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Try Concrete Stain The simplest path to reviving tired pavers is to apply an acrylic-based semitransparent concrete stain, such as Behr Premium Semi-transparent Concrete Stain ($27/gal.; Home Depot) or Valspar Semi-transparent Concrete Stain ($28/gal.; Lowe’s). These go on like paint, with a brush or roller, but also leave a shiny coating. How to Restore Color to Faded Pavers To restore color below the surface, Indiana-based Masonry Cosmetics offers a DIY paver-coloring kit that infuses mineral pigments back into the masonry itself without the need for a sealer....

How to transform a landscape with existing plants: To get rid of a large shrub, wrap twine around the branches to bring them in tight. This will give you better access to the root ball. Use spade shovels to dig into the roots of the plant and begin to break it apart. Use a pry bar for leverage to remove the root ball from the ground. To begin to divide current ground cover plants like hostas and ferns, pull back a clump and use a small spade shovel to dig out and divide that part of the plant....

This article appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of This Old House Magazine. Click here to learn how to subscribe. On a craggy hillside covered with granite boulders and dense stands of pine trees, with views of majestic Mount Evans in the distance, the foundation is poured and ready to support the three-story, 4,500-square-foot solar-powered home that will take shape there. Dramatic gable and shed rooflines will crown tall windows sited to take in the views and flood the interior with natural light....

This Old House and Ask This Old House are back with all-new seasons starting Sept. 29 on PBS (check your local listings) and streaming free on The Roku Channel on Oct. 3. Homeowners Kysha and Jonathan fell in love with a house where South Atlanta’s first postmaster, Luther Price, lived and ran a post office and store just down the street. Price, a pillar of the community, fought for black civil rights, registered people to vote, and was involved in multiple organizations throughout the city of Atlanta....

Best Control Panel: EdgeStar Built-In Dishwasher This versatile dishwasher offers six wash cycles and three add-on settings. The control panel displays these settings as well as what stage in the cycle the dishwasher is on. Though it accommodates up to eight place settings, it doesn’t take up too much space because it fits in a cutout. Key Features Measures 17.6 by 22.4 by 32.5 inches Weighs 52.9 pounds Makes 52 decibels of noise Accommodates eight place settings Offers six wash cycles Comes with a one-year warranty What Customers Are Saying Customers appreciated the affordable price tag of this full-size dishwasher....

Purchasing a quality knife minimizes the effort needed to chop foods and reduces frustration while in the kitchen. While a sharp and durable knife is the first piece of a well-stocked kitchen, a reliable knife sharpener is a close second. Sharpeners help ensure that you receive the most out of your knives and help you get the job done more efficiently and safely. Knife sharpeners come in a variety of models, including electric machines, pull-throughs, stones, and sharpening kits....

Top 5 Mosquito Repellents Most User-Friendly: OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes Best Spray Repellent: OFF! Deep Woods Insect & Mosquito Repellent Best For Standing Water: Summit Responsible Solutions Mosquito Dunks Best Heat-Activated: Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller Best Design: Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Most User-Friendly: OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes These lemon-scented repellent wipes are easy to apply and provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes, gnats, and other pests....

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. The late-spring timing of Memorial Day has given rise to the Day of Remembrance also being a seasonal signifier of sorts. Although the official first day of summer is weeks away, we ready our wetsuits and whites in anticipation of pool days and resort-wear fashion....

A wrap-around deck not only looks great and provides tons of extra usable space for entertaining, relaxing, grilling, and more, but it can also improve the value of your house. It also allows you to provide additional entryways or stairways to the house and/or yard. But constructing a deck or adding on to an existing one is a big project that requires quite a bit of planning. Let’s look at what a wrap-around deck is and some practical factors to keep in mind when deciding if one is right for your home....

Top 5 Sprinklers Melnor Metal Turbo Oscillator GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler Gilmour Spot Sprinkler Orbit Brass Impact Sprinkler Nelson Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain Melnor Metal Turbo Oscillator This oscillating sprinkler from Melnor uses 20 nozzles to spray water in two directions and cover up to 4,500 square feet of your yard. The sprinkler has an adjustable width and range to adapt to the size of your garden, lawn, or flower bed. Additionally, Melnor gives homeowners peace of mind through its limited lifetime warranty, which protects the sprinkler from defects in material and workmanship....

Rock landscaping is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its undeniable eco-friendly benefits. Unlike grass or other water-guzzling plants, rocks require little to no maintenance, don’t need water, and are instantly satisfying—no need to wait for them to mature like a shrub or tree. They’re also visually dynamic—adding unique shapes and textures to gardens large and small. Check out the other advantages of installing a rock garden, along with our favorite back and front yard rock landscaping ideas, below....

General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor meet back at the shop for a unique project. Tom has some reclaimed lumber on hand that he plans to turn into a milking stool. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time How to Build a Milk Stool What you need for this project: This project requires two slabs of wood, approximately 20 by 24 by around 3 inches thick, whether reclaimed chunks or pieces of construction lumber glued together....

Mark McCullough helps a homeowner expand her patio to create a more spacious backyard hangout space. After discussing their options, Mark and the homeowner agree that leaving the existing patio intact and building onto it is the best move. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Then, Mark shows the homeowner the granite pavers he plans to use, as well as a design that will not only expand the patio but also provide a modern touch....

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey re-plumbs a washing machine. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for Hooking Up a Washing Machine Turn off the hot and cold water leading to the washing machine. Move washing machine out of the way and build a wood-stud wall against the basement wall. Attach plywood panel to the upper half of the wood-stud wall using 1⅝-inch screws....

If you’ve noticed the cost of new appliances, countertops, and cabinets, it’s no surprise that renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive remodeling projects. While few homeowners find ways to boost the look of a dated refrigerator or tired granite, transforming a kitchen by freshening the cabinets that make up most of the room’s visual space is entirely within reach. But there’s more to the job than buying a gallon of your favorite color....

Steps for Painting Old Wood Trim: Start by protecting the floors and walls with painter’s tape. Mauro likes to use a wider masking tape on the floor and then cover that with the drop cloth to ensure a clean cutting edge. Tape the walls using regular painter’s tape. If you’re also painting the walls, then don’t worry about taping since the spillover can be covered up with the new paint. Lightly sand all the wood trim using a 220 grit sandpaper....

Selling a home can be a challenging experience. Once you’ve done all the fixes your real estate agent has recommended, you may feel like your work is complete. However, there may be other issues you still need to address that only a home inspector can find. They will be looking for what is unsafe, unfit, aging, or improperly installed. So, to avoid delays that can last weeks or months at the closing table for you or the buyer, it may be in your best interest to obtain a home inspection....

You’ve bought a new home and worry about how many keys the previous homeowner had floating around. Or, maybe you’re tired of the hefty bundle of keys taking up space in your pocket or purse and just want one key that opens all of your doors. Both are good reasons to rekey your home’s locks. And you might be surprised to find out just how easy it is. How a Lock Works Before rekeying a lock, it helps to understand how locks work....

Stained wood has warmth and depth and can show off the unique grain of a wood project. And while most know the basic steps to stain wood, it’s really the nuances of the application that can make or break to look. How to Apply Wood Stain Here are the steps I take to get professional looking results. Step 1: Proper Prep It’s easy to lightly sand a fresh board and think it looks okay, but boards from the home center sometimes have a waxy coating that almost has a visible sheen....

Whether you live near the Cape Cod coast or farther west in the Bay State, your pets are always at risk for unexpected accidents and illnesses. Because of this, it’s important to protect your four-legged companion with a pet insurance policy. To save pet owners time in their search, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best pet insurance companies in Massachusetts and ranked the providers on factors such as policy coverage, plan options, customer service, and company reputation....