Once you have the pocket holes drilled, place the 16-½-inch edge of an end piece on top of the bench bottom, aligned with the edge. Leave ½-inch overhang on the bench bottom, secure with wood glue, clamp to hold still, and finish with screws. Repeat this process with the other side. Measure in 15 inches from the inside of the piece you just installed, and secure a divider panel in the same manner....

Ideally, you want to wait as long as possible after framing to begin drywall installation so the wood has a chance to acclimate. But if you have to rush, time spent checking and correcting framing problems will pay big dividends. Although studs can often be straightened, the procedure is sometimes more trouble than it’s worth. Ripping out the deformed stud and replacing it can be the most efficient solution. Another strategy, called sistering, involves installing a new stud next to the bad one....

How to Clean Bathroom Floors Follow these steps for the cleanest bathroom floor. What You Need Small broomDamp paper towelWarm waterVinegarDish soapRagOne or two large towels Step 1: Sweep Floors A clunky vacuum cleaner is almost no help in a small bathroom. Instead, the best way to clean a bathroom floor is with a small broom. Sweep along the edges of the room and work to collect dust and dirt in the middle....

The first step to cleaning an area rug is to identify your rug’s material. This is important in prolonging its life, as different materials require unique area rug cleaning methods and materials. Our handy area rug cleaning guide will introduce you to the many types of rugs and offer tips and instructions for area rug cleaning and stain removal. Basic Area Rug Care Size, construction, and material determine the best way to clean an area rug....

Tip: Aromatic long grain rices, such as jasmine and basmati, are known for their popcornlike aroma and flavor. Saucepan In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a full boil. Slowly add 1 cup long grain rice and, if desired, 1 tablespoon butter or margarine; return to boiling. Reduce the heat and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed....

Another bonus for learning how to make stuffed pork chops: Pork is much less costly than beef steaks. Yet, if you make a pork chop with a stuffing recipe, your entrée can be just as impressive as any beef dish. Plus, they can be grilled outdoors or baked inside. Keep in mind that pork chops aren’t the only pork cuts worth stuffing! You can also stuff pork loin for a beautiful and satisfying entrée....

How to Slice Zucchini Into Coins Probably the most common way to cut zucchini, zucchini coins are crosswise slices of zucchini. Use a knife to cut the two ends off the zucchini, then make cuts across the zucchini to slice coins. You can also use a mandoline ($46, Crate & Barrel) by cutting off one end of the zucchini, then dragging it across the mandoline. Cut off one end of the zucchini, then drag it across the mandoline....

How to Deep Clean Your House As you go through each room in your home, begin with these deep cleaning tips to streamline the process. 1. Declutter Before Deep Cleaning Find a new place for (or better yet, get rid of) any visible clutter that does not belong in the room. Save the stuff behind closed doors for another day to help simplify your deep cleaning checklist. Clearing clutter makes deep cleaning easier and seeing those tidy surfaces can help boost your motivation to keep going....

Setting Landscape Layout Goals Think of a layout as a trouble-shooting and problem-solving process that will make your life easier. Just as you would with a kitchen remodel, begin your planning with a list of the qualities you want. Priorities could include adding privacy screening, dealing with an eroding slope, creating beautiful views from inside the house, starting a new vegetable garden, building a storage shed, or making your entryway and front walk more welcoming....

You can coax your houseplant back to life from stretching, brown leaf tips, fertilizer burn, and more by learning how to tell if you’re underwatering, overwatering, or your plant isn’t getting enough light. You’ll be back to thriving, happy plants in no time! Problem: Stretching Solution: If your plant has suddenly grown awkwardly tall or long or sends out spindly stems reaching towards its light source, it’s trying to tell you that it needs more light....

Plan two hours to hang the microwave, but it might take longer if venting and wiring are required. Before you begin, move the range if it’s in the way, and install a microwave cabinet. Then follow these steps for how to install a microwave over your range. It’s best to install the ductwork to move the exhaust in the most direct route. Carefully plan a path for your ductwork before beginning, then install a vent above the range....

How to Make a Kid’s Butterfly Costume for Halloween Supplies Needed Printable butterfly patternsCardboard Utility Knife Acrylic Paint in two complementary tones (like light salmon and orange-red)Paintbrushes 2 1/3 yards of 2-inch-wide ribbon (straps)Glitter glue12 inches of 1/4-inch-diameter dowel Hot-glue gun Glue sticks 30 inches of 2-inch-wide ribbon (wand) Crafts wire Headband Two small twine décor balls or plastic foam balls Step-by-Step Directions Simple and low cost, this butterfly costume is the perfect do-it-yourself project....

How to Build a Toy Box A DIY toy box is the perfect solution for taming kid-room clutter. Follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a toy box. Supplies Needed: Birch plywood (see cut list, below)Pine project boards (see cut list, below)Birch edge bandingIronMetal rollerWood fileKreg pocket-hole jig kitDrillWood glueKreg corner clampsKreg screwsKreg wood plugsWood fillerPutty knifeSandpaper, sander if desiredPrimer, paint, stain, brushesTemplate (provided at Step 8)JigsawWater-base sealer or polycrylicChiselButt hinges (2)Toy box lid hinges (2)...

Step One: Soak the Beans Dried beans are very hard, so soaking allows them to rehydrate and soften. For 10-12 side dish servings, rinse 1 pound (about 2¼ to 2½ cups) dried navy beans or Great Northern beans in a colander (Cook Pro Stainless Steel Colander, $15, Walmart) under cool running water. Be sure to sort through the beans to remove any debris. In a large Dutch oven combine the beans and 8 cups water....

If you’re growing food at home successfully, there’s often a time in each food’s peak season where you end up with a bounty of produce you simply can’t seem to eat fast enough. Let us help you find delicious ways to use up all kinds of amazing summer vegetables and fruits. And if you still have a surplus of produce, use our preserving methods to keep the literal fruits of your labor stocked to enjoy year-round....

Curious about the history behind this long-standing tradition? If your knowledge of the holiday is limited to the movie Groundhog Day ($10, Barnes & Noble)—which, if you haven’t seen it, is an excellent movie—read on to learn more about Groundhog Day along with some fun facts about Punxsutawney Phil. Facts About Groundhog Day The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in 1887 at Gobbler’s Knob, 2 miles outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania....

1. Pet Storage Station Designate a specific area of your home for pet storage, so all your supplies are located in one easily accessible spot. Set aside a bank of cabinets in the entryway, mudroom, kitchen, or laundry room for storage. If you don’t have cabinets to spare, consider dedicating a shelf for your pet supplies in the hall closet or pantry, or add a stand-alone storage unit in an empty corner....

Leslie Saul, architect and licensed interior designer with Saul & Associates, says to start by asking: “How many blackouts do you need?” or “Are you looking for thermal properties over the windows as well?” Having these questions in mind can make all the difference. Founder of The Drape, Angela Boswell, says that you can test out curtains with just one rule: “100% blackout should block the light from a cell phone camera....