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.

Barbeque Buying Guide

The basic formula of "buy meat, apply heat" has been complicated recently with a host of barbeques arriving on the market with accessory options like an automobile. That's not a joke - Some barbeques have cup holders. Read on to figure out which barbeque - bare bones or fully loaded - is right for you.

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.

Build a Copper Trellis

The copper trellis is the perfect project. It combines muscle flexing skills like bending pipe and soldering with the style and beauty so desired in a well planned garden. Best of all, the finished product looks like something that could, potentially, have taken a week of labor when, in reality, it could take as little as an afternoon.

Build a Fire Pit

A fire pit is a nice addition to any backyard. It provides a place to gather and enjoy the outdoors and, with proper planning, a place to cook. Be sure to check local codes regarding fire pit construction.

Build a Lattice Trellis

There are many types of trellis with which to spruce up a garden. Among the simplest to create is the lattice trellis, which can be constructed an installed with little effort.

Build a Swing

Building a swing for the backyard requires a little bit of hardware, a couple of tools, and a touch of know-how. A tree with a good size branch also helps.

Build a unique Zen garden

A small Japanese Zen garden (also knows as Karesansui) is an oasis of peace and tranquility that you can introduce in your landscape with very little effort. It's a stunningly beautiful feature that can quickly become a talking point among your friends and neighbors.

Building a Seesaw

Sometimes called a teeter-totter, seesaws are a classic backyard project. With a minimal amount of materials, simple tools and an afternoon, you can put together a sturdy seesaw for the kids or grandkids.

Chasing a Roof Leak

A leaky roof is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. It can't be fixed, however, without knowing where the leak is originating from, which can be a little tricky.

Concrete Statuary Buyer's Guide

Concrete statues definitely takes your yard, garden – or even your indoors – to the next level.

Garden furniture: rattan, plastic or metal?

Pros and cons of the three different varieties

How to Build a Deck

Building a deck is an involved, but rewarding process. In the end, it will be gratifying to enjoy something you built with your own hands, from your own plans.

How to remove paint from concrete

Are the painted concrete areas around your house starting to look old and chippy? Have patches of paint rubbed right off the surface, making the whole property look unkempt and shabby?

Installing Drain Tile

Proper rainwater drainage is important to the integrity of a home's foundation or basement. Excessive rainwater deposited in close proximity to the house can lead to damp or wet basements and, over time, weaken the structure. The best fix is drain tile, which is easily and cheaply installed.

Installing Fence Posts

A good fence begins with a good fence post installation. Making sure that each post is solid and true will help to smooth the rest of your fencing project.

Laying Paving Stones

Whether you are making a garden path or designing a driveway that is more than just a concrete slab, paving stones are an attractive and user friendly building material.

Make a Small Concrete Pond

A concrete pond is a simple project that can serve many functions. Depending on taste, a small pond can serve as a place to attract birds, a fishpond or simply an attractive backyard feature. Best of all, making a concrete pond requires only simple tools and as little time as an afternoon.

Make a Spinning Tire Swing

There is a certain charm to tying a rope around an old tire, hanging it from a tree and swinging back and forth. However, no kid has this in mind when they ask to have a tire swing. They want the kind where they can spin in circles until they are nauseous. With the right hardware and a little time, children throughout your neighborhood will soon be complaining of tummy aches.

Removing Creosote from a Chimney

As charming as a fireplace can be, a poorly maintained chimney can be a serious health and fire hazard. Occasionally checking and cleaning the chimney of your fireplace is a simple procedure.

Repairing Roof Flashing

If you have a leaky roof, this is what you want to have gone wrong. The repair is simple and straightforward - most of the time.

Shuffleboard Court Plans

While generally thought of as a game only found in resorts and retirement communities, shuffleboard is a great way to spend a leisurely summer afternoon.

Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners

Prevent screw pop outs, board splitting and composite mushrooming with Tiger Claw deck fasteners, making your deck more beautiful in the process.

Winterizing Your Home

A little bit of autumn preparation can prevent a lot of winter headaches. These projects are relatively cheap in the short term and well within the capability of any homeowner.