Learn how to stain a fence the right way to protect new wood or enhance a faded fence. Getty Images / Saklakova Staining awood fenceis a great way toenhance its lookwhile protecting it from the harsh elements. Then, double-check the fence is free of dirt and debris. Credit:Getty Images / Saklakova Also, refrain from pressure washing aggressively, as this can gouge the wood. After you settle on a few color options, test them on a scrap piece of wood....

Learn how to stain concrete patios, pathways, and even garage floors to modernize your home. Before starting this project, it’s necessary to assess the area and ensure there’s proper ventilation. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like a mask andset up fansto helpremove harmful chemical odorsfrom the area. Credit: David Patterson Another factor to keep in mind is the weather. If you’re working outdoors, it’s necessary to plan your project for a dry day....

Paint or stain your cedar shingles and siding with these easy steps. We show you how to rehab old materials or work with brand new planks. Even unpainted cedar will last for years. Painting cedar shake or shingles, however, calls for some preparation. Some sections of old, unpainted shingles and siding may look darker than others. This discoloration is most likely triggered by excessive tannins leaching from the wood and mildew growth....

For a long-lasting, even stain or varnish on your trim, you have to do the job right. Learn how with our help. Staining and varnishing require different techniques thanpainting. To start with, you might apply most stains with either a brush or a cloth. First, lay a coat of stain on the wood in the direction of the grain. It may look muddy at first, but that will clear up when you wipe off the excess....

Assemble your own beehive using materials from a Langstroth-style starter kitand watch them do their busy work. The first challenge isdeciding where to put your hivethen it’s crucial that you assemble it. It’s best to start with new equipment to avoid any hidden problems. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul It lets youharvest honeywith minimal bee disturbance. As the colony grows, beekeepers “super up” by adding supers. The inner cover provides ventilation; the outer one is the roof....

Whether grown as houseplants or in your garden, cactus plants add plenty of interest to your home. Learn how to grow these low-maintenance plants. Ed Gohlich There are numerous reasons to start a cactus garden. Credit:Ed Gohlich Do you love the intriguing and often otherworldly look of cacti and other succulents? Are you in search of relatively easy-carepotted plants? Do you want to conserve water? Credit:Ed Gohlich Then these gardens are for you....

This step-by-step guide to starting a garden will set you up for success. Starting a garden from scratch as a beginner can seem daunting. One of the best ways to ease into gardening is to break your project down into manageable steps. Credit: Rinne Allen Consider What to Plant Do you want to plant a vegetable garden? Each one, or even a combination, makes a stunning garden but will have different maintenance requirements....

So, if you have land to spareeven justone square footconsider starting an organic vegetable garden of your own. The most important component in soil is theorganic matter, such as manure, peat moss, or compost. You cancreate your own compostpile by designating an area or bin where organic matter will decompose. Credit: Robert Cardillo Reduce weeds for your organic vegetable garden by spreading a 1- to 2-inch-thicklayer of mulch on the soil....

This beginner-friendly guide explains how to start a vegetable garden with indirect and direct seed-sowing methods. Heres all you’re gonna wanna know to get those seeds started. Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors or Outdoors? Credit:MementoJpeg / Getty Images When making decisions about which seeds get precious indoor space, start with those that germinate and/or grow slowly. Leave the vining veggies like peas and beans outdoors, as well asroot vegetablesthat can resent transplanting....

Home renovations can be stressful, but these tips will make the process smoother. Getty Images / photovs Home renovationscan be exciting projects that take your space from good to great. Oftentimes homeowners have difficulty living in the mess of a prolonged project. Credit:Getty Images / photovs One way to combat this is to schedule the project for a time of year thats less busy. As you plan, be sure toresearch your contractorsto ensure youre choosing the best team for the job....

Here’s how often to steam your sofa, plus the easiest way to do it. Remove the grime and refresh your couch bysteam cleaningit. The high heat kills dust mites and removes grease, stains, and odors. Credit:Grant Webster Steam cleaning is also excellent forsanitizing allergensand pathogens. Learn how to steam a couch (and how often) to restore your seating to its former glory. How to Steam Clean a Couch 1. Credit:Grant Webster...

Win the battle against wrinkled garments by learning how to steam clothes with this step-by-step guide. Investing in a clothes steamer makes sense if you wear a lot ofdelicate fabricsor just aren’t into ironing. If you’ve never used a steamer before, it can be intimidating. Credit:Brie Goldman A steamer is the best way toget wrinkles out of clothes without an iron. It’s a gentle, effective, space-saving strategy that doesn’t require a clunky ironing board....

Pave the way for your backyard makeover with a stencil (yes, a stencil). So she and her husband pried up the old tiles, then prepped andpainted the concrete underneath. “The benefit of it being an outdoor space is that it doesn’t have to be perfect.” Credit: Hector Sanchez Jenna removed layers ofgreen paintunder the old tileswith a power washerand putty knife. Once the surface is clean, let the concrete dry completely....