DIY Hacks for Your Next Home Upgrade

You may have, at one point, lounged about the sitting room thinking “I can spruce this place up a bit.” Perhaps this notion was only stopped by the intimidation that comes with home improvement. It may seem like a daunting task, but with a few tricks from the contractor tool kit, you’ll be setting your home up like a professional in no time.

Use the power of expanding wood glue

So, you want to display that beautiful classic wooden chair to complete your rustic aesthetic, but it’s looking a little dodgy, or perhaps you’ve decided to make DIY floating corner shelves. Make sure to get your hands on some expanding wood glue, a combatant for UK humidity so you can work on those wood joints that have gotten damp and may otherwise seem unworkable. It is also effective on dry wood pieces that have pores perfect for adhesion. Whether you want to repair your wooden furniture or you have some pieces you want to put together, being particular with the glue you use can make the difference between a dozen more repairs or a beautiful new fixture in your home. Of course, if the wood you’re working with has gotten stained with age or humidity, make sure you sand it or treat it with some wood preserver before going in with your glue.

Make your tables and chairs floor-friendly

wide room of loft beams and wooden floorYou may be trying to be careful about the flat you’re renting, or you have a keen desire for spotlessness, but whatever reason may drive you, floor protection doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Even if you haven’t coated your dwellings with a layer of vinyl or carpet, you can have scuff-free floors by merely using craft foam or suede. Gauge how much you need by counting out all the chair and table legs that may be causing friction with your floor. Measure each leg’s bottom peg. An even more straightforward way is to trace it out onto some paper or card stock and then cut out the same amount from your craft foam or suede. Whichever material you use depends on your preference. Swing trading crypto guide. Suede may last longer, but craft foam can give a sturdier feel underneath. Finally, with some contact cement, glue your suede onto the peg, and you’re sorted. For those who prefer the craft foam route, glue a piece of denim or canvas on your foam before sticking it onto the bottom of your furniture leg.

Bleed your radiator

For both energy efficiency and just better control of your heating, it’s time to bleed your radiator. Doing this annually makes it safer for your home and also lets all the trapped air out of the radiator, so it doesn’t pile in the bottom. You only need gloves to protect yourself from scalding, a screwdriver, and an extra piece of cloth to catch any stray droplets. First, turn up your radiator and then check if it is gurgling or has any cold spots. After a bit, turn it off and wait for it to cool (no more hot water comes out of the valve). Finally, use a flathead screwdriver and turn the square nut at the centre of your bleed valve slowly anti-clockwise and let the water bleed out onto your cloth. Turn the valve back shut and you’re done!

These supplies can be found in your local construction and home services shop, or you can have them delivered right to your doorstep by ordering online. Just make you’ve got the proper gear to make the beautiful home you desire safely.

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