As I am wont to do on Sundays, I was thinking of projects to do that would be outside the box. You know, something the neighbors would be really jealous over. Something that would make the in-laws believe their daughter made the right choice. Something creative. Something different. OK, the cable went out and there was no football. Are you kidding me? Not getting a whole lot of help from Mrs. Beautiful and Understanding, I knew I was on my own. [Read more...]
Bending the Envelope with Bendy MDF and Wiggle Board
Exterior Portfolio’s Dream Designer Program Helps You Think Outside the Beige Box You May Be Living In
Exterior Portfolio's "French Country" materials package
Exterior Portfolio by Crane contacted us here at HF to let us know about their revamped online visualizer and see what we thought. They’ve introduced the complete “Dream Designer Program” including the Dream Designer Visualizer, Smart Styles Color Selector, Dream Designer Board, and Exterior Portfolio material samples. As many of you may already know, Exterior Portfolio is known for its maintenance-free building products; everything is made of plastic and plastic composites so it’s not only environmentally friendly, but endures far longer than wood and other traditional building materials. [Read more...]
A Step Up from Cardboard Houses – Shipping Container Homes
I had heard over the last few years that there had become an over-abundunce of shipping containers around the world. So much so, that it was just cheaper for China to make more than to ship them back home. More specifically according to Mother News Network there are over three hundred million shipping containers just sitting in ports empty and unused worldwide. As you might expect, just like a redneck with extra cars laying around the garage/yard/living room, people decided to use them to create something else. [Read more...]
Fishing for Outdoor Barbeque Cabinets – Part 3
Finishing this article this month seemed like the smart thing to do as it goes hand in hand with finishing your project as well. Plus we get a little continuity going here which makes my wife very happy. Making my wife happy means I am happy. ‘Nuff said. [Read more...]
Fishing for Outdoor Barbeque Cabinets – Part 2
So last week I was manipulated into making some kick ass outdoor cabinets. A little wine, some clever yet devious methods employed by my equally clever and devious wife, all combined to awake the ancient god of Machismo which had been dormant in me for quite some time. What the hell, if you’re going to do something, might as well do it right, right? Of course I’m right – I am El Macho. So let’s get to it, as I can already feel El Macho being replaced by El Nap-o. Let’s go over some different outdoor situations you might be building in, and what materials you can use with a Euro style of cabinet construction. [Read more...]
Fishing for Outdoor Barbecue Cabinets
Well, they’re all the rage these days, so get ready, ‘cause sooner or later the Jones’ or the Smith’s are going to get them. And then you’ll get invited to the damn Smith’s or Jones’ and on the way home, even though you try your best to steer things in another direction, the comments will start. And it won’t do any good, even though you mention her hair, how young she looks, how old that Smith or Jones hag looked – even if you offered her another glass of wine… it will all be to no avail. She’ll see through you like the plate glass window you are, and the whole time you’ll know it’s coming. [Read more...]
FSC Certified Exotic Hardwoods and Veneers
As impossible as it might be, I will try to describe in terms that hopefully even I can understand just what FSC Certified and LEEDS mean. Both of these are intertwined so when you talk about one you talk about the other as well. What a horrible start to try to explain what these entities are. And I apologize ahead of time for what you are about to read. [Read more...]
Go Gorilla For Gorilla Glue
What a great name for a glue. I mean just the thought of the patriarch silverback gorilla inspecting his domain and taking care of his family inspires confidence, leadership and strength. These are the qualities that make up the glue that keeps his family together. OK, Mrs. Silverback might have an opinion or two to add to this discussion (I’m pretty sure we all saw that one coming) but that’s for another time. [Read more...]
To Screw It or Nail It – How To Select The Proper Fastener for the Job
I know it can be tempting to use whichever screws or nails you have laying around; I’ve been guilty of doing it myself on more than one occasion, but it really pays to use the proper fastener for the job. Otherwise, the result can be disastrous. It’s kind of like when a recipe calls for some crucial ingredient you realize you don’t have, but you just don’t feel like wasting the time on a trip to the store, so you substitute carob for chocolate, or throw in some cooking oil rather than an egg. The result just isn’t the same. [Read more...]
Preparing for Oversize Building Material Deliveries – Avoid a Pissed off Teamster
Driver already pissed as he's forced to back down a 1/4 mile drive. Dog barking like Cujo isn't helping.
No matter the size, building projects require a ton of planning; you have to prepare for every event. But, an often overlooked detail is the accommodation of oversize and/or custom material deliveries. The problem isn’t usually in getting the material. Suppliers and manufacturers are thrilled to fill your order. No, the problem arises when you fail to ascertain which method of delivery will be used to get the product to the job site. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY acting as your own project manager, you can find yourself in quite the pickle if you don’t plan for the dreaded, oversize material delivery, and more importantly, find out if the delivery will be arriving on a big-rig. [Read more...]
