Author: Oliver Jones

Your bathroom walls don’t have to be boring. Board and batten is the simple upgrade that transforms any space from bland to beautiful. I’ve walked countless homeowners through this exact project over my years as a contractor. The results always amaze them. Vertical lines make rooms feel taller. Rich texture adds instant character. Your bathroom goes from basic to custom-designed. Here’s the best part: you don’t need expert carpentry skills. Most people think board and batten is complicated. It’s not. With basic tools and weekend time, you’ll create professional results. This complete guide covers step-by-step instructions, best materials for humid…

Your electric fireplace looks cheap sitting against the wall. You know it could look so much better. I get it. You bought an electric fireplace for convenience. But now you want it to look like a real built-in. Here’s what this article covers: 7 complete electric fireplace framing plans Step-by-step instructions for each build Tools and materials lists Tips to avoid common mistakes I’ve built over 50 electric fireplace frames in the past years. Some failed badly. Others became room centerpieces. My promise to you: These plans work. I’ve tested every single one. You’ll get detailed blueprints that solve your…

Textured paint combines regular paint with additives to create dimensional surfaces that add visual interest and tactile appeal to any project. Unlike smooth paint finishes, textured varieties produce raised patterns and surfaces that catch light differently, creating depth and character on walls, furniture, or decorative items. Making your own textured paint offers significant advantages over purchasing commercial alternatives. You control the consistency, color, and texture level while saving money on expensive specialty products. This approach allows for complete customization to match your specific project needs. Our simple method using paint and flour requires only basic household ingredients and minimal preparation…

Want to upgrade your fireplace without spending a fortune? I’ll show you how to build your mantel from scratch. A fireplace mantel is more than just a shelf. It’s the centerpiece of your room. You can make it match your style perfectly. Plus, you’ll save hundreds of dollars compared to buying one. After building dozens of mantels over the years, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. This guide covers everything you need to know. I’ll walk you through each step using proven techniques. You’ll learn what tools to use and the best materials. By the end, you’ll have a…

The 5×8 bathroom represents one of the most common standard sizes in residential construction, offering 40 square feet of functional space for daily routines. While this compact footprint may seem limiting, smart layout design becomes crucial for maximizing both functionality and comfort within these dimensions. After designing hundreds of small bathrooms over my years in construction, I’ve learned that effective planning requires strategic placement of fixtures, storage solutions, and traffic flow considerations. Every square foot counts when creating a space that feels open, organized, and practical for multiple users. I’ve seen too many poorly planned layouts make even this standard…

Building a sandbox at home offers numerous benefits for children’s development, providing endless hours of creative play while encouraging outdoor activity and imaginative exploration. Sandboxes promote sensory development, social skills, and physical coordination as kids dig, build, and create in their own backyard paradise. Rather than purchasing expensive pre-made options, building one yourself proves both affordable and rewarding, allowing you to customize the size, design, and features to perfectly suit your space and family’s needs. The project becomes even more budget-friendly when you utilize reclaimed or free materials, which can significantly reduce overall costs while adding character to your creation.…