Diy

[Rag Bagger]

Is there a thread for Do It Yourselfers? It seems everyone want's to find somebody to do what ever they need. I personally really enjoy doing things with my own hands and often my own designs. I can usually do it better, maybe slower but better.

For instance I did my own kitchen back splash using stone tiles. I had some very good advice from Eddy at Floor Masters for materials and certain technics. He even loaned me a wet saw N/C. I did my own attic stair design because the factory made stairs are so flimsy and I think dangerous.

I would like to see a thread for DIY. Anybody else?

[ijusluvit]

Very good idea! I share your interest in DIY problem solving. Some threads in the past, (one about glass front door inserts comes to mind), contain suggestions and even step-by-step instructions for how to do a project well for lots less than contractors charge. But there doesn't seem to be very much positive feedback from folks who acted on the suggestions.

A specific "DIY" thread might generate more interest and convince more people of what they can accomplish themselves.

Do you have a project you can describe?

[JohnN]

I'd like a thread like that!

[graciegirl]

I am certainly not on your level of do it yourselfness, but we did a lot of things in our new house ourselves that others hired done. We painted and installed cabinets in the laundry room and I made draperies and my husband installed blinds and drapery rods.

WE really like to do things ourselves if we can, just for the pure feeling of accomplishment, I guess. (PLUS, it really saves money!)

I think it could somehow be in the same group of listings as decorating a home. Kind of a HGTV for TV. (Home and Garden for The Villagers!)

EVEN if you don't do it completely by yourself, it still is interesting to me, and I bet to a lot of us, to see the things that people have done by themselves or even hired done to make their homes better, more interesting, comfortable and beautiful.

JUST edited and added....Does anyone know how to get the windows here CLEAN without streaks? I have tried Windex and dishwashing liquid and water, both work for me up North...and still when the sun comes in they look all streaked.

[Rag Bagger]

I would be happy to describe my projects in some detail. I am glade to see the earlier post with positive comments. I will do that if we can start a DIY thread. Trying to add DIY projects to other threads would not work very well as they would get lost in the mix.

There are many projects that can be handled by a handy person that are kind of specific to TV. I think in no time we would have a library of very common project peculiar to TV.

You are right GG some projects can be a mix of your own handy work and the pros.

I want to do the glass door insert so I would like DIY info on that project if it were available.

Some will say that it is very economical to pay someone here to do the work. That is true we have a very competitive group of laborers and contractors but it is very rewarding to Do It Youself. Many times it can be financially rewarding as well. The really kewl thing is you can do your own designs.

[Jerseyboy2]

Count me in. I enjoy DIY projects and would like to contribute along with seeing what others have done.

[DougR]

Home projects definately provide a nice feeling of accomplishment when the work is completed. Although we are still wannabes, I envision myself in a 2 or 3 bedroom CYV. However, we do not like the laundry facilities in the garage. If the second bedroom is adjacent to a bathroom (or the garage) where there is plumbing in that common wall, then I have plans and designs to install a 'laundry closet' to house the laundry appliances. It is these custom projects in which you can do your own designs and will be financially rewarding also.

[NJblue]

I agree. We need more than a thread, however. As stated above, a single thread will be impossible to navigate to find a particular topic. We need yet another forum to allow each topic to have its own thread. If there is resistance to a new forum, perhaps the existing "Contractors and Services" forum could be renamed to something like "Contractors, Services and DIY Projects" - although I would prefer the seperate forum for DIY.

[wlou]

Gracegirl,
I owned a commercial window cleaning company here in VA for 20 years..Here is the "secret" to streak free window washing. Use 1 part ammonia to two parts water, scrub window down ( if it has hard water stains, use a soft 000 steel wool pad that you can get at any depot or paint store, making sure no soap is in it, just plain ,, it will not scratch I promise!) and then squeege! The squeege is the key. I know folks like newspaper, chamois, etc but a rubber squeege you can get at any lowes, etc works the very best and is the key to streak free. Whatever you do, no windex! If you look at the ingredients, it has a form of carnuba wax in it to give you the original "shine"that also turns into streaks! Good luck!

[Rag Bagger]

[ As stated above, a single thread will be impossible to navigate to find a particular topic. We need yet another forum to allow each topic to have its own thread.

Yep that is what I mean a seperate Forum. I am technically challenged when it comes to computer jargon. I can't spell either so you all will have to bear with me. Another problem, I can't down load the spell checker.

[graciegirl]

Gracegirl,
I owned a commercial window cleaning company here in VA for 20 years..Here is the "secret" to streak free window washing. Use 1 part ammonia to two parts water, scrub window down ( if it has hard water stains, use a soft 000 steel wool pad that you can get at any depot or paint store, making sure no soap is in it, just plain ,, it will not scratch I promise!) and then squeege! The squeege is the key. I know folks like newspaper, chamois, etc but a rubber squeege you can get at any lowes, etc works the very best and is the key to streak free. Whatever you do, no windex! If you look at the ingredients, it has a form of carnuba wax in it to give you the original "shine"that also turns into streaks! Good luck!

Thank you VERY much. I am sure that many have had the same question. The worst smeary look are the big ones to the lanai where the evening sun comes straight in. I appreciate your answer very much!:eclipsee_gold_cup:

A project that I have had on my list to learn to do is to frame my own canvases. I know that you need a miter box and that part seems clear, the cutting of the boards, but I don't know how you brad them, nail them together and how you attach the frame to a canvas. ( I paint...pictures that is) Glass is not needed so that simplifies things a lot. I just didn't have the courage to walk into such a male domain as the woodworking shop.

[mrdills]

Lincoln, you have a good idea here, I would like to lean to redo some of my old screens and I know I can help other people out with other projects they have. we should strat some kind of club.

[l2ridehd]

A club is a really good idea. We all have some skill, but none of us has all skills. I know electrical and how to hang cabinets, but struggle with plants and shrubs and someone else may know how to repair carpet. A club with helping hands for some projects would be great. Also would not require us all to have all the special tools. You need a basin wrench once every 3 years, so not everyone would need one. Also some projects like hanging new cabinets in a laundry room can be done by one person, but it sure is a lot easier with two.

[mrdills]

I have tons of tools and this would be a great thing for everyone, I for one would be very interested. Lincoln look what you started... :laugh:

[Pturner]

Wlou, I too appreciate your advice on window cleaning. In Atlanta, I don't seem to have an issue. But for some reason, at TV, I haven't been able to clean a window or mirror without leaving streaks! Maybe it's the hard water? I don't know, but I'm definitely going to use your remedy when I come down in April.

DIY Forum:
I like the idea. I'm not much of a do-it-yourselfer. Wish I were, I'm just not talented that way. Nonetheless I can see how a separate forum would add value for DIYers. I feel a little bad saying this since I was "on the fence" about creating a separate forum on another topic. However, this seems different. Actionable ideas are harder to find when spread among various threads in different forums. I like it.

[kaydee]

graciegirl...not sure if this will help but... I have done my own mitering to do a few projects and have used liquid nails for joining the frame work and also have used "mighty glue" "as seen on tv". Both products have worked well for me. good luck

[Pturner]

Hey, did y'all see the news? Tony announced a new Do It Yourself forum!

[kaydee]

Would very much enjoy getting ideas and such from a DIY forum. My husband & I are not very handy but "sometimes" are willing to take on a project and give it our best shot. Due to our lack of knowledge and confidence most of the time we hire it out.

[faithfulfrank]

Great Idea!
I'm an avid DIY'er. My biggest project was to design and build my own house here in NY. Here it is;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/faithfulFrank/Batavia%20NY%20home/DCP_4620.jpg

My second biggest project was to move a two story old carriage house 30 ft to a new foundation. Experts told me I couldn't do it, but it was great to prove them wrong.

I love every aspect of remodeling. I've taught my wife to sweat copper, do electrical, finish drywall, etc. I got home once and found she knocked out a wall, just to see how the room would look bigger! I then made sure she understood the difference between walls and partitions.....:22yikes:

I can't wait to do many upgrades to our Florida home when we move there full time in 491 days.....actually, We leave for down there in 12 more days and will be Floridians for 7 weeks. I know that it nothing for you all, but for one who cannot retire yet, and has endured our NY winters, I can't wait.

Frank

[quill]

My dad's favorite expression when I was growing up was "come here and you will learn something". What he really wanted was a gofer, go for it, helper. Be that as it may, I did learn something most of the time. He was of the depression generation and tried to save money anytime he could. We also did not have much money. The reason for this post is that I can not count the number of times I have been asked over the years "how do you know how to do this?" 95% of the time I do not know how to do it. It boils down to overcoming your fear. What is the worst that can happen, you screw it up. And then you have to have someone do it. And if you succeed then you may have saved some money and had the satisfaction of doing something by yourself. It is a great feeling. I am not recommending anything dangerous or code related, but there are many things that can be done by you. I learned after screwing a few things up, one was setting a tile kitchen counter, that the internet is a wonderful thing. Take the time to research, There is a high probably that someone out there has a video on line with detailed instructions on how to do it. Or ask someone that has done it, most people are more than happy to help someone that is trying to do it themselves. 95% fear, 5% ability. Get over the fear. Good luck.

[mrdills]

Lincoln, I would like to get in touch with you on starting this DIY club, how can I do that?

[Rag Bagger]

Lincoln, I would like to get in touch with you on starting this DIY club, how can I do that?

Mrdills, I am not in TV at the moment. I am still in Ky due to some health issues and have been all winter...uck. The good news we will be returning to TV in April. If you like we can get together then.

Tom

[mrdills]

Keep me posted, when you get down here let me know and we can get together.

[jebartle]

HI Gracegirl,

My secret (NOT DIY, giggle) take it to woodwork shop on Rolling Acres, cost of wood and a donation, they framed my picture(15"x30") perfect, cost $1.75, what a deal!!!

[GMONEY]

Is there a thread for Do It Yourselfers? It seems everyone want's to find somebody to do what ever they need. I personally really enjoy doing things with my own hands and often my own designs. I can usually do it better, maybe slower but better.

For instance I did my own kitchen back splash using stone tiles. I had some very good advice from Eddy at Floor Masters for materials and certain technics. He even loaned me a wet saw N/C. I did my own attic stair design because the factory made stairs are so flimsy and I think dangerous.

I would like to see a thread for DIY. Anybody else?

what tile did you use for back splash? we are using the tumbled stone chiaro for ours. How did you go about sealing the tile? before putting on the wall, or after sticking up on the wall before you grouted?

[TrudyM]

what tile did you use for back splash? we are using the tumbled stone chiaro for ours. How did you go about sealing the tile? before putting on the wall, or after sticking up on the wall before you grouted?

I know you didn't ask me but.

If you are using a grout that is close to the color of the stone. (Recommended because of the little holes in the tumbled product that need filling during the grouting process.) you seal it after grouting. An enhancement sealer is a little more expensive but it is a tougher finish makes the tile just a little darker like it looks when wet. (I used Aqua Mix Enrich 'N' Seal)

:doh:Warning always uses the white thinset as the dark can bleed into the tile and discolor it.

:shocked:Caution nothing sticks to this sealer so if you have to touch up the paint around the edges you will end up sanding and drywall mudding to make it stick. Frog tape around the edges before you seal. I found out the hard way.

Tip if you are putting in a decorative strip in tile it is quite often thinner than the field tile if you try to float it in the mortar seeps up and makes it messy and hard to do a nice grout job. Buy peal and stick cheap vinyl tile (available at Home Depot by the tile.) and cut it the width of the decor strip use the fine premix tile mastic and secure the tile to the vinyl then set the strips in the thin set. This allows you to get them nice and level.:a040:

[Rag Bagger]

what tile did you use for back splash? we are using the tumbled stone chiaro for ours. How did you go about sealing the tile? before putting on the wall, or after sticking up on the wall before you grouted?

We used a tumbled stone tile. I don't remember the name but it was a light cream to tan varigated tone. We used a moca grout. New to me was a matching caulking material to match the grout. It is color matched to the grout and has a sand finish so it is a perfect match to the grout. When we did the grouting I did not grout the strip above the formica counter back splash. I used a piece of wood to keep the vertical gout out of this area. After the grout dried I went back taped the top of the counter and used the grout like caulking to do that horizontal line. The caulking is very flexible and the tape made a clean line on top of the counter back splash.
The whole area was sealed after installation and a specified time with a water base sealer. It is very thin and only takes a small amount. The place I bought the tile (Floor Masters) actually gave me a small amount of sealer in a wide mouth jar. It was very good stuff but only available in gallons and expensive so the dealer just gave me some N/C. The sealer makes the tile slightly darker than plain, kind of like it looks wet but not really shinny. I Did two coats of sealer. After 18 months it looks very good.
Hope this helps.

[GMONEY]

We used a tumbled stone tile. I don't remember the name but it was a light cream to tan varigated tone. We used a moca grout. New to me was a matching caulking material to match the grout. It is color matched to the grout and has a sand finish so it is a perfect match to the grout. When we did the grouting I did not grout the strip above the formica counter back splash. I used a piece of wood to keep the vertical gout out of this area. After the grout dried I went back taped the top of the counter and used the grout like caulking to do that horizontal line. The caulking is very flexible and the tape made a clean line on top of the counter back splash.
The whole area was sealed after installation and a specified time with a water base sealer. It is very thin and only takes a small amount. The place I bought the tile (Floor Masters) actually gave me a small amount of sealer in a wide mouth jar. It was very good stuff but only available in gallons and expensive so the dealer just gave me some N/C. The sealer makes the tile slightly darker than plain, kind of like it looks wet but not really shinny. I Did two coats of sealer. After 18 months it looks very good.
Hope this helps.

Yes, thanks. I think we are using the same tile you put up. Got the Grout to match the color from Lowes. I was told to seal the front of the tile prior to grouting to keep the grout from sticking to the stone tile, said it would make it easier to remove the grout. then after grouting use a tile-grout sealer and do it again. this will be my first tile job, see how it works.

[Rag Bagger]

Yes, thanks. I think we are using the same tile you put up. Got the Grout to match the color from Lowes. I was told to seal the front of the tile prior to grouting to keep the grout from sticking to the stone tile, said it would make it easier to remove the grout. then after grouting use a tile-grout sealer and do it again. this will be my first tile job, see how it works.

That sounds reasonable. I would do as the people say where you are buying the tile. They should know their product. We didn't seal until after the grouting was finished and a certain amount of dry/cure time for the grout. But as I said I would do like your supplier recommended.

Our tile is actually fairly light and the grout is dark making a nice contrast.

Good luck on your project. I am sure you will be pleased.

Tom