This is a quick and inexpensive way to build a new multi level planter in a short amount of time. This video will show you how to build a 3 tiered planter which can be easily customized to any size you’d like.
Tips & Trends
How to Build a Fish Pond
This comprehensive video shows you step by step how to build a fish pond in your very own backyard in a weekend. This tutorial will go over the do’s and don’ts of pond building, how to prevent leaks and spills, and how to create a well-made pond that will last with time.
Tip: It’s important to use polyester underlay underneath the rubber pool liner, this will prevent tearing of the pool liner once water is added.
Tip: You can use a blow torch to seal seams between liner pieces to prevent leaks.
Garage Door Opener Installation
Looking to install your own DIY garage door opener? Follow the manufacturer’s directions to assemble the rail sections and attach to the motor assembly, as well as attach the chain. You can then attach far end of rail system to the header bracket. Attach the ceiling angle brackets directly into ceiling joists as per manufacturer’s directions. These will support the motor assembly, and should be very rigid and secure to ensure that it does not come down.
Tip: It’s important to install reinforcement steel brackets to protect the garage door from getting damaged.
Tip: Make sure header bracket is installed directly into a stud. Position this 2″ above the highest possible height of the door.
Tip: Make sure to attach the ‘safety rope’ – which will disengage the trolley from the rail system in case of emergencies.
Tip: When attaching optic sensors, make sure that they are lined up with each other.
Tip: When installing garage door opener on wall, make sure it is placed at least 5 feet off the ground so that it is out of the reach of children.
Installing a Digital Thermostat
Replacing your analog thermostat with a digital one is a great way to save on your heating bill since digital thermostats are able to control heat more precisely. GNH can provide you with everything you need for installing a digital thermostat!
Make sure you read the instructions for your new thermostat carefully as this is very important any time you are working with electricity. Turn off the power to the thermostat! You can do this by either going to the fuse box or circuit breaker, or if your thermostat is controlled by a light switch make sure that the switch is turned off.
Remove the cover and disconnect the wires. Since some thermostats contain mercury, your old thermostat will need to be recycled. You can look online to find where you can send your old one.
Screw the back part of the thermostat onto the wall (after pulling the wires through the space). Look at your instructions and check the diagram to see which wires get connected where. After wires are connected, you can attach the digital faceplate. Depending on the model, the number of batteries will vary. Finally, attach the base and screw in place. Turn power back on and you’re done!
Install a Pellet Stove Chimney
First, it is important to read the manual for your wood pellet stove so that you can determine the location of your stove and how close it will be to the wall based on how much clearance it requires before you install a pellet stove. This knowledge is important as it will help you determine what kind of stove pipe you will need – be it either a single wall stove pipe or a double wall stove pipe, and if you will be using a stove pipe shield or not.
Tip: Make sure your stove pipe has a telescoping option as this is necessary to obtain the correct height.
The support box is the next important piece to be installed, and different types of support boxes are available depending on the type of ceiling and how much pipe it will be supporting. To correspond with the pitch of the roof, you will also purchase flashing for the chimney to go with the support box.
Tip: Double wall pipes often are too large to pass through the opening of the support box, so you can either double check to make sure that the opening of your support box will accommodate the diameter of the double wall pipe, or you can modify your support box by using a hammer to gently tap to expand the hole slightly.
How to install a TimberTech DeckLites System
With TimberTech LED deck lighting system, deck time doesn’t end when the sun goes down. This award-winning deck lighting system lets homeowners and their guests enjoy their deck in style long into the evening with its enjoyable, subtle glow. TimberTech LED Lighting lends a sense of added safety by illuminating steps and installs easily with TimberTech’s RadianceRail and RadianceRail Express systems.
– See more at: TimberTech
Features
- Components include Post Cap Light Modules, Riser Light, Accent Light, Under-Rail Light, and In-Deck Light
- Other available components include Wire, Wire Connectors, Wire Guides, 100W Transformer and Dimmer
- Lights and fixtures include installation hardware
- All items sold separately
- All Lighting components have a 5-year limited warranty for residential applications.
Successfully Installing Track Lighting
Installing track lighting in your home can really spruce up a room and give it new ambiance. Jeff Wilson demonstrates how to easily install new track lighting to brighten up your home.
When installing track lighting, begin by fully reading the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure you have all the tools and materials you need before you start. Before installing the track, make sure that the power is off.
Install Motion Sensor Security Light
Motion sensor lights are great options to add additional security to your property. Learn how to install motion sensor lighting with GNH’s quick and easy guide.
Tip: Before starting any electrical project, make sure the power is turned off to the fixture.
Tip: If you are replacing an existing fixture, remove silicone seal from previous light and remove any remove any screws holding it in place to remove fixture. Remove wire nuts to disconnect wires.
Tip: Always save old screws because you never know when you might need them next!
Follow instructions provided with fixture to install new foam seal and mounting plate, and connect wires using wire nuts to new fixture. Make sure all wires are folded up nicely into hole and that they are secure and then screw fixture into place. Use fresh silicone to fill around fixture.
Tip: Leave small open space in silicone at bottom of fixture so that water has a place to escape should any water get in.
Tip: Follow instructions provided with fixture to set settings for security sensor.
Installing Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is perfect for areas such as the kitchen, hallway, great rooms and living rooms and does a wonderful job of adding light to dark areas or lights for your room.
Tip: Never work on live wires! Make sure you first identify and shut off all circuits before you start working. There are several models available that can be used with existing ceilings and are easy to install. Many also have options for airtight cones as an additional safety feature.
Tip: Make sure area is clear by using stud sensor to make sure there are no obstructions in the immediate area to prevent can from being installed.
Tip: Always follow instructions and use templates that are provided with your lighting fixtures.
Tip: Use a box to collect dust from sheetrock when cutting your opening in your ceiling that might fall down. Once that is out of the way you can start to install your wiring for the fixture.
How to Replace a Dimmer Switch
Have you ever thought about replacing one of your light switches with a dimmer switch? It’s very easy to do, and the ability to dim your lights will reduce your energy consumption as well as energy costs!
Any time you work with electricity you must be very careful! Before you start, you will need to either cut the power to the light switch at the main panel or remove the fuse entirely. Additionally, make sure you flip the light switch ‘off’ just in case!
First, you will unscrew the screws to the cover plate as well as unscrew the screws that anchor the switch in the electrical box so that they can be removed. The switch will be attached by 3 wires (either 2 black or 1 black and 1 white, plus a green or bare copper ground wire). Use a circuit tester to once again check that the wires are not live! First loosen the screws that hold the 2 similar wires and remove those wires – leaving the ground wire for last. Cut the ends of the 3 wires coming from the wall and strip and inch of insulation off the wires. Use a twist on wire connector to attach the green wire from the dimmer switch to the ground wire coming from the wall. To attach the connector, hold the wires next to each other and screw on the connector in a clockwise direction. Always make sure all bare ends are covered by the connectors. Then, connect the remaining 2 wires from the dimmer switch to the wires coming from the wall.
Once all wires are connected, screw the dimmer switch into the electrical box and reattach the cover plate. Lastly – attach the knob, restore your power again, and start reducing your energy costs!