of current activates a coil or electromagnet inside the relay. This closes the relay’s contacts, allowing a much bigger current to flow (output—from a high-current second circuit) to a high-current device, such as high beams. This allows manufacturers to install smaller gauge wires inside the car and steering column.

Stuck or corroded contacts or coil can keep your high beams from turning off. Use your owner’s manual to identify and try replacing the headlight or high beam relay.

Wiring problems

Wiring can cause all kinds of headaches inside a car. Loose or corroded wire connectors and switch contacts due to moisture and road salts, short circuits, wires chaffed inside the steering column, or poor grounds can play all kinds of havoc with your high beams.

Many wiring repairs are DIY. If a device is not working properly, disengage and separate the suspect connector and inspect the terminals to determine if they have backed out of the connector, are bent, damaged or corroded. Clean corroded terminals with electrical contact cleaner. Or repair wires using crimp connectors. Loosen or remove ground cables where they connect to the body. Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the connector and body panel, then firmly retighten the ground cables. Use a DVOM to check the suspicious connections for voltage drop. If none of this works, it’s time to visit your mechanic.

Automatic high beam sensor and cameras

Automatic dimming high beam systems have been around since the 1950s and are often the most overlooked problem of headlight and high beam malfunctions. “Many modern cars have two automatic high beam sensors and or cameras that are components of ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems),” said Simes. Sensors or cameras are usually [located] on the top of the dashboard or rearview mirror, the other near the front grille,” added Simes.

Check your owner’s manual to locate camera or sensor locations and make sure they are not covered by dirt or debris. Simes added, “Thoroughly clean the sensors and camera lenses [with a clean microfiber towel] so they can detect daylight, streetlights or headlights from oncoming cars.” He added “use caution when cleaning any lenses. Refer to [your] owner’s manual for any special cleaning procedures, or you may damage them.”

Software and electronic communication issues

“Modern cars use a ‘BUS’ (Binary Unit System) to ensure individual devices [like sensors, actuators, switches, relays, controllers] can quickly exchange data,” says Simes. This greatly improves vehicle systems management, operations, and safety.

Sometimes these extremely complex systems get out of sync—causing the high beams to not turn off—calling for a system restart.

BEWARE: A BUS sync issue (Simes called it a “handshake”) can also cause ADAS system errors, drivability and false trouble code issues. Some manufacturers use a button on the infotainment touch screen you hold down for “X” seconds, or a combination of buttons, holding the high beam lever in the “on” potion for “X” seconds or powering the ignition off and then on “X” number of times. Again, it is important to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your year, make and model car.

Below are generic steps you can try to “reboot” the system. PRO TIP: If you’re not completely confident following these steps, take it to your dealer’s service department or mechanic to resync the high beam system.

• Fully discharge the electrical system by disconnecting it for 15 minutes. NOTE: Disconnecting the battery can cause the loss of saved radio station presets, clock, seat position and other custom settings.
• Reconnect the negative battery (-) cable.
• Start the engine and let it idle for five minutes to help the BUS recalibrate.
• Use a scan tool to check and clear trouble codes.
• You may need to drive your car to reset the engine monitors.

The Expert

Joe Simes has spent over 20 years as an ASE and Toyota Master Technician. He is a certified Pennsylvania Department of Education automotive technology instructor, preparing the next generation of automotive service professionals at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale PA., as well as a PA certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector. Email interview Mar 19, 2024.

Resources

Popular Mechanics: “Carchaeology: 1952 Oldsmobile and the First Headlight Dimmer Along with Cadillac, Oldsmobile introduced the idea of an automatic headlight dimmer back in the early 50s, when GM called it the Autronic Eye

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5 Valuable Home Materials Thieves Could Target

I’ve always focused on inexpensive home security additions to deter burglars from coming inside. However, with the prices of scrap metal and other valuable home materials surging in recent decades, it pays to be aware of exterior elements that can be tempting for thieves.

I spoke to two crime prevention experts about the things you might not realize are attractive to steal and what measures you can take to mitigate your losses.

Copper Guttering

Copper guttering is aesthetically appealing and durable—it’s also one of the most valuable home materials on this list. “Thieves can make more money selling one copper downspout than taking the whole side of aluminum from a house,” Criminal Justice Professional Dr. Ben Stickle says.

Copper’s market price has increased by almost 500 percent in the last two decades. In 2000, the price per pound was under $1; as of March 2025, it’s over $5. Stickle explains that copper guttering is also appealing to scrap metal thieves because it’s easily identifiable and not difficult to remove.

If you’re keen to keep or install classy copper gutters, Stickle suggests replacing the easy-to-access lower downspouts with a lower-priced metal. Some professional copper thieves may watch your property and wait for an opportunity to remove all the guttering. However, Stickle explains that many thieves are lazy opportunists. “If it takes more work to steal it, they’re less likely to do it,” he says. “Often, they’re just going to pull off what they can get quickly and walk away.”

If they only remove a lower-value downspout, it will be less inconvenient and costly for you to replace.

Air Conditioning Units

If you come home one hot day to discover cool air won’t circulate around your rooms, it could be because thieves have taken your exterior air conditioner unit—or stripped it down to remove the valuable parts. “To cool the air, water runs through a series of condensing tubes, and these are generally copper,” Stickle explains. While some thieves might leave the frame if they’re only searching for copper, others will take the entire unit for convenience or sell the other cheaper metal parts for scrap.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeffrey Reisman warns that because the copper air conditioner wiring and tubing is easy to extract, this has led to thefts of units while homes are occupied. “That includes instances of thieves posing as service technicians advertising a special,” he says.

“Some of the newer air conditioners have less copper put in them on purpose,” Stickle says. “But I don’t know that a thief would know that until they get inside and already do the damage.” He recommends considering mounting the HVAC unit higher on a wall. If the unit is trickier to access and remove, it will be less attractive to thieves.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum isn’t nearly as valuable as copper per pound, and trying to remove an entire home’s siding is time-consuming and conspicuous. However, one of the pros of aluminum siding is that it’s lightweight, and large quantities can still be attractive to professional scrap metal thieves. “Aluminum siding theft is probably more of an issue in houses that are empty or not easy to see from the street,” Stickle says.

Stickle doesn’t have a lot of faith in surveillance cameras to deter thieves from stealing valuable home materials. However, he says that some studies indicate that just having a sign saying you have a burglar alarm prevents more burglaries than an actual alarm. “So it’s conceivable that if you have a sign saying you have video surveillance, that might dissuade someone from even approaching your house,” he says.

It may be comforting to know that if you own a dog, you will be less likely to be targeted. “Universally, thieves hate dogs,” Stickle says. “They are obviously afraid of getting bitten, and they feel like dogs alert neighbors that there’s something wrong.”

Loose Lumber

Reisman says he has worked with property owners who have incurred extra costs and experienced delays as a result of lumber theft from new home builds or restoration projects.

“Framing materials, plywood, and decking boards are commonly stolen from the site then sold out cheaply to ruthless contractors or [unaware] DIY enthusiasts,” he says. “Insurance covers for theft of construction materials vary, depending on the policy and whether or not those materials were considered part of the property or within the control of the contractors.”

To help you stay on budget when building a new home, Reisman recommends things like installing motion sensor lights or heavy locks to secure materials, as well as looking at your insurance coverage. “Marking valuable home materials with unique identifiers, such as engraving a serial number or applying a UV-visible security marker, greatly compromises resale potential and aids in tracking stolen items,” he says.

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters don’t strictly fall into the category of valuable home materials. However, the experts think they merit adding to the list, given vehicles sitting directly outside your home are common targets for thieves.

“Catalytic converters contain a small amount of three precious metals—palladium, platinum and rhodium,” Stickle explains. “They’re in the same family as gold and silver and very valuable—oftentimes more valuable per ounce than gold.”

While the thieves don’t extract the metal themselves, they will sell it to a specialist who can. According to Stickle, stolen catalytic converters can sell anywhere from $75 to $300 at a scrapyard.

If you own a vehicle that sits higher off the ground, Stickle says this will be a more tempting target for thieves, as it is easier and quicker to slide underneath and access the catalytic converter. He recommends installing motion sensor lights pointing at your car as a helpful deterrent.

About the Experts

• Jeffrey Reisman is a Toronto Criminal Defense Lawyer with over 25 years of experience in areas including theft and property offenses; email interview, Mar. 6, 2025
• Dr. Ben Stickle, Criminal Justice Professional and Author, conducts research and provides consultation on policing and crime prevention. He is a Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and the author of the book “Metal Scrappers and Thieves: Scavenging for Survival and Profit“; video interview, Mar. 8, 2025.

Sources

• “Macrotrends: Copper Prices – 45 Year Historical Chart” (2025)

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Does Home Insurance Cover Damage from Space Debris?

The Soviet Union kicked off the Space Age in 1957 when it launched the first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik. Since then, governments and private companies worldwide have hoisted more than 15,000 satellites into orbit. Although the majority of these launches have been successful, some haven’t been. Most recently, a pair of test launches by SpaceX experienced “rapid unscheduled disassembly” and showered debris over a wide area before even reaching space.

Whether or not they successfully make it into orbit, satellites, booster rockets and related space paraphernalia are subject to the adage “What goes up must come down.” When they do succumb to gravity, the results can be unpredictable, and space debris damage can literally occur anywhere. If that gives you chills, take comfort in the fact that the sheer amount of surface area on the planet makes the likelihood of space debris landing on your property very small.

But it isn’t zero, so if the improbable happens and your property suffers space debris damage, will you be covered by your homeowner’s insurance? We asked insurance experts Melanie Musson and Erika Tortorici about your chances of recovering damage expenses, and in this post, we’ll tell you what they said. (Spoiler alert: Your chances are pretty good).

What Is Space Debris?

Many of the satellites that have been launched over the years are no longer operational, and occasionally, one of them — or a part of a spent rocket — falls into a low enough orbit to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. Such debris usually burns up, but if it’s big and heavy enough, it may break into pieces large enough to make their way to the ground.

Case in point: Scientific American reported that a Soviet satellite with a reactor aboard crashed into northern Canada in 1978, spraying a Florida-sized area with radioactive waste. According to CBS News, a part of a SpaceX Dragon capsule landed on an Australian sheep farm in 2022, while a 1,000-pound metal ring believed to be from a launch vehicle fell on a village in Kenya on December 30, 2024.

Some orbiting material is simply waste that was discarded under the assumption that allowing it to burn up in the atmosphere is the most efficient way to dispose of it. In another instance reported by Scientific American, a two-pound piece of debris discarded by the International Space Station crashed through the roof of a home in Naples, Florida, on March 8, 2024, continuing all the way through the house and through the floor.

How do you know if it’s space debris?

Unlike a meteorite, which is basically a lump of rock charred by frictional heat, space debris has recognizable human origins. After analysis, NASA was able to identify the debris that fell in Naples as part of a battery pack because it contained a super alloy called Inconel, which is often used in aerospace operations.

Debris that fell in a Saskatchewan field in 2024 bore a strong resemblance to that which fell in Australia, which was identified by SpaceX as being part of a cargo trunk. It looked like “the charred, battered hood of a semitruck covered with woven carbon fiber,” according to Scientific American.

Meanwhile, the human origin of the metal ring that fell in Kenya was obvious.

What Is Space Debris Damage?

Space debris damage is something that normally happens in space. The high speeds at which objects travel in orbit give them enormous momentum. When they collide, the resulting forces are strong enough to puncture holes in metal, destroy electronic systems and disable working spacecraft.

When objects in low orbits encounter the upper layers of the atmosphere, frictional forces reduce their speed sufficiently to make them fall earthward. Only large, heavy objects capable of withstanding the heat of reentry without burning up can reach the ground. When they do, they aren’t traveling at the high speeds they were in orbit. But they are still moving fast enough to damage buildings and kill or injure people and animals. This is also a type of space debris damage, and although it isn’t as extreme as the damage that happens in orbit, it’s consequential.

How Likely Is It That Space Debris Will Land On Your Home?

The chances are infinitesimal — about one in a trillion, according to Aerospace.org. By contrast, the chances of your home being struck by lightning are about one in 1.4 million — roughly one million times more.

Does Home Insurance Cover Space Debris Damage?

Musson and Tortorici agreed that your homeowner’s policy should cover damage from space debris. “The only way your policy would not cover the damage is if space debris was a named exclusion,” said Musson. That’s unlikely because space debris damage is too rare a phenomenon to be named on most policies, but that could change if the number of such damage incidents increases, she said.

Would you be liable if someone was struck by space debris while on your property? That’s unlikely, according to Totorici. “Liability coverage typically protects homeowners if they’re found responsible for injuries on their property. Since space debris is entirely beyond a homeowner’s control, liability is unlikely.” However, she stressed the importance of reviewing your policy to make sure you have the proper coverage.

What To Do If You Suspect Space Debris Landed On Your Property

Under the terms of international agreements signed in the late ’60s and early ’70s, the government of the country that launched the spacecraft is responsible for damage and injuries caused by falling debris. In the case of SpaceX, that would be the U.S. government. These agreements are pretty much outdated, and they only apply to the countries that signed them. To complicate matters, SpaceX has been known to retrieve debris it owns unilaterally and without government oversight.

Given the uncertainty, the best thing to do is to contact your insurance company, file a claim and let the company contact the relevant authorities and hash out the details. While you’re waiting for a resolution, it’s best to avoid disturbing the debris unless you have to.

About the Experts

• Melanie Musson is a published insurance and finance expert and an agent for Clearsurance.com, a one-stop insurance marketplace.
• Erika Totorici is the owner and principal of Optimum Insurance Solutions, a broker of home, auto, apartment and life insurance.

Sources

• Scientific American: A New, Deadly Era of Space Junk Is Dawning, and No One Is Ready; (2024)
• Scientific American: Space-Junk Strike in Florida Signals New Era of Orbital Debris; (2024)
• CBS News: Space debris weighing over 1,000 pounds reportedly crashes into village in Kenya; (2025)
• Aerospace.org: Space Debris 101; (2025)

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Is Your House Too Humid for Your Plants?

With spring upon us, it’s the perfect time to tend to a garden or even add some new houseplants to your collection (or start one). They can help bring a space to life, improve air quality, and potentially aid in stress relief. Whether you’re looking to introduce another snake plant or jade plant, it’s important to make sure your house is conducive to making your plants thrive, and one important aspect to consider is temperature. That said, you may be wondering, “Is my house too humid for plants?” That’s a valid question for both novice and experienced gardeners, and we have some insight that will help answer this question.

Ahead, we speak with plant and botany experts about how humidity affects plants and what you can do to help ensure your plants stay alive and healthy right now and in the future.

How Does Humidity Affect Plants?

Humidity is key to help your plants thrive as it affects how they breathe, drink and take in nutrients. “Too much humidity can lead to root rot, mold, or unhappy plants, while not enough leaves them thirsty and stressed,” says Stephanie Elhayani, founder and chief floral officer at Seed Floral.

Nobody wants unhappy plants and taking care of the humidity levels in your home is one way to help them thrive.

“When there is high humidity, plants take in less water in the roots as there is less water lost in the pores,” says Melvin Cubian, gardening expert and botanist at PlantIn app. “In contrast, low humidity pulls more water from the leaves and when the roots cannot replenish the loss of water, it results in browning.”

How Much Humidity Is Too Much Humidity for Plants?

The level of humidity that is ideal for plants will vary based on the type of plant. “Most plants like 40 to 60 percent humidity,” says Elhayani. “Above 70 to 80 percent, you risk mold and fungal issues, except for tropical beauties like ferns and orchids—they love it steamy.”

For example, plants like marble pothos, majesty palm, dracaena lemon line and calathea plants all thrive the best in environments with humidity levels between 40 to 60 percent.

According to Cubian, to maintain the balance between humidity and a healthy water intake in the roots, proper ventilation is recommended. “This can be achieved by observing proper plant spacing and pruning the dead leaves and redundant branches,” he tells Family Handyman.

How Can I Tell If My House Is Too Humid for Plants?

There are a few ways to tell if your house is too humid for plants that you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

First off, the leaves on your plant can tell you a lot about its overall health and well being. “If they are showing signs of fungal disease like a leaf spot or mold, then that likely means there is too much moisture,” says Teri Valenzuela, Natural Science Manager at Sunday.

Aside from the look of the plant, you’ll probably be able to feel it and see it in your home. “If an unusual odor is accompanied by a sticky or damp air feeling, then it’s likely that your house is too humid for plants,” says Cubian.

Another way to tell if your house is too humid for plants is if you notice moldy soil and pots or mushy roots, according to Elhayani.

How To Make My House Less Humid for Plants

Luckily, there are ways to make your house less humid for plants if you think humidity is an issue.

First, and most importantly, you want to make sure your home has proper and adequate ventilation. “Cracking a window or running a regular or exhaust fan in humid rooms can help get airflow going,” says Valenzuela. “Additionally, investing in an energy-efficient dehumidifier can be helpful to pull extra moisture from the air, especially in humid climates.”

Alongside better ventilation, you’ll want to make sure your plants are placed a decent amount apart. It’s important to give them breathing room, especially around the leaves and stems, according to Cubian.

If you’re still having trouble getting the humidity levels just right, then you may also want to consider investing in a hygrometer which measures moisture content, or humidity, in a space. This is an easier way to get a better read on humidity levels so you can try to adjust your environment and plants accordingly.

About the Experts

• Stephanie Elhayani, founder and chief floral officer at Seed Floral in West Hollywood, CA.; email interview, March 23, 2025
• Teri Valenzuela, Natural Science Manager at Sunday; email interview, March 21, 2025
• Melvin Cubian, gardening expert and botanist at PlantIn app; email interview, March 20, 2025

Sources

• “DripWorks: 11 Best High Humidity Plants for Your Homes” (2024)

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Ford Issues Recall for Cars That May Move Forward While in Reverse

In the latest round of recalls, Ford has announced a recall of hundreds of its vehicles due to the risk of the vehicle moving forward even when it is not in drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a brief warning to drivers about the dangers posed by the impacted vehicles to both their owners and other drivers on the road.

Gear shift issues are often indicative of transmission problems, so it’s important to remedy them as soon as you can. Transmission problems can get very expensive very quickly, and the faster you catch them, the better the outcome for your vehicle and your wallet.

Why Is Ford Recalling These Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA brief, in certain Ford vehicles “the transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly.” Faulty transmission valve bodies “can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.” This is incredibly dangerous; any “unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.”

If you have one of the vehicles listed below, avoid driving it as much as possible until you can get the vehicle repaired. If the vehicle lurches forward while you’re trying to reverse, you could hit a wall and damage your vehicle. And if you leave your car in neutral, you might roll into traffic or hit a pedestrian.

Which Ford Vehicles Are at Risk For Driving Forward?

The NHTSA reports that Ford is recalling nearly 300 vehicles including the:

• 2024 F-150
• 2025 F-150
• 2024 Bronco
• 2025 Bronco
• 2024 Ranger
• 2025 Mustang
• 2025 Explorer
• 2025 Aviator

If you own one of these vehicles, refrain from driving as much as possible until you can get this issue addressed. Ford will mail out owner letters in early May, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

Is There a Proposed Fix?

Ford dealers “will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge.” Don’t hesitate to get this issue remedied at your earliest convenience. While transmission issues are often expensive, this repair is free so you don’t need to wait and save up for the repair.

If you have further questions or don’t want to wait for your owner letter, you can reach out to Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332; clarify that you’re asking about recall number 25S19. You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236; their recall number for this issue is 25V164000.

Source

Unexpected Vehicle Movement, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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Transform Your Patio with These Easy DIY Furniture Ideas

Cedar Potting Bench

This super-simple potting bench will make your gardening projects much more enjoyable and help you stay organized, too! You can build this DIY patio furniture project in just a few hours, even if you’re a beginner. Once it’s finished, you’ll have everything you need to care for your patio plants in one place.

Timber Bench

Need outdoor seating in a hurry? This simple timber bench, based on author and ecologist Aldo Leopold’s classic design, can be constructed in a couple of hours, even if you are a novice woodworker. Unlike other ornate options, this bench will look right at home in your yard, regardless of your landscaping.

Cedar and PVC Patio Table

For large outdoor gatherings, a reliable patio table is a necessity. And while you can certainly purchase one from a store, making one yourself allows you to customize the piece however you need. If you have the budget, we recommend purchasing a naturally rot-resistant wood for the legs. We opted for cedar when we did this DIY patio furniture project.

Tile-Top Table

Combining woodworking, metalwork and tiling techniques, this Italianate tile-top table makes a lovely addition to any deck or patio. The top is made from plywood, with mosaic tiles added for a Mediterranean feel. The legs are hand-bent metal. This is a more involved DIY patio furniture project; you’ll need to make a gig to ensure accurate shaping. It will also take you several days, but it will be well worth the investment once you see how beautiful it turns out.

Polished Concrete Table Top

Although it certainly doesn’t seem like it would be a quick project, this gorgeous concrete tabletop is an excellent introduction to working with finished concrete, and it builds faster than you’d think. The longest part of forming a concrete top is building the form. But once you’ve mastered that skill, the rest moves along easily.

How to Make an Adirondack Chair and Loveseat

This Adirondack chair and matching loveseat are designed for outdoor comfort. They’re pieces of DIY patio furniture that have been designed for easy assembly so that a novice can build them. And you can build them from inexpensive, durable wood that, once stained, looks beautiful.

Planter Side Table

If you think you’ve got a planter you no longer have any use for, think again. Before tossing it, consider upcycling it into a side table to accompany your other patio furniture. If you want to get fancy with this, you can use stencils when adding color. Or you can simply let it be a pop of color on its own, no patterns needed.

Kids’ Table

Don’t forget the little ones in your life! They need spaces to sit as well, especially if you entertain on your patio quite often. This DIY kids’ table is fairly easy to make and gives the children their own spot to eat or play during your barbecues and summer parties.

Composite Benches

Seating is one of the most important features of a patio. Why have an outdoor space if you can’t sit down and enjoy it? We built these benches with composite decking so that they’re low-maintenance. You just need to build them and then enjoy them all season long.

Epoxy River Bench

If you want a stand-out bench for your patio, this one with an epoxy river is an excellent choice. It’s trendy and beautiful, and it’s a piece of patio furniture that you can DIY. There’s no need to shell out lots of money as long as you’re willing to learn how to work with epoxy resin.

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