Handyman Life

April 20, 2015 in Idea Corner

The Best Way To Reuse Old Picture Frames

Everyone knows the struggle: too many picture frames, not enough photos. After all, why print out those memories when there’s the instant gratification of Facebook and Instagram likes and comments? Well, struggle no more! Get ready to put those picture frames to use with these frame shelves.

Start by removing the glass, backing and hardware from all the frames intended for this project. Next, gather some 1×4 boards and cut them to size to make the sides of the the shelving box.

To form the box, add lines of Gorilla glue to each side and nail each side together. Then apply wood glue to the back of the frame and lay it on top of the box. Nail 1 1/4″ nails through the frame and into the box to secure the shelf together.

Before painting the shelf to match the frame, fill any holes with wood filler. Use spray paint to apply the shelving’s coat of paint.

When dry, adhere at least 3 command strips to the back of each shelve.

Lastly, hang them on the desired wall. Enjoy these stylish and eco-friendly shelves in any home today!

For a more comprehensive overview of the frame shelve project, check out Shanty 2 Chic.

April 17, 2015 in Idea Corner

Create The Best Canopy Bed On Any Budget!

Chicago Handyman has shown step-by-step guides for headboards and other bedroom improvements, and now it’s time for another bedroom improvement project: a fashionable, affordable canopy bed.

The supplies for this project should cost no more than $10:

10-inch embroidery hoop
44-inch rod-pocket curtain panels
24-inch half-inch wide ribbon
Pot rack hook

For starters, unscrew the embroidery hoop and discard the inner ring. Follow this by sliding the curtain panels onto the hoop and screwing the embroidery hoop back together.

Now take the ribbon and tie it in a double-knot at each side where there are gaps between the curtain panels. Then tie the loose ends together in a bow.

Finally comes the hard part, screw the pot rack into the ceiling. Make sure that the pot-rack in secure and slip the center of the bow over the hook to hang it.

When all the steps are completed, any bedroom will look much more glamorous and be turned into the ultimate oasis.

For a complete overview and other canopy bed ideas, check out DIY roundup.

April 15, 2015 in Flooring, Idea Corner

Create A Floating Headboard with Old Flooring

Floating Headboard

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle does not have to be boring. It can even be stylish. Following these simple steps from Remove & Replace, anyone can make an awesome, innovative floating headboard. All that’s needed are supplies from a previous project and a couple hours of work:

To begin, get these materials:

Leftover walnut flooring
1/2″ MDF backing
Oak wood trim
24″ stud mounted French cleats
15′ of string LED lighting
Wiring to a dimmer switch

Start by mounting the slab of walnut flooring to the MDF backing. Then nail stud mounted cleats in the center of the area where the headboard will go. Follow this with nailing the oak wood trim to the border of where the slab will go.

Using attach brackets, add the LED lighting to the trim. Once the LED lighting is plugged in and the wiring is attached for the dimmer. Finally, mount the walnut flooring on MDF backing on the trim.

When this is completed, this floating headboard will not only make the room look more modern, but add another light source to a bedroom.

April 10, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Save Money with Energy Efficient Changes

Source: Lera Blog

April 8, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Handyman At Home: Top 5 Ways To Go Green At Home

Going green is not only great for the future of the earth, but also homeowners’ wallets! There are many simple, easy purchases and home renovations to make any home, from an apartment to a mansion, a greener place to be.

Here are the top 5 ways to go green at home:

1. Composting

Don’t throw away food, revitalize it! Composting is a great way to turn left-overs and yard weeds into reusable energy- fertilizer.

2. Recycled Roof Tiles

Need a new roof? Don’t fall for the new roof tiles on the market. Use reclaimed clay, stone or slate tiles to create a greener roof.

3. Energy Efficient Appliances

If shopping for a new dishwasher or laundry machine, look for the energy efficient models. This investment may cost more initially but saving on energy bills later will surely be worth it.

4. Natural Flooring

There are a lot natural materials that can serve as a great alternative to hardwood flooring. Check out our previous article about installing cork flooring for ideas!

5. Recycling System

The easiest way to go green in the home? Start recycling! With just a few bins, it’ll be much easier to create a green contribution.

Need more green at home ideas, check out DIY Network’s full list of green home solutions.