Composite decking is fast becoming the only choice for many people who no longer want to deal with the constant maintenance of wood. Though there are many manufacturers of composite decking out there, we’ve used TimberTech products and have had good results overall. We also found the TimberTech dealers we used to be responsive to any issues that have arisen. So, if you’ve had it with your wood deck, pulled one too many splinters out of your kid’s foot, refuse to replace another rotted board and think murder every time you’re forced to pick up the paintbrush and wood stain again — it may be time for TimberTech. [Read more...]
Composite Decking by TimberTech – Low Maintenance Alternative to Wood Decks
DeWalt 12V Max Cordless Pivot Reciprocating Saw
When the “powers that be” at DeWalt offered Home Fixated the chance to try out their 12V Max Cordless Pivot Reciprocating Saw, we jumped. This reciprocating saw is a light-duty powerhouse. At just over 3 lbs. it’s ergonomically designed and easy to handle — light enough for single hand operation, though I felt more comfortable using both hands. (That’s what she said.) It has two well placed, rubber handgrips at the trigger and behind the blade and works really well for cutting lighter weight wood, sheet metal, plastic, Formica and of course sheetrock. If what you need is precision control and some finesse on the cut, this reciprocating saw does the job. [Read more...]
How to Build a Split Rail Fence With Wire Mesh to Contain Wild Beasts
Okay, so it’s not technically a true split rail, but it’s a sturdier alternative. This split rail looking fence with wire mesh was a necessity for us since the arrival of two puppies not long ago. The “Dog Whisperer” I am not, and I was clearly delusional in thinking I could have them trained to stay on command by the age of four months. Whether you need to keep puppies in or pests out, this just might be an appealing alternative to the traditional split rail fence. [Read more...]
Franklin ProSensor 710 Professional Stud Detector
When Home Fixated got the opportunity to try out the Franklin ProSensor 710 Professional Stud Detector, we were dually up for the task as well as a bit skeptical. As many of you probably know, stud finders can be notorious for sketchy accuracy (and that’s putting it gently for a few of the stud finders out there.) In fact, we almost bagged writing this review because the first model we received (tried out by both Marc and me) seemed to be more of the same — a colossal bomb. The folks at Franklin were confident we had ended up with a damaged sensor, sent me a second one to put to the test and… [Read more...]
Zip System Wall and Roof Sheathing — Keep the Job Dry and Kiss House Wraps Goodbye
Zip System by Huber Engineered Woods takes construction to the next level. Wall and roof sheathing (panels) are resin coated for maximum air and water resistance and have a high R-value (thermal resistance value). That means low heat loss and a very energy efficient product. The panels install quickly and joints are sealed with Zip flashing tape — that's it. The system is designed to eliminate the need for house wraps or roofing felt. Take a look at the picture at the left – you can what it looks like up close. The sheathing is an OSB (oriented strand board), coated with a water resistant, threaded resin layer. The panels are pre-marked with a fastening guide for error-free installation. Roof sheathing is red and wall sheathing is green, just in case you've somehow overlooked the large, black lettered warnings "Wall Use Only" and "Roof Use Only" stamped all over each panel. [Read more...]
How to Get High-End Building Materials at a Fraction of the Cost
Yearning for a high-end look in your home, but finding yourself a little short on funds? Marble, granite, tile, crown molding and other types of high-end building materials may be just a phone call away for a fraction of the retail cost. Contact local builders, cabinetmakers, tile and countertop installers, to see what treasures they might be sitting on. [Read more...]
Ferrowatt Reproduction Incandescent Light Bulbs
Ferrowatt, a registered trademark of AAMSCO Lighting, Inc., manufactures reproduction light bulbs, replicas of Edison-Era light bulbs and lamps. They use original molds from the early 1900s and offer eight different models. Ferrowatt ‘s incandescent bulbs are ideal for use in museums and historical preservation projects because of their low wattage, (bulbs are available in 30, 40 and 60 watts) and they create an intimate ambiance for spaces like restaurant settings. [Read more...]
Top Tool Blogs – Nobody Appreciates a Useless Tool
Useless tools — they’re everywhere — and I’m not (necessarily) talking about the kind I invariably get stuck behind at every checkout counter at every store I’ve ever entered. (Ooooh…and banks too…banks are full of useless tools…especially Fridays at 4 pm.) It isn’t always easy to decide on the proper tool — the coveted useful tool. Is this a worthy tool or one I just want to smash repeatedly with another, bigger tool? Am I paying too much? Does it do what it claims to? If a butter knife can land me in the ER, how will I ever manage to operate this thing? Well here are some top blogs and handy resources for tools — guides to the ones to avoid and to those that actually make your life easier. [Read more...]
Bamboo Countertops: Keepin’ it Green for Your Greens and More
Bamboo, known for its hardness and durability, is also one of the greenest options around. Rapidly growing and highly sustainable, bamboo is an ideal material for countertops and other food preparation surfaces. Teragren is the manufacturer of these bamboo countertops, as well as other work surfaces, flooring and panels. All their products are made of Moso bamboo, which is harvested at maturity every 5-6 years. (They don’t do it any earlier because immature bamboo is still too pliable, or “green” if you will, and can warp.) [Read more...]
FastCap TaperLock and TipMag Review – These Tools Don’t Screw Around
I’m a FastCap fan, as some of you may have gleaned after reading my review of their Screw Wax. Both FastCap’s TaperLock and TipMag are also handy items to have on hand. FastCap sent both products to us to review several months ago. The TaperLock is a gem for a few reasons: [Read more...]
