D.I.Y. CATEGORIES

McLendons.com, as a division of McLendon Hardware, Inc., recognizes that some do-it-yourself projects are more complex and difficult than others and may require greater knowledge and more experience than the reader of this material possesses.

With this is in mind, all information presented is intended to serve as a first step to assist with a project. We do not and will not take any responsibility for the particular results of the above referenced project, nor will we assume any liability for personal injury or damage that may result from the information presented.

We strongly suggest that professional help be consulted if the above project is beyond the comfort or experience level of the reader. As with any project, please also make sure all local building codes are followed and permits are obtained.

Basic Bricklaying

Brick is an attractive building material that can be used in many projects. It is light, strong and easy to work with due to its uniform size. While masonry is an art in its own right, the fundamentals of laying brick are straightforward and will help in creating many backyard structures.

Caulking Basics

Caulk is one of the most versatile and useful materials in home improvement projects. It finds its way into numerous painting, plumbing and green projects, and in very important ways. Considering its versatility, it is worth taking some time to learn where and how to properly apply the material.

Choosing a Wood Glue

There are many different kinds of wood glue on the market. The trick is to know when to use each kind.

Cutting & Shaping Ceramic Tiles

As time consuming as tiling a perfectly square and flat surface can be, the job of retiling a space is often complicated by the fact that the floor is rarely the perfect size and almost never free of obstruction. This makes tile cutting a vital skill for anyone attempting to put down a new tile surface.

Easy Wood Inlay with Cold Casting

There was once a fine art to doing detailed metal inlay in a piece of wood. With the invention and ready availability of commercial resins, however, you can look like a professional without all that pesky practice.

Eco-Bond Adhesive & Sealant

Even glue is going green.

Masonry Anchor Guide

Fastening material to concrete or other masonry can be daunting. There are a wide variety of anchors to choose from, each suited to one or more of the numerous types of masonry used in construction. Knowing the limitations of each kind of masonry anchor is vital for success.

Patch a Carpet

Carpeting gets abused. Luckily, no matter if it is a burn, tear or stain, there is a simple fix.

Removing Dark Stains from Wood

One of the more difficult stains to remove from wood is a black blotch or ring. Often left behind when water has condensed on an iron pot or other item, removing the unsightly mark requires a little bit of work and a lot of time.

Repairing a Wood Dent

Table tops and other wooden features get abused. One of the more common indicators of this mistreatment is a dent in the surface of the wood. With a couple household items, though, raising the dented material is a snap.

Repairing Damaged Chair Joints

Wooden chairs are subject to a lot of abuse. Over time, the joints on all wooden chairs, no matter how rugged, eventually begin to loosen. If not attended to, it is only a matter of time before a rail pops off a stile or, worse, permanent damage is done to the chair. The key is catching problems early and, where there is severe damage, not destroying the chair in an attempt to repair it.

Repairing Damaged Concrete

Cracks in concrete are unattractive and potentially dangerous. Fixing them is simple and requires very little time.

Woodworking Joints

Most every project that involves wood requires some kind of joint. There are a number of basic joints, though none are inherently better than another. The best joint is the one best suited to the situation at hand.

Working with Concrete

Because concrete is such a versatile building material, it finds its way into a number of home improvement projects. Using it is a simple process, but it can be grueling. Here are the basics.