Handy Tips

Handy Tips

Can Drywall Screws Be Used Outdoors?

There are many screws you could use for your next outdoor project, but where the weather is a concern, any old screw won’t do. Drywall screws are an inexpensive choice, but are they the best option for what you have in mind? Drywall screws cannot be used outdoors. Even those that are coated to mitigate […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Do All Smart Locks Require a Hub?

Anyone who’s ever searched high and low for keys while family members rambled on about how we’re late and we have to get going has dreamed of a world in which keys were obsolete. Smart locks are here, and they can make life easier as a part of your smart home. Smart locks do not […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Using Cement Board Outdoors: 9 Essential Tips

Contractors commonly use cement boards as indoor flooring and wall base to fortify a structures’ overall integrity. However, not many homeowners know whether these boards are suitable for outdoor use. In most cases, homeowners opt for gypsum boards when fabricating the structural foundation of exterior structures. Cement boards serve as the base of outdoor fixtures […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Here’s Why Cement Board Should be Staggered

The world of construction is vast and can be complicated. When it comes to building a new house or renovating an existing home, cement board is often recommended by professional installers and used in place of drywall. If you have not worked with cement board before and intend to use for an upcoming building project, […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Do Deck Stairs Need Railings?

I built a deck a few years ago that had two sets of stairs on it and was approximately 4’ above grade. It was a fun deck to buildbut came with the challenge of understanding whether (or not) I needed railings on one set of deck stairs that was against the house. The other set […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Can You Install Ditra Over Cement Board?

Tiling your bathroom or kitchen floor comes with many steps, but none as complicated as deciding on a backer. You want a secure floor that doesn’t crack or permit water damage, and both Ditra and cement board hold their own. Why not use them together? You can install Ditra over cement board, but it doesn’t […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Is Ditra Needed Over Concrete?

Ditra has grown popular over the years. You have probably seen these orange waffle-y products on television and DIY YouTube Videos. So, if you’re going into construction or remodeling, you could be wondering, “Do you need to use Ditra over concrete?” Ditra is needed over concrete, especially if there is movement in the cement. Ditra […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Drywall or cement board for fireplace: How to decide

Installing a brand-new fireplace can be frustrating if you don’t know the base materials. Although they might seem insignificant when it comes to the appearance of the unit, the underlying material plays a massive role. Two of the most common choices include drywall and cement board, both of which are worth looking into. When it […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
Handy Tips

Should Cement Board be Glued or Taped?

Cement board is a type of building material which combines cement with reinforcing fibers to create sheets of varying thickness. These sheets are used in both indoor and outdoor construction, especially in areas where moisture is present. Right now, you may be contemplating using it for an upcoming home construction or renovation project and wondering […]

By Alex September 27, 2025
3 Types Of August Smart Locks Explained (Which One Is Best For You?) Handy Tips

3 Types Of August Smart Locks Explained (Which One Is Best For You?)

August smart locks are considered to be the cream of the crop, which is why they’ve started to be snapped up left and right. If you are looking for a new smart lock, it’s a good idea to know what you should expect from the categories each brand offers. The three types of August smart […]

By Alex September 27, 2025