Give A Deck A Face Lift With Eco-Friendly Decking Tiles!

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Summer is here and in Chicago that means three things: baseball, tourists and backyard shindigs. As for the last on that list, Chicago Handyman has shared some valuable deck building tips before, but for those with not enough time or energy to take on the task, there’s finally a solution: decking tiles!

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These easily installed tiles take almost no time to install and cover up any weathered wood, concrete or soil. All that’s required is snapping them together and voila! This cost-saving, eco-friendly deck solution makes a backyard looks absolutely inviting. And the focus is finally back on the barbecue… not the ugly wood below guests’ feet.100498157.jpg.rendition.largest

 

For a list of more decking tile options, check out Better Home & Gardens wide array of choices. 

Ready for a brand-spanking-new deck? Call Chicago Handyman today for all summer decking needs!

Make A New Material Look Old & Rustic Again!

Screen Shot 2015-05-11 at 11.59.47 PMSome people dig the modern look. Others love vintage victorian. However, plenty of homeowners seem to have some cowboy(girl) in them and want rustic materials on a budget. The great news is there’s no reason to break the bank to get that barnyard luxury aesthetic. Instead, follow these simple steps from Paper Daisy Design to turn any type of wood into the countryside materials that dreams are made of.

Here’s what’s needed:

  • 1″x4″ boards
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Crowbar
  • Knife
  • Sand paper
  • Dark stain

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Start with the easiest step: distressing the wood. This is where all those inner frustrations of the week can barrel out. Stab and claw at the 1″x4″ boards with nails, hammers, crowbars, anything that would leave a dent or mark. Beat it up until satisfied.

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Next, scrape off the straight edges. Make sure to sand the distressed boards lightly to give the material an old barnyard charm.

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Finally, add the desired stain. Ideally, this stain should be dark and will require multiple coats. Don’t hesitate to mix different hues, this makes the pieces look even more weathered. Perform a final sand job to ensure the rural style has been achieved.

And, voila!

…what to do with these new materials? Check out Idea Corner’s plethora of posts on recycling reclaimed wood into something beautiful! 

Top 3 Kitchen Backsplash Trends For 2015

Last week, Chicago Handyman posted about the latest wall trend: ombre wall paint! Now here are 3 of the most anticipated kitchen backsplash trends of the 2015 home improvement season:

1. Natural Stone

Stone 2With an earthy look and refined lines, natural stone can add visual interest and texture to a sleek kitchen.

2. Stainless Steel

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Stainless steel appliances are becoming standard in every kitchen, and it’s starting to make its way into backsplashes as well. Modern and reflective, a stainless steel backsplash can breathe life into even the most neutral of kitchens.

3. Chalkboard

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A chalkboard backsplash can change a room with a simple line of chalk. From reminders to kid’s drawings, chalkboard backsplashes add charm and an artistic vibe to any kitchen.

For more ideas, check out ImproveNet for their article on even more 2015 kitchen backsplash trends.