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Light and airy screen porch

Build this addition, then kick back and enjoy those summer breezes . . . without the bugs.

Critter-proof your home

How to keep mice, squirrels, ants, flies, spiders, cockroaches and other invaders outside where they belong.

70

Night light
Easy-to-install low-voltage lighting makes your deck a pleasant oasis at night.

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81

All-weather umbrella table

Build an attractive table/umbrella holder and put shade wherever you need it-on a patio or a deck or in the yard.

THE FAMTLY HANDyMAN n,tnv zooe

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8 Home Care & Repair

Keep your vacuum cleaner humming, adjust glaring outdoor lights and clean tile grout the easy way.

74 Ask The Family Handyman

How to chip floor tile off concrete, understand your carbon monoxide alarm and deal with mysterious stains in a vinyl floor.

79 Workshop Tips'"
A drill press with bit storage, throwaway sanding blocks, bandsaw blade hangers and more great workshop tips.

Hi-Tech Solutions
New lithium-ion technology for cordless tools delivers more power in a lightweight package.

27 SharpenYour Skills
How to get a blotch-free finish on cherry, birch, pine and other
tough-to-stain woods.

YT Remodel Right
Classy kitchen storage solutions designed

to make every inch count.

78 Auto Care
Time for a filter change? How to know when your air filter and PCV valve reaily do need replacement.

87 New Products
A better drain cleaning snake, real garden tools for kids, a key-free door iock, smooth-flowing trim paint, and a cool laser level for $20.

98

Handy

Hints@

How to rescue a toy from the toilet, keep track of your remote controls, and match up your cordless tools with their chargers.

110 Wbrdless

Workshop'"

Hang a wallful of pictures from a single wire.

772 Great Goofs'

Missing underweaq flaming pants and telltale footprints! What's going on here?
Cover Photos:

Screen porch and umbrella table by MIKE KRIVIT; landscape lighting by BILL ZUEHLKE

Questions about subscriptions?

Back issues/article copies

Some past issues are still available for $5.00 each. Photocopies of articles are available for $3.00 each. Call (715) 246-4521 lrom 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday, for availability and ordering, or write to: Back lssues, The Family Handyman, PO. Box 83695. Stillwater, MN 55083-0695. Or send us an e-mail at FHMservice@rd.com.

For new and gift subscriptions, a change of address or

help with a subscription problem, write: The Family Handyman Subscriber Service Dept., Box 8174, Red Oak, lA 51591-1174. or call {800) 285-4961. Or send us an e-mail at FHMservice@rd.com. Allow two issues for address changes,

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Comments and suggestions

We welcome your ideas and opinions. Write to:

The Editor, The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55'121. FaK (651 ) 994-2250. E-mailr fheditor@ readersdigest.com Web site: www.familyhandyman.com
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

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TIps, FrxEs & cEAR FoR A TRoUBLE-FREE ltomE

Performance boost

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rl Unplug the vacuum, turn it upside down and remove I underside of the vacuum to expose the roller.
the cover plate on the

f your upright vacuum isn't

sucking up dirt the way it used to, don't assume you need a new one. Vacuums, like cars, need replacement parts and a little maintenance from time to time. But unlike cars, vacuums are fairly simple machines, and you can make the most common repairs yourself. The first step in mainLaining a vacuum is to open it up and expose the roller brush. If you don't know how to do this, it's well worth taking a few minutes to learn. On most vacuums all you have to do is remove a cover plate on the underside (Photo t ). This plate is held in place by screws or latches. On some vacuums exposing the roller is more difficult. You may have to remove the shroud on top of the vacuum, for example. If you can't see how to get at the roller simply by looking at the vacuum and you don't have the owner's manual, you may be able to find a diagram online. Some manufacturers and parts suppliers offer online diagrams of

is a good place to start). Before you go years). Some vacuums have a label that proonline, find the model number; it may be vides the replacement belt number. Belts on the underside ofthe vacuum or inside typically cost $2 to $5. the filter bag compartment. Before you install the new belt, set the Slice away all the hair and thread that's roller back into place and spin it by hand. It wrapped around the should turn freely. If roller (Photo z). Then not, the bearings Finding vacuum parts remove the roller so lf your vacuum was produced by inside or the fittings at you can replace the the ends are probably a major manufacturer, you wont belt. The roller may be worn out. The soluhave any trouble finding replaceheld in place by screws, tion is to replace the ment parts. But first, you'll need clips or end caps that entire roller ($tS to your vacuum's model number. slip out of the housing $40). Also replace the The label may be hidden on the (Photo 3). Most peoroller if the bristles are underside of the vacuum or even ple never replace belts badly worn. Finally, in the dust bag compartment. To unless the roller stops check the suction port get parts locally, check the for clogs (enoto +). If turning or they smell Yellow Pages under "Vacuum

burning rubber. But

rollers lose power as belts wear, so most
manufacturers recom-

the port is connected

Cleaners, Supplies and Parts."

to the hose, pull off

the hose and push a broomstick through it to force out any clogs.

mend frequent belt

There are also dozens ol online suppliers, Just go to any search engine and type in the brand ol

replacement
(ranging from six

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FAMTLY HANDYMAN

by Gary Wentz

Tin::e-saver

A neater way to use bleach on grout

ln a damp area like a shower, there's no permanent cure for mildew growing on

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Use a sharp utility knife to slice through hair, yarn and thread that are wrapped around the roller. Then pull it

all off the brushes.

Remove the roller and replace the u"n that drives it. lf the bristles on the roller are badly worn or the roller doesn't turn freely, replace the roller. too.

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grout. But bleach, along with light scrubbing, is a good way to clean it off and kill it off-at least temporarily. The trouble with applying bleach to a large area is that nasty fumes fill the air. Plus you risk damage to other nearby surfaces (bleach can harm many metals and plastics with prolonged contactl. A bleach pen, on the other hand, lets you
apply bleach only where you need it. And since the bleach is in a gel form, it grips vertical surfaces-that gives it time to penetrate and kill mildew in the grout's pores. You'll find bleach pens
($4) alongside fabric detergents at discount and grocery stores. lf you have colored grout, test for discoloration on a small spot.

SUCTION
POBT

'f

7|Pull clogs out of the suction port with

a wire hook made from a coat hanger. Also remove and clear the hose connected to the port.

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

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A n outdoor motion detector light can A saue electricity and scare off intruders. l- \gut if passing cars or rhe neighbor's dog
constantly triggers the light, you don't get either berrefit. To stop unwanted "trips," you have to limit the "detection zone," the area where the sensor can see moving objects.
First, aim the detector. Turn the sensor head

right or left and up or down so that its field of

vision is roughly centered on the area you want to cover. To make the head stay put, you may
have to tighten screws or ring nuts (enoto z) on the arm that supports the head. Next, set the

"on-time" switch to "test" (photo 1). This will

let you determine the detection zone by walking across the detector's field of vision. When it sees you, the light will go on for a couple of sec-

ffi,

i zone by adjusting the "range" dial. Start with the dial set to "max" and turn down until the
range is correct.

,rr Shorten the sensor's detection

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to work.) If the detection zone in front of the detector is too long, aim the head down slightly. If the zone is too short, raise the head, but keep it at least I in. from lightbulbs and lamp covers. When the range is about right, make

finer adjustments using the range dial

(Photo r ). It may be labeled "range" or "sensitivity." Start with the dial set at the maximum range and turn it down to shorten the
zone.

If the zone is still too wide, narrow the lens opening with electrical tape (enoto z). This is a trial-and-error process that can take a few minutes. Normally, you need to apply narrow blinders only to the right or left ends of the lens, but you can cover as much of the
Iens as you like. When the length and

width of the zone are just right, reset the on-time

switch.

*B Narrow the detection zone by sticking electrical tape blinders on one or both
&"-.

sides of the sensor's lens.

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

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BLACK AIIITI WHITE TII.

nrenElntroducing the next level of high-per-formance hand tools. Designed to get the job done faster. easier, better. Learn more at stanleytools.com/xtreme.

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Money saver

Cut energy bills w a programmable thermostat

rl Pull off the cover ring and I remove the screws that fasten
the thermostat to the wall plate.

W;Hfutr*LrA#*l
stat.

Ifyou turn down the heat 5 degrees at night and l0 degrees during the daywhen no one is home, you'll cut your energy bill by 5 to 20 percent. If you raise the temperature the same amount during the cooling season, your savings will be similar. You can do this with a manual thermostat, but

a programmable model never forgets to

it can raise the temperature before you get out of bed in the morning.
turn down the heat at night and
Home centers carry several programmable models ranging from $25 to $100. Generally, more money means more programming options. Standard programmable thermostats sold in stores work with most heating/cooling systems, new or old. But there are exceptions: Electric baseboard heat systems require a "line voltage" thermostat that's connected to

I A

Label the wires as you disconnect them from the screw terminals. Then remove lhe mounting screws that fasten the wall plate.

much larger wires than we show here.

Heat pumps often require special thermostats, too. If you can't find the one you

need at a store, try thermostatshop,com.

Before you shop, measure the "footprint"

of the old thermostat. If you buy a new

one that's at least as large, you won't be left

with wallpaper gaps or paint to touch up. Your old thermostat may look different from the one we shoq but removing it +l Mark the new screw locations, drive will require similar steps. Turn off the rJ in wall anchors and screw the mountpower at the main electrical panel by ing plate to the wall. Connect the wires. switching off the furnace breaker. If the furnace circuit isn't labeled, switch on the any of them aren't connected to the screw heat (not the air conditioning) and turn terminals, you won't connect them to the off breakers until the furnace stops. new thermostat either. The terminals are Remove the old thermostat (enoto r). labeled with letters. As you remove each Chances are, it has a small glass tube con- wire, label it to match the terminal using taining mercury, which is toxic. Call your the tags included with the new thermostat city or state environmental or health (Photo 2). Disregard the color of the department for disposal instructions. wires. When you remove the last wire, clip You ll find anywhere from two to six a clothespin to the cable so it can't slip wires connected to the old thermostat. If inside the wall. l2
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lnstall the batteries. program the

thermostat and snap it onto the wall

plate.

Mount the wall plate (Ptroto e). In most cases, you'll simply connect the
wires by matching labels to the letters on the new wall plate, but check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure. Program and install the thermostat (Photo +). Don't forget to turn the power back on at the main panel.

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Art Direction

LISA PAHL and BOB UNGAR

Photography. BILL ZUEHLKE

FAMTLY HANDvMAN

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Remoue tile from eoncrete

The tile in my bathroom looks outdated and needs to be replaced. What's the best way to remove ceramic tile from a concrete slab? I want to do this with the least amount of work. Brenda Gallaghel Toledo, OH
14 vnv
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FAMTLY HANDYMAN

no easy way to do and hard work. Even a small bathroom this. Unlike tile on cement will take half a day, at a minimum. board or wood, there's no Use a 3/4- or l -in. masonry chisel and a underlayment or subfloor that can be 2-lb. hand maul. Start at a broken tile or pried up and thrown away. Removing between tiles where the grout has loosThere's

tile from concrete requires knocking

out the tiles and adhesive. It takes time

ened. Work the chisel under the tiles, forcing them loose (photo above). Strike the

face of stubborn tiles to break them up for easier removal. Wear safety glasses, gloves, pants and a long-sleeve shirt, since hammering the tile sends sharp shards flying. Also wear a dust mask.

Typically, older floors with mastic adhesive will come up easier than floors laid with thinset mortar. Rent a small jackhammer with a chisel point if the

tile refuses to come loose.

For larger rooms, consider renting an electric tile stripper ($50 to $100 per day).

After you remove the tiles,

chisel and scrape the adhesive off the concrete as well. If you can't

get

it

all, don't worry. You

can

ofadhesive up to 1/8 in. thick. Then use the flat side of a 12-in. trowel to apply a 1/8-in.
leave bits

of latex thin-set mortar over the floor (photo below). This is to fill in voids and level around remaining bits of adhesive. If you're installing new tile, use the same latex thin-set to set the tile. Thin-set holds ceramic tiles better than mastic and is easier to work with. Keep in mind that the easiest solution of all is to leave the old tile in place and install new tile directly over the old. The new floor will be slightly higher, so you'll have to trim the door and extend the toilet ring. For more details, talk with an expert at a
Iayer
local tile store.

for $mall Laurns!

anyone

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ererytimel lt is lightwsight, so it's easy for to use. So economical it cosLs just 100 ho mow your lawn and neyer needs atune-up. lt'sthe onlylawn mower j.;i. j. !L-! .-":lI ?nll n :-^----..*l -l-that will also TRIM around trBes trees **di *.di'r::': ':".'' "
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There's a mysterious stain on my vinyl floor and it has

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gotten larger over the past several years. The vinyl is over concrete in my downstairs bathroom. What could cause the stain and is there a way to get rid of it?
Gary R. Pearson, Lincoln, NE
You have a clasgic case of "bot-

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Sagging e)fterior lights

My outside lights are screwed are drooping. How can I make the light fixtures solid? Rttvet, via e-mail For adequate support, mount the fixtures to a solid block or base,
electrical box, so you don't need the one in

to the vinyl siding and

the wall.

which you usually install before or during the siding process. However, you can also buy special blocks that fit right over the siding (about $15 at home centers). We show a block made by Arlington Indus-

If you use a block without an electrical box, shift the existing electrical box out so you can mount the fixture to it. To install the kit, insert the cable connector in an opening in the center of the mounting block, then feed in the cable(s) from the back. Set the block into place as shown and screw it to ll2-in. (minimum) wood sheathing. Or mount it to a stud. Connect the wires, mount the fixture and caulk around the block so it's watertight.

penetrating the vinyl from underneath. It may be the adhesive that was used to adhere the vinyl to the concrete, or it could be the result of moisture risir.rg up through the concrete. Since your stain is yellow, it's probably an adhesive stain. If it were black, gray, blue or pink, it would indicate mold growth. Then you'd have to solve a moisture problem before layir.rg your new floor. You have two options. Either rip up

the flooring and scrape off the aclhesive, or install a new floor (vinyl, laminate, carpet, wood or floating floor) right over the top of the vinyl, provided the old vinyl is well adhered. If it's
coming loose, tear it out and start over. Otherwise, the second option is quicker and easier. Besides, the old vinyl will make a great underlayment. The stain won't come up through the old vinyl and discolor the new floor. Bottom-up staining has becorne less common over the last l0 years because adhesive formulas have improved.

tries, 800-233 -47 17, v'rww.aifittings.com. The mounting blocks are paintable and available in different sizes and profiles to fit most types of flat and lap vinyl siding styles. You don't have to cut into the siding to mount the block. However, light fixtures must be sbcured to an electrical box. The block we show here has a built-in
l6 uav zooo rHE FAMTLY
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CO ALARM

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We have a carbon t\ monoxide alarm with a digital readout. lt sometimes shows carbon monoxide is present, but the alarm never

goes off. How do I know if we have a dangerous level in ou r

house? Beth Sutter, Cherry Hill, NJ
Pay attention to the alarrn. If the alann goes off, you have a poten-

tially dangerous level of carbon monoxide in your horne. Immediately follow these guidelines: Press the reset button, call the fire department or 9ll, get fresh air by goir.rg outside or standing next to an open
window, and make sure every member of the household joins you. The digital readout alone doesn't always tell whether you have a dangerous level of CO. A contir.mous low reading over a long period can be more hazardous than a momentary high reading. The alarm, on the other hand, senses both the concen-

Gaps between deck boards

You recommended leaving 1/8 in. between deck boards, but a contractor friend said to butt
them tight. Who's right? J. Zimmerman, Annapolis, MD
One of the great debates After two weeks of sitting ir.rside, the
boards had started to dry ar.rd shrink, opening 1/8-in. gaps. In jr"rst six weeks, the gaps had increased to about l/4 in. (above right). At that point, the moisture meter reading was about l2 percent (which is considered "air dry" in most climates). If we had gapped the boards l/8 in. when we screwed them in place, the gap when dry would have been too wide and visually unacceptable.

tration of CO and its duration, and

is

designed to sound when the combination of the two is hazardous.

The digital feature is useful, however,

in

deck

building is how much space to

leave between deck boards. Some builders say to butt them tightly together because they'll shrink within a few months and leave a nice 1/8-in. gap. Others say to gap the boards about 1/8 in. right off. The answer, of course, depends on the

Although the wood species and the

way the wood is cut affect the amount

of

it'll tell you when any CO is present, even a very low level. You can search out sources and correct a potential problem. Look for a correlation between using a gas appliance and a CO reading. If you can't find the source, call in a heating or appliance professional to track it down.
because

shrinkage a bit, the most important fac-

moisture content of the boards you start with, because wood shrinks as it dries. If the boards are soaking wet (wet all the

way through when you cut one), butt them together, edge to edge. If they're
mostly dry (moisture around the center
or.rly), leave a 1/B-in gap. To illustrate the problem, we purchased

5/4-in. treated deck boards right off the rack at a local home center. They were
heary (or.re sign of high moisture content) and were wet all the way through when we

tor is moisture content. Since you aren't likely to have a moisture meter, be sure to crosscut several boards to see if they're wet all the way through. If so, butt them tightly. Il the cross section is only a bit damp or wet near the center, gap the boards. Sometimes you can buy pressure-treated wood that's stamped "KDAT." This means "kiln dried after treatment," usually to l5
percent. You can gap these boards

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Photoqraphy

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cut them. We confirmed that they were wet with a moisture meter reading of 20
percent. We screwed the boards to a couple ofjoists, butting them tightly together

reasonable assurance that they'll remain stable. Premium deck boards, like cedar, are often kiln dried as well, but ask when

you buy or look for a kilndried stamp or label.

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17

by Bruce Wiebe

Drill pre$s butler

drill presses don't come with bit storage? Make your own pivoting rack
Ever wonder why

"Meet my new butler,

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from scrap wood and put drill bits, sanding drums, hole
saws and countersinks right at your fingertips. Here's how:

Design a shelf to hold all your drilling accessories. The length,

width and over-

r r

all design are up to you. Screw the shelf to

1x3 "arm" cut

a a

to

convenient length. Screw the other end of the

lx3 to

the horizontal leaf of a 4-in. light T-hinge, attaching the leaf so it's
behind the 1x3 when mounted on the

drill press column. Mount the rack on the column with two
large hose clamps. In use, the column end of the lx3 will butt against the column to limit how far the rack can pivot, so rotate the hinge location on the column to stop the rack's forward travel right where you want it.

Thanks to reader Ray Kimberley for inspiring the design of this valuable drill press
accessory.

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Here are two gritty tips from furniture maker Bruce Kieffer to help sanding jobs go smoothly.

rowaway sandi ng blocks

'Glue up a bunch of disposable sanding blocks and stop

fussing with reloadable store-bought blocks. When the sandpaper's used up, toss them and make more. A 2 x 4-ft. piece of 314-in. medium-density fiberboard (MDF;
$8 at a home center) will make a lot of medium and fine sanding blocks.

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Saw the fiberboard space the

into 2-112 x 5-in. blocks. Then

blocks-six per sheet-on sandpaper coated with spray adhesive. With a sharp utility knife, trim
the sandpaper flush with the blocks. Write the grit size on the sandpaper with a permanent marker. It'll be
easy

^h \A\J MARKER " \----z --*tnilMn

PERMANENT

to find the grit you need, and the ink won't stain

your wood.

, ,Fblded sanding pad

'r,ti,lj$&t power sander in your shop? A quarter sheet of sandpaper and your
bare hand! To improve the longevity

of this natural marvel, apply

adhesive
ADHESIVE

to the quarter

spray sheets, then

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fold them over to make a doublethick one-eighth sheet. They work

great for sanding sculpted and molded edges, and the double-ply thick-

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ness lets you press hard without tearing a hole in the paper.

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Getting an edge on paint stripping

And now, a nomination for the messiest job in everyone's shop: paint stripping. Here's an idea for making the job faster and easier, courtesy of reader Ryan Kingma. Cut two slots directly across from each other in the rim of a 3-lb. coffee can (a Dremel rotary tool with a cutoff wheel works great to cut the slots). Drop a 1/16-in.-thick metal strip ($1 a1 a hardware store) in the slots, folding and bolting the metal strip to
the can.

Now you can work swiftly and cleanly while stripping, loading

up a 4-in.-wide drywall knife and scraping it against the metal edge to clean the sludge offthe blade for another pass.
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HANDvMAN

PROJECT

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Scrap bin on a roll

Here's a low-rolling wood scrap bin that'll capture all the cutoffs while you work on your next project. Bolt swivel casters to the base of a storage bin (96 at dis-

BOLT CASTER

TO REINFORCED
(THICKER} PLASTIC EDGE

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count stores) and it'll scoot right where you need it. Sure, you can take extra time to beef up the casters-tobin connection by bolting ply'wood on before attaching the casters, but it's easier to bolt them right through the thicker, reinforced area of the bin's bottom. Thanks to Zachary Lesko for this handy idea!

Bandsaw blade hangers

Ifyou
ve ever suffered the

indignity

possible danger to eyes and -and face-of a bandsaw blade uncoil-

ing as youve pulled it off the peg

you hung it on, you'll love this tip from reader David Shapiro. Nest the coiled blades into binder clips and store them on your pegboard, and they'll never spring out at you again. Apply labels to the clip so you can simplifr size selection and
storage.

r.l

Editor. TRAVIS LARSON

Art Direction. LISA PAHL
PhotograPhy
I

and EVANGELINE EKBERG

. MIKE

KRIVIT

lustration. BRUCE KIEFFER

THE FAMILY HANDYMAN rr/]nY zoOO

23

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qordless{
on Steroids!
byTravis Larson
ordless tools have always had the seductive appeal of convenience, but they've also always played second fiddle to plug-in saws and drills in performance. They drill small holes and drive screws just fine, but when it comes to hearyduty jobs like sawing lumber and boring big holes, they just don't have the muscle and stamina. But that's changing. Recent developments in Li-ion (lithium-ion) battery technology make these batteries perform better than the NiCad (nickel cadmium) or NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries found in almost every power

c # ryl

Tools-

tt:',

tool today.

First and most important, an l8-volt Li-ion

battery-powered tool will drive nearly twice screws or make twice as many cuts as its 18-volt NiCad or NiMH counterpart. Second, they're lighter, meaning
as

many

24 vnv zooe rHE FAMTLv

HANDyMAN

This little 3.6-volt demon is no toy. lt can drive a 2-in. screw into solid wood without predrilling. Keep one in the iunk drawer for those jobs around the house.

less

arm fatigue when you work overhead or in awkward positions. Third, stored Liion batteries hold nearly a complete charge for up to a year if they're kept in a

cool area (not the trunk of your car).

That's twice as long as NiCads do.

It'll still

has sat unused for a month. That's great if you don't use your tools every day. Fourth, Li-ion batteries have no "charging memory." NiCads that are repeatedly recharged after only partial

perform even

if it

discharges

will

"remember" and only

An 18-volt Li-ion battery is more than a full pound lighter than its 18-volt NiGad half brother-nice for nasty overhead jobs like this one.

allow you to use part oftheir capacity. Liion batteries, however, don't care if you charge them for five minutes or park them in the charger all day. Nice when you just need to run in those last few screws and don't want to wait around for a whole charge cycle. And last, Li-ion batteries can handle more than twice as many charging cycles as conventional batteries before they degrade. That means the batteries won't need to be replaced as often. Li-ion powered tools aren't cheap. They cost about double the price of NiCads. But given the advantages, they may be worth bucking up for. The battery expense makes it far more economical to buy a kit containing several tools with two batteries than to buy the tools one by one-if you can stomach the $700-plus price tag for a kit with a circular saw, reciprocating saw, drill and impact driver. But if your old cordless tools still work fine, put it off for a while. The prices usually come down after
a few years.
Art Direction
Photography

r-1

. DAVID SIMPSON . RAMON MORENO

Li-ion tools can do the big work. Until now, heavy tasks like driving f-in. auger bits through joists, cutting dozens of studs to length and hacking through nail-infested framing were reserved for corded tools.
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

ttnv zooe 25

':!'

t.*'"'-]'
ome types of wood, like pine, cherry L-,, birch and maple, are notoriously diffito stain. A board that has a nice, attracgrain pattern can end up with dark, splotchy areas after you apply the stain. But there's a simple way you can prevent most stain blotches. ln this article, we'll show you how.

r.n

Dark splotches show up when stain pigments become lodged in areas of grain that are more open. Unfortunately, it's not easy to tell which boards this will affect. One test is to wipe

,' your board with

#A -*.@"

mineral spirits. Spots that are

prone to blotching show up darker. But the best test

is to apply stain to a sample of the wood you're using. lf the stain appears uneven or has unsightly dark areas, run the additional tests we show here to
determine the best staining process.

THE FAMILY HANDYMAN

vnv

zooo

27

i,,,:ir,f : :rlr,i',i:.],r

::

ii 1r

W#

RS

trS

ki

II

'

l ;*'. c-'o . ' . r:1"..f

,i.

RAW WOOD

Seal the wood before

'Y'ro4/

applyrng stain
Most stain manufacturers make prestain conditioners, but you'll get better results with the method we show here. We're using a wipe-on oil finish (ZAR Tung Oil Wipe-On Finish) as the sealer. The key is to apply a thin base coat to partially seal the wood before staining. Sanding sealers, dewaxed shellac and wipe-on finishes will all do the trick. Some types of stain perform better than others on blotchprone wood. In general, gel or heary-bodied stains (we're using ZAR Oil-Based Wood Stain) work best. Since these types of stain tend to have a high concentration of pigments, they also work better if you have to add several layers for a darker color (Step 2, p. 30). fust make sure the sealer and stain you're using are compatible. Using products from the same manufacturer is
the safest bet.

Divide a test board into three sections. Leave one section raw, wipe full-strength sealer on one section, and wipe halfstrength sealer on the third section. Let it dry for about an hour and sand lightly with 220-grit paper.

Photo I shows how to make a test board with different concentrations of sealer. The concept is simple. The percentage of solids in the sealer determines how completely the pores in the wood are sealed. If the wood was sealed completely, it would be difficult to get any stain to stick. Diluting the sealer with mineral spirits allows you to experiment with different degrees of sealing. When you apply the stain (Ptroto 2), you'll see the results. Then you can choose the dilution rate that delivers the best results for your project. Let the sealer dry for a few hours. Then sand the wood lightly with 220-grit paper before applying stain. An inexpensive turkey baster is a great tool for measuring small

amounts

of finish and mineral

a

spirits. Mark the baster with

Rub stain over all three sections with a rag. Wipe it off to leave an even layer. Decide which amount of sealer gives you the desired look.

permanent marker. lust draw out equal amounts of sealer and solvent to make a 50 percent solution. We used disposable plastic cups

End grain can look

great and complement the board's surface, but

as

it often ends up too

dark. The solution is simple, though. Use the same prestain

mixing

n'i+li.r

containers.

sealing method we show

here to seal the end grain.
You can also use this method on

woods like oak that dont require a prestain sealer. Just be carelul to sand ofl any sealer that gets on the lace of the
board belore you stain.

END GRAIN STAINED

WlTHOUT
SEALER

28 v,qv zooe rHE FAMILy

HANDvMAN

'H'-Fas*.sldlls

Apply several coats of stain to get the

desired shade
Start by making a test board with

your chosen sealer concentration. Then stain the entire board. Let it dry and add a second layer of stain to all but one section. Repeat this process

until you get to the

desired

color depth. However, applying multiple coats of stain isn't always the best way to achieve a deeper color. For one thing, iCll take a long time to finish the project. You have to wait for each layer of stain to completely dry before adding the next. Otherwise, the new coat will dissolve the previous coat and you'll have a real mess on your hands. In fact, some stains will dissolve the stain below even if it is dry. (That's why testing is critical for a nice finish.) Another problem with multiple coats is that the stain will begin to obscure the natural grain. One solution is to opt for a less concentrated sealer. You'll get a bit more blotchy appearance, but the grain will show up better-a fair compromise.

You want helpful information about how

to manage your condition wisely. Our free

program delivers it all to your door. Here's what you'll get:

. . .
.

Delicious healthy recipes

Easy{o-understand advice from experts

Helpful lifestyle tips Valuable savings

lf you take NEXIUM, take a moment

right now to sign up for the help and support you deserve.
To be part of our FREE program,

visit nexiumprogram.com or
call

1-866-430-3910, .
;ii?--?:

;ilri

Neii-inn.
(aomepradenngnsium)
AstraZeneca

3O vay zooo rHE FAMTLY

HANDYMAN

u+:;g15fuill5

NEX|Unil'

20-mg, 40-mg Deloyed-Releose Copsules

BRIIF SUIdMARY Bdile prescrib n0 NEXIUI!|, please see lull Prescr blng lnl0rmati0n. INDICATIONS AND USAGE NEXIUM is mdraled l0r the slrorl-lerm lrcalmenl (4 t0 8 weeks) in the lrealino and symplomalic resoluli0n 0f dia!noslca y c0nl rmed erosve m0phaqilis: the mainleandlorihelrealment0l !aslr c uher CONTRAINDICATIONS NEXtIJM 0it0 nbslluled benzimidailhs. PRTCAUTIONS Symptomatic response10 lherapywith NEX Ul,4 does nol predudeths presnm 0l oaslrc malionancy. Atr0ph cga$r ts has bmn rOted 0tras 0nally in gaslric corpus biopsles ir0m palenls trealsd l0no-lerm with omepraz0h 0l which NEXlllM h an enantioms. lnformotion for Polienti NEXIUI4 Delayed'Relms Capsules should be swallowed whole and laker al least one hour beior0 mmh For pal ents who have diflrculty swallowing
heanbum and 0lher symptoms associaled wilh GEHDi and 10r risk reducli0n 0l NSA D.a$0ciated s c0ntraindhated in palients wilh known hypersensl|vltyl0 any component 0l lhe lormu atr0f

l"ror"protole

mognesium)

nance0lsympt0mresoulonandhealino0lerosvesophaqitis(contr0ed$udiesd0nOtextendbeyond6m0nths)

mpslles, one labhsp0on 0l applesauce can

be added

l0 an empty bow md the NEXlUlvl 0elaysd-Rsleas Capsuh caf be opened and the pelhla mixlum
n d

carelullyemplied0nl0theapplffiuft.lhepelhlsshouldbsmixedwththeapphsuftandlhenswa 0wed mmediately.Theappltrau0eusdsh0uld

not be hol and should be soltenough 10 be swall0vfd wilholt chswin0. The pelhls shouid nol be chev/ed 0rcrushed The pe euappesame

$ould ml

be

slmd l0r
1

luture

lhe liver by CYP2C

I ild

CYP3A4.

us. Anlac ds may be used wh ]e laking NEX1lJL.4. Drug lnh.o(tions Es0mepril0le is exlensively melabolized /, vilro and i, ylyo slud es have shown lhal esomeprazoh s not liket l0 inhibit CYPS 1 A2 2A6. 2C9, 2 DO 2E1 tr

3A4. N0 clinically relevanl nteractions with druqs metabolized bylhess CYP enzymes would be expecied.orug interact0n slud es have shown that esomepraz0ie does n0t have any clinically significanl intemcti0ns wilh phsn!,10in, warlailn, qu n d re, clarithr0myc n 0r am0rhillin. P0st-market ng repons d changffi in pr0thr0mbin measures have been remived am0n0 patients 0n concomilanl wadarin and esomepraole llterapy. nmass n INR and pr0lhr0mbin lime may had t0 abn0rmal bleed n0 and even dealh. Palienls lrealed wlh prolon pump inhibitors and warlarin concom tanty may need 10 bs monit0red l0r increatrs in INR and prolhmmb n Ume. Esomepraz0h may polentially inlerfile wilh CYP2Clg llre major esomepraz0h metabolizing enzyme. Coadminlslrati0n 0l s0mepraz0le 30 m0 and diazepam, a CYP2Cl9 substrale, resulled n a 45'; dmreas in clearanft 0f diilepam. lnctrasd plasma levels 0l drazepam wile obserued l2 h0u6 aller dos n0 and onvrards. However at that lime, the plasma evels 0f diilepam were bel0wlhethflapeulic inlerua, and thus this interaction ls unlikely t0 be 0l ciinhal rcevance. C0administralion 0l 0ml c0nlraceplves,

diaepam, phsny't0in,0rquinidine

did n0t seem l0 chan0e tha plrarmac0kinetic prcl le 0l es0mepraz0le. Sludies evalualin0 c0nc0m lant adminislrali0n

0f N0mspruole and elher naproren (noftseeclive NSAID) 0r rolecoxib (C0X-2 sehclive NSA D) did mt denlity my clinhally rehvanl changm in lhe pharmac0kinelh prollies 0l es0meprazole 0r lhes NSA]Ds. Esomepftzoe lnhlbits 0mlrh acid scret0n. Thtrelore, ssomepmzoh may inlerfile wilh lhe abso.pti0n 01 dru0s where gaslric pH h an important detminant 0l bmw ability (eg, keloc0naz0le. r0r sats and

digoxrn).Corcinogenesis, Mutogenesis, lmpoirment

omeprazoe$udies. lnlwo24-month 0ralcarcrn0qenotysludies

of Fertility
n

The carcinooenic

polenla 0l
1

es0mepmz0h

was

mssed usn!

ols,omepiaoleatdailydss0l

7,3.4,13.8.44.0md

140.8 mq/kq/day (about

0.7 t0 57limslhe human d0sa 0120 mg/day expresed 0n a body sudaft areabasis) produced gaslrc ECL mll mrcin0ds in a doseielated manner

ln b0lh mah and lemale ratst the lncidence 0l lhis etfil1 was markedly hlgher n hma e rals, vrhich had hiohef bl00d evels 0l 0me0razo e. Gastr c carcinoids sld0m omur in the unlreated rat. ln add t 0n, ECL cell hyperplasia was present n all tmhd gr0ups 0l b01h sexes n 0ne 0l lhese sludies. iemah rats wers lrcaled wilh 1 3.8 mg 0mepruole/kq/day {ab0ut 5.6 I mes lhe human dose 0n a b0dy surlace area bas s) l0r 1 year then l0llovred 10r
an addil0fal year wilhoul lhe drug. N0 carcinoids wers

tren ln lhes rals An inreasd incidenft 0f treatmenl-relaled ECL mll hype0lasia was 0bsrved at the end 0l 1 year (94% treatsd vs 10% conlrols). By lh0 sec0nd year the diliilenft belween lreated and c0nlnl rals was mmh smaller (46%vs26%)bulslillsh0wedm0rehyprplasiainlhelreated0roup Gmlrhadenocarcinomawassen noneml(290).N0similarlumOrwasseen jy bul a linding invo vmg only one tum0r is inhrprel. A 78"week mouse mrcinooenicily $udy 0l 0mepruole d d nol show increased lumor 0ccurence. bul ths $udy was nol condusive. Esomepriloh was negative in lhe Ames mulalion lesl, n the i, yiyo ftl bone matr0w 0ell chr0m0s0me abflralion te$, and lhe l, yro m0use micr0nucleus lsst. EsomeDlazoe, however, was positive n the i, yllrc human ymph0cyte chnm0s0me aberrat0n lesl. omeprazoe was posilive in ths l, v/m human lymphocy'le chr0m0s0me abtrralion h$, the jn vlvo mous b0ne matrolv ce chr0m0s0me the lest.
in male 0r lemale lats llealed l0r 2 yeare. tor lhh slrain 0l ral n0 similar tum0r has bmn n0ted h stor ca

diiihult

abetrauon

and

i, vro

mouse micmnuchus lesl. The polenl

a eifmts 0l

es0msprazoh

0n ferlility and reproduct ve performance werc assessed us n0 0mepraz0 e

sludies. omepnz0le at ora

doss

up l0

38 mq/kg/day in rals (abOul 56 timN lhe human dOs 0n a body surlam area basis) was l0und t0 have n0

etlecl 0n rcproducUve pedormance 0l pareflal af mas. Pregnqncy lent}genic Effecg. Pregnancy .;aleglry BIenlol0gy studfs have been perl0med in rats al oral d0ses up10 280 mg/ko/day (ab0ut5i llnresthi human dose 0n a body suda0e area bass) and in rabbils atora doses up t0 86 mg/kg/day (about35tims the human dose 0n a b0dysudace area basrs) and have revealed n0 ev dence 0l impaired ierlility 0r harm t0 lhe fetus
due t0 es0meprazo e. Thsre

ile,

however n0 adequale and wellconlro led sludiss in preonant wOmen. Because an ma repr0ducli0n
be used during preonancyonly

slud es are not

always prediclive0lhuman ruspontr,thisdrugshould in rals al oral d0str up t0 138 mq/kq/day (aboul 56 (about 56

lclmdyneeded.Teratologyslud esconductsdwth omepril0h

Finish your test board to get the tme effect

Treating your test board just like the finished project will give you

lims

the human

dos

0n a body sudace area bas s) and n nbbils at doses up l0 69 mg/kg/day

timtr

the human dose 0n a b0dy surlace area bas s) did not d sclose any evidenm l0r a terat0genlc potenual 0l

omepril0h. n

rabb ts,

6.9 t0 69.1 mo/kg/day (aboul 5.5 l0 56 times the human dose 0n a bOdy surlace area bass) produftd d0tr{elaled increases n embryoielhalily, ital rcs0rpliofs, and preonancy disrupUons ln nts, dos{elated embry0/f0lal loxicily and p0$natai developmenlal loxicity were 0bsiled in 0tlspr ng resulting fr0m parnls lrcaled wilh omeprazo e at 13.8 t0 138 0 m0/ko/day (aboul 5.6 t0 56 tlmes the human doses
a dose

omspraoh in

nfge 0l

0n a b0dy surla0s

ilea

conotr

abn0rmaliths

basis). Thile are n0 adequate and wellc0nlrolled slud es m preonant mculin0 in inlanls b0rnt0womenwho have receved omeprazoie durlng

v/omen. Sp0radic rep0rls ltave been receved 0l pregnancy.

Nursing MothersTheexcret0n

0l

esomepraz0ein

milk hasnotbenslud ed. However,0meprazoecofftntmli0ns

havebmn measured in breastmilk 0lawoman foll0v/ino ota adm

ft

somepruole is likely t0 be excreted in human m k, because 0i lhe polential l0r sr ous advils react 0ns in nu8n0 nlants lrom esomeprazo e, and because 0l lhe potential l0r tumorigil c ly shown l0 r omeprazo e in rat carc n0oenhity stud es a dec s 0n sh0u h b, madewhelhert0 discontinue nursing 0r l0 d scottinuelhe drug, laking inlo acc0unlthe imp0dan0e 0ilhe druo l0 the molher Pediohi. Use Salety and ettectivenms in pedialic palienls have nol been establislred. Griohic Use 0l lhe tota number 0l palents lvho received NEXlljl\4 in clinrcal
1459 were 65 l0 74 years 0l aoe and 354 palients wtre 275 ysars 0J aoe. N0 Ovemll d llerences in salety and

6llal 0n 0l 20 mg.

Btres

tiah,

elltcily

lverc 0bseryed belveen

the elddyandyoungtrind

vduas, and 01htri8p0rted dinical ilpilhnce has n0l denliled dillerences n responsffi bellvftnlhe eldilly andyoungtr palhnh,butgrcalersnsilivily0ls0meolderindividuahcannotberuhd0ul.ADVERSEREACT|ONSTheMhly0lNEXllJlfllvasevalualed novr

1 5,000 palients (aqed 1 8-84 yeaa) in clin[al lriah worldwide nc ud ng 0v* 8,500 palients in the United States and ovtr 6 500 patrents in Eumpe and Canada.over2,900palientsweretrealedinono-lermsludiesl0rupl06-12m0nths.ln0enera NFXUl,,lwaswellohraledinbolhsh0d-andlonq. lelm clinical triah Ths safsty in lhe treatmenl 0f healin! 0i erosive m0phagilh wm assessed in l0ur rand0m zed com0anttve c n ca lriah. vhich inc uded 1.240 patients 0n NEX]Ul,'l 20 mg, 2,434 paltrls 0n NEXIU[4 40 mg, md 3 008 palients 0n omeprazoh 20 m! daily. The most lrequeniy occuffn0adveGesvtrls(>1%)ina lhresoloupswasheadaclre(5.5 5.0.and3.8,respmlilely)anddailhea(n0dtlerenceam0nqthelhree 0roups). Nausea, flatuhnce, abd0m nal pain, conslipali0n, and dry m0ulh occurcd at sim ar mles among palhnts laking NEXlul!4 0r omeprazole.

a true representation of the final color and depth of the finish. Make sure you sand the test board with the same grit as you intend to use on your project. After you arrive at the desired degree of sealing and number of stain coats, apply the final clear finish to see how it looks (photo above). This is also a good time to test the effect of diffelent sheens. Most finishes are available in sheens ranging from almost flat to high gloss. You'll be sutprised at how much richer the stain looks after a coat of finish. if
Photoqraphy

MIKE KRIVIT

AddlUoral advBe evmls that were rep0ned as possibly 0r probably related t0 NEXlllM wilh an incidenft <1 % arc Ihted be 0w by body sy$em:

E\dyasaWh\le:abdlnerenlarged,allerghreaction,asthenia,backpain,chtrtpan,chestpainsubstemal facaledema peiphtraledema hot llushm, laligue, leve( llr ke d sorde( oenera ized edsma, leo edema malahs, pa n. rlg0re Crdiolrscrlar llush n0. hypedensi0n lachycard a:
[e0uarty.c0nstipationaogravaled,dyspepsia,dyspha!ia.dyspas6Gt.epoastrcpain.fluctat0n. s0phageal dis0lder, lrequent sto0ls, !aslroenlerlUs, Gl hem0fthaqe, Gl symploms n0l 0lherwhe sptrilnd, hiccup melena, m0ullr d s0rder, plrarynx disorder rectal dh0rdtr, srum qaslrin inileasd. tonoffi dsorder t0ngue edema uceralve slomalls. vomln!: terlrgi earache. lnntus; Henalol\gic: anenia, anena hypochromic, cervical lymph0adenopalhy. ep staxh hukocy,t0ss, leuk0pil a. thr0mb0c!,10penia, trlrrcj bilirubinemia,hepaticlunctionabn0rma,SG0lincreased,SGPTiMeasetMetahllic/llultili1n l0yc0sura,hyperurcema hyponalrcma.increased alkaline ph0sphatas, thi6l, vilamin 812 deiiciency, weighl increatr, weighl decreilet [tuscuiosleielriiarthra a, adhrits agoravated, arthr0pathy
0

End\cine:gole\ daslroirlssrrrlb0wel

Seal pine before staining

Dark stains on pine can look horrible. In addition to blotchiness, the softer areas between the grain lines soak up stain like a sponge, creating an unnatural look. The photo below shows the dramatic difference between the raw and sealed areas of pine using the same stain color. Experiment with sealing the

deprcssi0n a00ravated, diainess, hypen0nia mrvousness,

d

lleillus Syslen/Psychiafici an0rexa apathy, appelile ncreased c0nlus 0n hyp0esthesa, mpolence. ins0mnia. mi0raine. miqnme a!0ravated. pareslhesa sleep sua I e d delecl, Repnduclive: dysmen0rhea, men$rual disorder vagin t s: frspffilrry; ffilhma a0! ra, valed. c0uqhing, dyspnea, arynx edema, pharyngith, ilinilh, sinusitis; Sti, ,rd ,pperdrgrs; mne, ang oedema, dermat t s pru rilus. p ru r1lus ani
iibromyalo a syndr0me, hem a. polymyag a fteumalica,

ramps,

isorder

som n0lence

trem0( veit g0

rash, rash ery'lhemalous, rash macu opapu ar, skin inllammation, il/ealm! inmasd, urlcara; SpetialSrrsrtj 0lilis medta, pil0smia, lasle l0$, laste perumi0n; U\genilal:ahrcmal[ine,albuminuria, cyslls. dysuia, fungal niection hematuia, micluril0n lrequency. m0nilass. lenla monl asis, p0lyuria; yisurl c0niunctvts vhion abnorma End0scopic jindinos that were reD0rled as advene evenls ncude duodenils. esophagitis, ffiophageal slrcture, tr0phaoeal uhilati0n, esophaleal varcs gaslrh uher gastrts, hilnn, bmior p0yps 0r nOduhs.8atreti\ esophagus, and mucosa disc0lomli0n. Two p acebo-c0ntro ed stud es were c0nducled n 71 0 patienls l0r the lreatment 0l symplomal c oastrofr s0phagml reflur d seas. The most common adveree evenls lhal wtre reporled as pO$ibly 0r pr0baby reiated t0 NEXILJI\rl lvile diatrlrea (4 39!). headilhe (3.8%), md abdominal pain (3.8%). Poslmarkelin! Repons -Thfls have bftn sp0nlane0us reports 0l advfltr everts wilh po$markeung us 0i ffi0meprazo e. These rep0lts have nc uded rare cases 0l anaphylaclh macli0n and mya gra severe dtrmalOlO! c reacl 0m nc ud n0 toxh epidilmal necrolysis (TEN, s0me latal) ShvensJohnson syndnme, and rythema mu ttorme and panilmtith. Rarely hepatitN witlr 0r withoul iaundhe has besn reporled.0theradvene evenls nol0bseryed body surfme area basis), was lslhal l0 rals. The major with NEX ljL,,l, butoccuft n0 wth 0me0razo e can be f0und in the 0mepmzoh paokaqe

dose0isomepraz0eal5l0mo/kq(ab0utl03lmeslhehumandos0na s0m 0f muts toxcity wtre reduftd m0l0r activity changs in mspfatory lrequency. trem0r alaxia, and ntermittenl cl0nic convulsions. There have btrn s0me rep0rls 0i ovildosage tvilh s0meprazole. Reporls have btrn remived 01 ovrdosage wlh omeprazole n humans. Doses anged up l0 2,400 mg (120 lims lhe usua recOmmended dnca dotr). ManlestatiOns wfle val able. but included c0flusi0n dr0wsinss, b ufled vhi0n, lachycardia, nausea. d aph0res s, llushing, headache dry m0ulh. and 0tl]er advfls Ieacli0ns sjmilar l0 lhos seen n nomd clinhal experence 6e0 omeprazols Fckaoe mert'ADvtflSi BIACTI0l{S). N0 speclc anlidols l0r es0meplazo e is known. Since esomepmzoh h exlens vely pr0leln b0und it h nOt expected l0 be remowd by d alys6. ln lhe evenl 0l overd0Mge lrealmcnl shou d be symplomath and supporlive. As with the manaoemenl 0i anv owrd0tr, the p0ss b ty 0l mu t p e druo noesl 0n shou d be consdered. F0r cutrent itlormati0n 0n lrealmenl 01 any drug 0vtrdose. a ftniled Regi0nal P0 s0n Contro Cenlsr should be c0ntilted Teephone numbers are listed in lhe Physhians' Desk Relerence (PDR) 0r loca tehphone b00k DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRAIION Please se lu
Prescr bing lnl0rmal0n l0rruc0mmended adult dosages and d0sa0eadjuslmentsf0rS0ecjal P0pulali0ns f0r NEx UiV

insrt,AI}VERSEREACTl0ilSsmti0n.OVERDOSAGEAsinohOra

wood on your next pine

project. You'll be amazed at the results.

NEXIUIll andthe c0l0r purpleas appred l0the capsule are reo sterud lrademarks 0l the Aslrazeneca gr0up 0l comoan OAslrazeneca 2005. All righls ruserved.
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19850

231200

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l-oads of storage spaee and a lot of llght

Cabinets designed for optimum storage can't do their lob without optimum light. Spectacular windows bring in loads of daylight, while three rows of unobtrusive recessed fixtures work the late shift. The recessed lights directly over the sink contain spotlights and provide focused, shadow-free illumination for food prep and cleanup. The other two rows are centered over the "lraflic patterns" and contain floodlights for general illumination of the floor and upper cabinets. Pendant lights over the island hang low enough to illuminate the countertop and cooktop, but high enough to avoid shining directly into anyone's eyes.

34 vav zooo rHE FAMTLY

HANDYMAN

nized
Designed to make every inch count
by Spike Carlsen
he kitchen always has been, and always will be, the heart of the home. It's where family members cook, do homework, host dinner parties and go over the highlights ofthe day. The only thing better than a kitchen that can accommodate all these activities is a kitchen that

can accommodate them in a well-organized manner-and be attractive to boot. This kitchen succeeds.

Bye-bye, living room

The homeowners wanted a larger kitchen, a larger dining room, a butler's pantry and a dedicated "communication hub"-all without adding on. Something had to give. For this busy Upper Midwest family, the thing that "gave" was the formal living room; in fact, it was eliminated (illustrations, p. 36). "They gave up a room they underused and gained space they'll use every
day," explains designer Pat Undlin. "The new spaces better

fit the way they live

and entertain."

*'^--T
The under-counter wine chiller and refrigerator keep beverages close

to the dining room for easy

access during dinner parties.

,i
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FAMTLY

HANDYMAN runv zooo

35

Storage & Other Amenities

Warming drawers, directly across from the cooktop and kitty-corner to the ovens, are a near-necessity when you're hosting large dinner parties. Shallow drawers directly beneath the cooktop store spatulas, tongs and other cooking utensils in the area where they're used. Deeper drawers below keep pots and pans neatly stored and easily accessible.
r

Double-decker drawers with sliding trays store two layers of knives, utilizing valuable drawer "dead air" space.

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A corner appliance cabinet hides coffeemakers, toasters and other small appliances while making efficient use of often-wasted corner space.

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The above-refrigerator cabinet contains vertical partitions for storing trays, flat pans and

cutting boards.

A media cabinet holds a TV a DVD player and DVDs. Flipper doors swing open, then glide back into the sides of the cabinet to provide an unobstructed view.

36 vnv zooo rHE FAMTLY

HANDYMAN

Do it right the first time

It's impossible to predict what computer and communication equipment will be like in a few years. lf you want to be wired for anything, install a distribution box in an out-of-the-way location and run conduit to it so you can swap out wiring and make connections later on as necessary. At a minimum, have your contractor install CAT-5e cable for your phone lines and RG-6 coaxial wire for your cable; they should take care of most

The well-planned oommuniGation hub

future needs.

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A had-working island
The cabinet island houses a cooktop, pan storage and snack bar area. To make the snack bar area look more table-like, the space below the bar was left wide open and massive natural wood posts were used for the legs.

Without adding a square inch of space, the design team fiom Pappas Inc. were able to accommodate the family's love of cooking and entertaining. Reconfiguring the existing space involved: 1. Narrowing the existing living room space and converting it into a spacious formal dining room.
2. Extending the

Design it right

A zillion questions equalsthe best kitcfren

Before the designers

kitchen into the old dining room area.

3.

Adding a butler's pantry and communication hub to space "stolen" from the old living room.

from Pappas lnc. break out the drawing board, they sit down with the
clients and go through
a six-page question-

Maximum storage
Behind the simple white doors are hard-working cabinets, each designed for maximum storage, efficiency and utility. Base cabinets with rollout trash and recycling receptacles are positioned next to the sink. The cabinet with the butcher block top at the end of the island has drawers with sliding plastic tops to store snacks and to keep bakery goods fresh. Full-extensior.r glides were used for all the drawers and rollouts to provide complete access to
storage spaces. This high-energy, high-tech family also needed a communication hub near the kitchen for holding computers, charging cell phones and leaving messages. Filing drawers disguised as cabinets, a builtin desk and plenty of counter space for homework are all within whispering distance of the kitchen.

';Eviry

ttz in.

edge of the wall cabinets. A valancC"biiilt'fitd _the cabinets helps !id.g lhe . _.. .:

are,positienei ato.ng the back

strips-and the undercabinet lighting-from view,. and wtrereveiith6/re usea.

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naire. Are they rightor left-handed? Do they buy in bulk? Are there special physical or sight considerations? Finding out more about the clients down to where -right they like to store the dog food-helps create a more efficient, user-

friendly (and userlovedl kitchen.

the'6lose spacing provides power for small appliancee .'

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Disappearing pocket doors

To help separate the butler's pantry and

communication hub from the adjacent spaces without taking up valuable floor space, pocket doors were used.

erator for keepir.rg beverages close at hand and a small sink. The dishwasher serves as a backup during large dinner parties. Glass-front r.rpper cabinets provide a convenient to store dinnerware while helping give the loom an oper.r feel. Pocket doors on both ends of the pantry close offthe after-dirtner ntess and help control "helpful" guests who want to pitch in. fj
place
Art Dlrectrof
Photography

The role of the butler may be long gone, but that

A special sterling silver drawer in the butler's pantry has a lining and flap
made of Pacific

of the butler's pantry remains alive and well. The pantry provides a space for staging dishes and
makir.rg final food preparations close to, but not in,

. SARA KOEHLER . BILL ZUEHLKE

.
JOHN HARTMAN

Plans ilustrat on Styl st

the dining room.

It contains

r.rearly

20 sq. ft. of

counter space, a wine chiller, under-counter refrig-

RENEE McDANIELS Kltchen Des gn . PAPPAS CUSTOM KITCHEN AND BATH DEStcN Geoeral C0ntractor . FEY'S CONSTRUCTION

Silvercloth, a feltlike material that helps inhibit tarnish and corrosion. The drawers are deep
enough to accommodate serving and

Product Showcase
Countertops: Silestone No.
Tebas Black, Kitchen appliances: Dishwasher, Bosch SHY56A05UC stainless steel. Ref rigerator, KitchenAid KBFA20ER French door with bottom drawer freezer. Wall oven, KitchenAid KEMC30TKSS com bination microwave upper, electric convection lower. Under-cabinet oven, KitchenAid KEBCl0lKSS electric oven. Cooktop, Dacor PGM3655, gas. Warming drawer, KitchenAid KEWD105HSS, 30 in. Butler's pantry appliances: Under-counter ref rigerator, KitchenAid
KBCAO6XPBS.
1211,

Pantry sink and > faucet: Elkay

ELUH1316, undercounter stainless steel sink with Price Pfister No. 532-70SS

eating utensils, as

well as small pieces

like creamers and condiment trays.

Marielle pull-out
faucet.

A Backsplash: White 3 x 6-in tile with beveled edges and

TEC No. 949 Silverado grout.

Farm-style stainless steel

sink and faucet: Kindred

KCFS364/10 sink (exposed apron) with Price Pfister No. 532-70SS Marielle pull-out

Wine storage, KitchenAid KUWA244PBS.

Dishwasher, Bosch SHUY56A05UC stainless steel.

faucet.

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42 nanv:ooa rHE FAMTLY

HANDYMAN

screen parch

Sott the ledger to the house. Then nail the perimeter joists together and level and square the assembly. Measure, cut and set the 6x6 posts.

tl I

Cut the ioists to length and nail them into place slide joist hangers onto the end of each joist and nail the hangers

&- with a pair of nails at each end. Then

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a big project, one that might consume most of your spare time this summer. So, we're keeping this porch design simple. You can build it with standard dimensional lumber, and it doesn't require heavy beams or complex joints. The simple 2x4 walls are light and airy looking. TWo horizontal bands of 2x4s, set l0 in. from the top and bottom of the wall, add a design element and stiffen the 2x4 framing enough to support the hand-built trusses. With this design, there's no need to precisely align the overhangs. And the exposed rafters and open soffit look great on many house styles. The total cost of this porch was $6,500, but you could save hundreds of dollars without sacrificing quality by substituting treated decking for the cedar or using tongue-and-groove pine rather than cedar on the ceiling. Even though it's a large project, most of the construction is straightforward. If you've built decks or sheds, you'll be able to tackle this job with confidence. In this article, we'll show you the key steps for building this porch. Study the drawings and photos for more details. You'll need a full set of basic carpentry tools, a circular saw and a drill to build this porch. In addition, a reciprocating saw, a table saw and a power miter box will make the job go quicker and give you better results. To reach high places safely and easily, we recommend renting a

A screen porch is a big improvement, but it's also

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Vtate a mark 1-5/8 in. out from the deck on both Q cJ sides. Then make cut a 5-1l8-in. slot through the siding but not the sheathing.

another mark 5-118 in. inside the

first mark. Draw plumb lines up from these marks and

two-story houses, you won't have to worry about tying in to the roof, but you may have to situate the porch carefully to avoid covering a window. The house roof sloped 5 in. per foot (this is called a 5/12 slope) and extended l8 in. at the overhang. Your roof may vary from this, and
the details of how the porch ties in will vary as well.

rolling scaffold system (Ptroto 8) for

month.

If you're not sure how to neatly join the porch and house roofs, we recommend hiring an architect to help work out the details. Another option is to build a full-size
mockup of a roof truss out of inexpensive and lightweight lx4s. Figure out where the top of the wall plate would be if you built the porch according to our plans (Figures A - H). Then support the mocked-up truss at
this height to
see

Plan ahead to avoid construction headadres

You can add this porch to almost any house, but attachment details may vary from what we show here. On most

If you don't like the way the

how the porch overhang meets the roof. overhangs intersect, adjust

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Figure A Porch plan

NO.15 BUILDING PAPER 2x6 T&G ROOF BOARDS

GABLE END RAFTERS

ROOF TIE-IN

HAND-BUILT TRUSS

2x8 TRUSS BLOCK

6xO

TREATED POST SCREEN

,'.r
Figure
Deck
B
ll

framing plan
'\i1.,

Figure D Ledger

DECK FLASHING
1/2" x 4" LAG SCREW
2x1

0 TFIEATED

Figure C Gable end frame

IRUSS

JOIST HANGER

Figure E Truss block

2x2 SCREEN COVER

6xO .60 TREATED POSTS

5-112"

x3"

DECORATIVE BLOCK

2x4 WALL FBAME

t10'

- 3' 2-318', -

BETWEEI. STUDS) 10"

Figure F Side wall

Figure G End wall

Figure H Side wall

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

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45

sc3-*e3? p#rtr&?

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Vtart the roof portion that overhangs the deck. ffi S"r"* two sheets of plywood to the deck and mark Then cut the roof sheathing back even to the edge eJ ttre truss shape on them (Figure Jl. Screw stop of the house and pry it off. Cut the rafter tails off flush blocks along the rafter lines and crosstie line. Assemble with the house wall. the trusses.

the level of the deck slightly, alter the wall height or ity of the porch. Your local building department will change the width ofthe overhang. specifr how large and deep the footings should be for Contact your local building inspections department to your climate and soil conditions. Pour a concrete pad in find out what's required to obtain a building permit. the bottom of each footing hole after they've been Start this process at least a month before you plan to inspected. Let the concrete set overnight. build. This will allow enough time to work through Next choose the six straightest 2x10s for the perimeter potential problems. beams. Cut the 2x10s for the two side beams to length

Build the deck square and level

Start by marking the ledger board location on the house wall. We located the top of the ledger board 90 in. below the bottom of the soffit. On our house, this left a 6-in.

and nail the pairs together. Use 16d stainless steel or dou-

step down from the patio door

to the deck

surface.

Remove the siding and attach the ledger with 1/2 x 4-in. galvanized lag screws (Figure D). Make sure it's perfectiy level. Ifthe ledger attaches to concrete, predrill holes and insert lead shield lag screw anchors before installing the lags. After you mount the ledger, use stakes and string

ble-dipped galvanized nails for all of the joist framing and to attach the joist hangers to the ledger board. Rest one end of each side beam in the double joist hangers and prop them up level with a stack of wood (enoto r). Nail through the joist hangers into the beams at the house to hold them in place. Then connect the opposite ends of the two beams at the front with a 2x10 cut to the
same length as the ledger. Adjust the resulting frame until the diagonal measurements are equal. Then brace the

lines to outline the deck frame according to the dimensions in Figure B and mark the footing locations. A few days before you plan to dig the footings, call (888-2580808) to have underground utilities marked in the vicin-

frame against stakes pounded into the ground to hold it square while you install the treated posts, joists and decking (enoto z). Sight along the outside rim joist occasionally and adjust the length ofthe joists as needed to keep the front rim joist straight.

Figure J Truss details

2x6 CROSSTIE

2x8 SPACER

2x8 RAFTER

Cut away the overhang and siding to make way for the porcl'r
If your house has

'l/2" x5-112" CARRIAGE BOLTS

an overhang, you'll have to cut it back flush to allow the innermost truss to fit against the wall. Start by removing the soffit and fascia boards above and several feet to each side of the deck. It's easier to remove extra soffit and fascia boards and patch them back after 22,6'ANGLE the porch is dor.re than to calculate cutoff points now. After the soffit boards are removed, use a level to a'z-tr,z"plumb up from the house wall to the underside of the \J ,oof boards, in line with the outside edges of the porch. Mark the two points. Then drive a long screw or nail up through the roof boards at the two marks. Snap a chalk

48 vny zooo rHE FAMtLy

HANDvMAN

the wall parts according to the plan and screw them together.
Use the crosspieces as spacers to position the posts. Screw the crosspieces between the posts. Use a spacer block to ensure perfect alignment (insetl.

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THE ONLY HARD PART

OF OWNING A BOAT IS RETURNING TO IAND.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Gelling into o boal is more offordoble than you might

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$10,000.

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Stand the walls and screw the wall corners together. Align the walls flush to the deck and screw them down. Finally plumb and brace the walls.

sa you con take odvanlage

of monthly poymenfs,

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?

A boot is lhe ultimote getaway

vehicle. Whether you hove fwo
hours or there's

on entire weekend,

no beffer place lo spend

your time. WHERE CAN

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line between the nails and remove the shingles below and about 6 in. above the line. Chalk a new line and remove nails
along the line. Then saw along the line and pry off the roof boards (enoto +). Be sure to wear safety glasses and hear-

Waterproof the slot with No. l5 building paper.

Most people live within on hour

of accessible woler. So you con slay close to home ar heod oul

and explore new ploces.

Prime and paint the pans ahead of time

Prime and paint the truss parts, wall
frame and screen stops before assembly. Prime the wood with a special stainblocking primer such as Zinsser's oilbased Cover-Stain. Then brush on a coat of acrylic exterior house paint. Make sure to prime every cut end as you work; otherwise these areas will absorb moisture and cause staining. We prefinished the roof boards with an oil finish (Cabot Clear Solution Natural).
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gives you full occess to the world's lorgest onusement park.

ing protection when you're sawing.

Finally, cut off the rafter tails flush to the house wall.

IT'S EASY TO GET STARTED.

You'll have to decide whether to cut a slot where the porch walls meet the siding (enoto 3). If your siding is stucco, brick or stone, you may want to butt the walls to the siding. Photo 3 shows how

vrsrT DrscovERBoATrNG.fQ&r
FOR YOUR FREE DVD

to cut a slot for the wall.

Set the saw blade just deep enough to cut through

BOATIIIE"

the siding only. Remove the siding.

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s{reen pOrch

Stana a truss against the house. Plumb and brace it. Set the outside truss and screw a 1x4 brace to it. Then stand and brace the remaining trusses. Toe-screw all of the trusses to the top wall plate.
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Stretch a mason's line across the peak of the trusses to position the roof tie-in framing. Use 3/4-in.-thick spacer blocks to raise the line to the correct tie-in framing height.

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Cut 2x8 plates and nail them to the roof.

ffi4# Measure for the ridge. Cut the ridge and a pair of

rafters and nail them to the plates. The framing should be exactly 3/4 in. above the top of the trusses.

{ eevel the first roof board and nail it flush to the t f; end of the trusses. Nail the remaining tongueand-groove roof boards to the trusses. Cut the last board on each side to fit at the peak.

Construct a jig to assemble the roof trusses

It's easiest to assemble the roof trusses first, using the
deck platform as a work surface. Screw two sheets ofplywood to the decking and use the dimensions in Figure J

each truss by screwing another pair of rafters on top. Check the ends and tops of the rafters as you assemble the trusses to make sure they're perfectly aligned. The trusses must be identical so that your roof boards and soffit trim will line up. Finally, elevate the truss on blocks of wood while you drill a pair of 112-in. holes into each end of the crosstie for the carriage bolts (rigure J). Run the ll2 x 5-Il2-in. carriage bolts through the rafters and crosstie ends and tighten the nuts.

to chalk lines indicating the top of the rafters and the bottom of the 2x6 crosstie. Cut triangular blocks and screw them to the plyr,rrood to hold the rafters in align-

ment as you assemble the trusses (Photo 5). Cut a rafter using the dimensions in Fisure J and use n r "r o1,-,^.T Frame thg walls accurately to mark the remaining rafters. Place a pair of rafters rn the jig and screw the rops togerher. Next screw the 2x6 fOf SmOOth aSSembly crosstie and 2x8 spacer to the pair of rafters. Keep the Since the wall framing for this porch is the finished surci'osstie screws clear of the bolt hole locations. Complete face, it's worth taking a little extra time to make the fram52 vnv zooo

BACKING

Cover the tie-in framing with 3/4-in. plywood. Add blocking as needed and fill in the triangular areas between the existing roof and the new roof.

+p K#*

Aanere ice-and-water barrier along the eaves and up the valleys. Then nail metal valley flashing overtop. Add No. 15 building paper, then shingles. ing material look good. We chose the nicest cedar 2x6s we could find and ripped them into 3-ll2-in. and l-Il2-in. boards. We did this to create sharp, clean edges (we also ripped off all the factory rounded edges). Cut the studs and crosspieces to length and screw the walls together (ehoto 6 and Figures F - H). We used a power miter saw for clean, square cuts, but a circular saw will work too. Use a crosspiece as a spacer when you're attaching the studs to the top and bottom plates (photo 6). Then cut a l0-in. spacer block to position the crosspieces

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for assembly (ehoto 6, inset).

Plumb and brace the walls

The key to standing the walls is to check and doublecheck along the way to make sure they're straight along their top and bottom plates, perfectly plumb and square, and securely braced (enoto z). Start by positioning the walls with their outside edge flush to the deck and screwing them down. Next screw the corners together, making sure the top plates of adjacent walls are even with each other. Use a long level to plumb the walls while you attach diagonal braces

}4 ru"it a 2x10 trim board over the outside joist, * *'Y i 1-1 12 in. below the top surface of the deck. Cut
to width and bevel the top on a table saw. Miter the ends and nail the sill to the top of the 2x10 trim board.
a 2x4 sill piece

Figure K Corner details

1/2" PLYWOOD SPACER

to hold them in position (photo z).

braces

Leave the

in place until after the roofing is complete. Round up a couple of strong helpers to assist in

2x4 WALL FBAME

2x6 MITERED CORNER BOARD 2XlOTRIM BOARD

1/2" PLYWOOD SPACEF

setting the trusses. Start by marking the position of the trusses on the top plate and onto a l6-ft. lx4 (you'll use the 1x4 to brace and position the tops ofthe trusses as you stand them up). The first truss simply butts to the house wall. The outermost truss aligns with the edge of the top plate, and the three interior trusses are centered on the studs below. Set the first truss against the house and carefully center it so that l-112 in. of the bottom 2x6 overhangs the top wall plates on each side. Screw the truss to the top plates. Then use a

l/8" x 1/8" GROOVE

54

n,lav zooe rHE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

Patienl lnlormation

LEVITRA@ lrun-vee-rrarrl
straightedge and level to stand the truss perfectly plumb and brace it to the roof

(vardenafil HCI) Tablets

7/05

089186461P,

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.

(enoto 8). Make sure this brace is securely screwed to the roof and the
truss because the remaining trusses will be supported by this truss until the roof tie-in framing is complete. trusses onto the top of the walls and rest them on the first truss. Slowly and carefully slide the

Read rhe Palient lnlormation about LEVITRA betore you start takin0 it and again each lrme y0u gel a refill. Tlere may be new rnlormation. You may also find it helplul l0 share this informati0n with your partner. This leaflet does not take the place ol talking with your doctor. You and your docior should talk about LEVITRA when you starttaking it and at regular checkups. lf you do not understand the information, or have questions, talk with your doctor 0r pharmacisl.

ritonavir (Noruip) 0r indinavir sulfate (Crixlvan@) ketoconaole 0r itrac0naole (such as Nizoral@ 0r Sporanof) erythromycin other medicines 0r treatments for ED

HOW SHOUTO YOU

IAIG

TEVITRA?

WHAT IMP()RTANT INFORMATIOT.I SHOULD YOU KNOW

LEVITRA?

ABOUT

Lift the remaining

LEVITM can causs your bl00d !resure l0 drop suddenly l0 an unsale level il il is taken with cedain otier medicines. With a sudden drop in bl0od pressure, you could getdizy, faint, or havea heartattack 0rstroke.

. tale

0o

not lake LEIIITRA

ilyou:

any medicines called "nitnles." use recrcational druqs called "p0ppeR" like amyl nitrate and butyl

nilnle.
(See "Who Should Not Take LEVITRA?)

outermost truss to the outside end of the porch. Align the marks on the 1x4

with the truss at the house and the outermost truss and screw it to the trusses.
Center the outermost truss on the walls and toe-screw it to the top plate of the walls. Stretch a string line between nails at the peak of the two trusses. Align the remair.ring trusses with the string line

Tell all y0ur h8allhcare provide6 lhal y0u lake LEVITRA, lf you need emergency medical care l0ra hearl problem. it wll be important lor your healthcare providert0 know when you last t00k LEVITBA.
WHAT IS TEVITRA? LEVITRA is a prescription medicine taken by mouth forthetreatment 0f erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, 0r when he cannot keep an erection. A man who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his doclor f0r help if the condition bothers him. LEVITRA may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

Take LEVITRA exactly as your doctor prescribes. LEVITRA comes in ditlerent doses (2.5 mg,5 m0,10 m0, and 20 mg). Formost men, the recommended starting dose is 10 m0. Take LEVITRA n0 m0re lhan once a day. Doses should betaken at least 24 hoursapart. Some men ffin only take a low dose of LEVITM because 0l medical conditions 0r medicines they take. Your doctorwill prescribe the dose that is right foryou. It you are older than 65 or have liver pr0blems. your doctor may start you on a lower dose ot LEVITRA. ll you have prostate problems or high blood pressure, for which you take medicines called alpha-bl0cke6. your doctor may start you 0n a lower dose of LEVITRA. ll you ar taking certain other medicines your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose and limityou t0 one dose 0l LEVITRA in a 72-h0ur (3 days) period. Take 1 LEVITRA tablet about t hour (60 minutes) belore sexual activity. Some form 01 sexual slimulation is needed foran erection to happen with LEVITRA. LEVITRA may be taken with 0r without m8als. Do not change your dose ol LEVITRA without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may loweryour dose or raise your dose, depending on how your body reacts to LEVITRA. lf you take too much LEVITRA, call your doctor or emergency room right away.

. . .

LEVITBA does nol:

. .

cure

ED

increase a man's sexual desire

and the marks on the lx4 and top

plates and screw them in.

protecta man 0r his partnertrom sexuallytransmitted diseases, including HlV. Speak t0 your doctor about ways t0 guard against sexually transmitted diseases. . serye as a male lorm 0f birth conlrol LEVITBA is 0nlyfor men with ED. LEVITRA is nottorwomen orchildren. LEVITRA must be used 0nly under a doct0fs care.
HOW OOES LEVITRA WORK?

Line up the tie-in

framing with the porch for a seamless blend

One of the trickiest parts of the porch construction is joining the two roofs. The key is to extend lines from the new porch and mark where they intersect

When a man is sexually stimulated, his body's normal physical respons8 is to increasB bl00d 1l0w t0 his penis. This results in an erBction. LEVITRA helps increase bl00d,low t0the penis and may help men with ED getand keep an erection satisiactory forsBxual activity. once a man has completed sexual activity, blood llowt0 his penis decreases, and his erection goes away.
WHO CAI.I TAKE I.EVITBA? Talk to your d0ct0r to decide if LEVITRA is right

WHAI ARE THE POSSIELE SIDE EFFECTS OF LAIITRA? The most common side etfects with LEVITRA are headache, llushing, stutfy 0r runny nose. indigesli0n, upset stomach, or diziness. These side etlects usually g0 away altera lew h0urs. Call your doctor ityou get a side etfect that bothers you or one that will not g0 away. LEVITRA may uncommonly cause: . an eEclion lhal won'l g0 away (priapism). lt you get an erection that lasts m0re than 4 hours. gel medical help righl away. Priapism musl be lrealed as soon as possible or lasling damage can happen t0 y0ur penrs including the inability t0 have ereclions. . col0r vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge l0 objects 0r havrng drffrculty telling the dfference between the c0l0rs blue and green. ln rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhrbrlors {oral erectile dyslunction medicines. including LEVITRA) reported a sudden decrease or loss ot vision in one or both eves. lt is not Dossrble to determine whether these events are relatd direcllylothese medicines, t0 0therfactoE such as hiqh blood pressure ordiabetes, ortoa combination olthese. lf you experience sudden decrease or loss 0f vision, stop takin0 P0E5 inhrbilore, includrng LEVITRA, and call a doctor right away. These are not all the side etfects of LEVITRA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

toryou.

LEVITRA has been shown to be etlective in msn over the age 0l 18 years who have erectile dyslunclion, including men with diabetes 0r wh0 have

undergone prostaiectomy.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE LEV|IRA? Do nol take LEVITRA il you:

. .

HOW SHOUTD TEVITRA BE STOREO? Slore LEVITFA at room lempenture b8twtrn 59' and

Keep LEVITBA and

al I

86' F 0 5' to 30' medicines oul 0l lhe reach 0l children.

C).

GENERAT INFORMATIOl.I ABOUT LATITB,'I.

lvledicines are sometimes prescribed

for conditions other than those

lale

any medicines called

"nilnles"

(See "What important inlormation

described in patient information leaflets. Do not use LEVITRAfoT a condition

sh0uld you know about LEVITRA?). Nitrates are commonly used to treat angina. Ang na is a symptom 0f heart disease and can cause pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm.
l!1".d cines called nitrates include nitroglycerin that is found in tablets, sprays, oinlmBnts, pastes, or patches. Nitrates can also be found in other medicines such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. Some recrational drugs called "poppBrs" also contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrateand butyl nitrate. D0 not use LEVITRA ilyou are using these drugs. Ask your doctor 0r pharmacist il you are not sure il any 0f your medicines are nitrates. you have been told by your healthcare provider lo not have sexual activily tecause 0l heallh problems. Sexual activity can put an extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak from a hearl attack 0r heart disease. ar allergic l0 LEVITRA 0r ary 0l ils ingr8dients. The achve ingreoient in LEVITRA is called vardenatil. See the end 0l thrs leallel f0ra complete list of ingredients.

for which it was not prescribed. D0 not give LEVITRA to other people, even if they have the same sympt0ms thatyou have. lt may harm them.
This leaflet summarizes the most important inlormation about LEVITRA. lf you would like more inlormation, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for inlormation about LEVITRA that is written for health professionals. F0r more information you can als0 visit www.LEVITRA.com, 1.866-LEVITRA.

the existing roof. Do this by using a taut string line or a long, straight board. Remember to raise the tie-in framing on the existing house roof 314 in. above the porch framing to compensate for the difference in thickness of the 3/4-in. pll.wood and 1-1/2-in. roof boards (Ptroto f z). Start the tie-in framing by locating
the poir.rt where the peak intersects the existing roof (Photo 9). Then cut the

or call

WHATARE THE INGREDIENTS OF TEVITRA? Aclive lngredient vardenafil hydrochloride lnaclive hgrGdienls: microcryslalline cellul0se. crospovidone. coll0dal srlE0n droxide, magnesium steanle, hypromell0se. polyethylene glycol, tilanium dioxide, Vellow feric oxide, and red leric oxde. Noruir (ritonavir) is a tmdemark 0f Abb0tt Laboratories Crixivan (indinavir sulfate) is a trademark ot lvlerck & Co., lnc. Nizoral (ketoc0nuole) is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson Sporan0x (itraconaole) is a trademark ol Johnson & Johnson Hytrin (teraosin HCI) is a trademark of Abbott Laboratories Flomd (lamsulosin HCI) is a trademark ol Yamanouchi Pharmaceulical

WHAT SHOUID YOU OISCUSS WITH YOUR OOCTOR BEFORE TAKING

LEVITRA? 8e10re laking LEUITRA, lell y0urd0clff ahoutall your medical pr0blems, includino it you: . have heafl pmblems such asanqina, heartfailure, iregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack. Ask your doctor if it is sfe for you t0 have sBxual

Co lld
Cardura

. . . . . . . . . . . .

activity.

have low bl00d pressule 0r have high blood pressure that is not
controlled have had a slrok 0r any lamily mmbers have a rare heart conditi0n known as pr0l0ngati0n 0l lhe 0T inleryal (long 0T syndrome) have liver prohlems have lidney problems and require dialysis have relinitis pigmenlosa, a rare genetic iruns in famili8s) eye disease have ever had severe vision loss, 0r il you have a[ eye c0ndilion called n0n-arterilic af,leri0r isriemic 0ptic neurupalhy (ilAl0N) have slomach ulce6 have a bleeding problem have a del0rmed penis shape or Peyronie's disease have had an ereclion lhat lasled more lhan 4 houB have bl00d cell prcblems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myel0ma, or leukemia

(doxaosin mesylate) is atrademark 0l ffizer lnc. (praosin HCI) is a trademark of ffizer lnc. Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCI) is a trademark of Sanofi-Synthelabo
l\4iniprBss Manulactured by:

2x8 roof plates. If you're not good at calculating roof angles, start by estimating the angles and cutting the
plates an extra 6 in. long. Then set them

Bayer HealthCare
Bayer Pharmaceulicals CorpoGlion WFcr

H.i.n

CT 05516

in

place, remark the angles and recut

them until they

fit.

Screw

the roof

plates through the roofboards into the rafters below. Next measure for the r idge, estirnate the angle and cut it a little long. Trim the angle to fit and screw

@cr"*osmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline Research Tiangle Park NC 27709

CAN OIHER MEDICATIONS AFFECT LEVITRA? Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription

the ridge rafter to the first truss and roof plates. Complete the tie-in by installing a pair of rafters (Photo to). Photo 11 shows installation of the
vnv
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55

medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. LEVITRA and other medicines may aflect each other. Always check with yourdoctor before starting 0rstopping any medicines. Especiallytell your doctor if you take any ol the following: . medicines called nitrates (See "What important information should you know about LEVITRA?") . med.cires calle0 alpha-blockers. These rnclude Hflnn@ (teraosin HCI). Flomdo ilamsurosrn HCI). Cardumo (d0xa0sin mesylale). lllinipress@ (prilosin HCI) or llroxatralo (alluzosin HCL). Alpha-blockers are s0metimes prescnbed l0r prostate problems 0r high bl00d pressure. ln some patienlsthe use of PDE5 inhibitor drugs, includinq LEVITRA, with alpha-blockers can l0wer blood pressure significantly leadinq t0 lainting. You should contact the prescribing physician il alpha-blockers 0r other drugs that lower blood pressure are prescribed by another healthcare provider. . medicines that treat abnormal heartbeat. These include quinidine, procainamide, ami0darone and solalo.

and n0n-prescription

Distibuted and Ma*eled by:

Q
B onlv
08918646tP.

Scnering-Plough
Schenng Corporalion Kenihonh, NJ 07033

LEVITRA is a registered trademark ol Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and is used under license by GlilosmithKline and Schering Corporation.

02005

7105 Eayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation

R.2

12771 Printed in U.S.A.

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Ants: Tree branches

that touch the
house become a "bug bridge" to.your home. Ants will nest in clogged gutters.

rt'ir:r'rt r,r:',

Gaps along roof

vents, dormers and adjoining rooflines
cozy attic.

Bats and squirrels:

,ft\,
y ..\ .'t
fi:

become entrance points into your

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Cockroaches:
Cardboard box clutter is the perfect habitat for a cockroach
colony.

Beetles: Loose

sliding doors, windows and

thresholds provide bugs easy
entrance.

foundations offer rodents a thoroughfare into your home.

Mice: Tiny holes in your home's exterior such as gaps around utility lines and along

Moisture bugs: Poorly

shallow slopes and thatchy lawns make basements moist for

spiders, centipedes and other bugs to thrive.

directed downspouts,

Ithough your walls may appear solid, many walls are full of tiny pest passageways. Small insects can sneak through the tiniest cracks, so you may not be able to make your home absolutely bug-proof. But you can seal most gaps, especially the larger ones that let in mice and larger insects.

Doors and windows: Look for torn screens and wornout weatherstripping that might provide an entrl.rvay for bugs. If mice are a problem, make sure the rubber gasket under your garage door seals tightly to the floor (replace
the gasket

if it doesn't seal). Foundation: Look for foundation settling cracks in

Find the passages that let pests in

Put on some old clothes, as you'll have to get on the
ground, slink behind bushes and even crawl under your deck to examine your home's exterior. Take a flashlight and a mirror along. If mice are your main concern, also bring a pencil. If you can slide the pencil into a crack, it's large enough for a young mouse to squeeze through. Take your time and examine every square foot of your home. Here are the key areas to inspect: Wall penetrations: Search for gaps around an1'thing that passes through your walls such as gas, plumbing and AC lines, phone and TV cables and exhaust vents. Siding: Gaps and holes in siding and around trim are usually obvious. But also look under the siding where it meets the foundation (Photo 1). Rot, foundation shifting and sloppy building practices can leave openings there. 58 uly
zooo rHE FAMtLy I{ANDvMAN

masonry and make sure basement windows close and tightly (Photo s). If there's a crawlspace under your house, all the floors above the space are potential entry zones. If the crawlspace is accessible, put on safety glasses, crawl inside and inspect it with a flashlight. Foliage or wood piles: Anything touching your house can provide a freeway for bugs. Tree branches, for examseal

ple, can spell trouble even high above ground level. Ants that feed on aphids in trees use branches as a bridge to

your house. The solution is to trim back branches. Sometimes you can locate passageways from indoors. 0n a sunny day, light peeking into a dark basement, garage or attic reueals gaps and cracks. A heavy concentration ol cobwebs indoors can also
indicate an entry point.

lnspect the underside of your siding using a mirror. lf you find a gap, mark the location with masking tape so you can seal it later.

{I

Seal doors, windows and basement sashes with adhesive-backed weatherstripping. Clean the surface first so the weatherstrip will adhere well.

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Examine dryer vents to ensure the damper isn't stuck open or broken off completely. Also check that the seal between the vent and the wall is tight.

) 4

1ll f'l

Tcaulk.

gaps between trim and siding with acrylic latex Keep a wet cloth handy to clean up any stray caulk. Smooth the bead with a wet finger.

Dryer vents and exhaust fans: Be sure that dampers open and close freely (enoto 3). Tiouble starts when a sticking damper stays open and leaves a welcoming entrance for all sorts of critters, including birds and squirrels.

Soffits and roof: Look for holes and

fascia, especially where they

gaps

in soffits and

run into adjoining rooflines (these are favorite entries for squirrels, bats and wasps). Roof vents: A missing or chewed-through screen on roof vents lets squirrels or bats into your attic. Chimney caps: Add chimney caps if you don't already have them. They prevent birds and rodents from making the firebox of your fireplace their summer home. Gutters: Debris-filled gutters are a favorite nesting spot for corn ants.

Plug up passages
you'll find several entry points in your walls, foundation or soffits. Fortunately, these gaps and cracks
Chances are

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eutl nests from the soffit gaps and then fill these openings with expanding foam. After the foam hardens, cut off the excess with a utility knife.

60

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Laser Jigsaw
COPPER MESH

Jts

Stuff in a generous amount of copper mesh with a screwdriver, leaving about half an inch of space for expanding foam sealant. Seal gaps with foam.

ADD LASER
PRECISION TO EVERY PROJECT!
are easy to seal. For those smaller than 1/4 in. wide, acrylic latex caulk ($3 per tube) is a good filler because it's inexpensive, paintabie and easy to apply (Photo

7 /

Trim the foam flush using a utility knife

after allowing the foam to

harden overnight. To trim

off a thicker section of foam, use an old steak

knife.

Before you sweep up mouse drop-

pings, always spray them with

a). But acrylic caulk won't last long in wider gaps. For gaps and cracks 1/4 in. up to 112 in. wide, use polyrre-thane caulk ($5 per tube). Polyurethane is gooey and more difficult to use than acrylic caulk, but you can smooth and paint it for a neat-looking job. Keep a rag and mineral spirits handy to clean up
accidents.

disinfectant splay such as Lysol. Mice can pass disease to humans through their waste.

to fill, buy a box of Chore Boy copper scrubbing pads for about $3 from a hardware store or online at www.wal-

If you have holes galore, it may be cheaper to purchase a professional copper mesh product like
greens. com. CopperBlocker, which is available online at www.nixalite.com for $29 for a 100-ft. roll. For most cracks, "minimal expanding" foam is the easiest to use (standard

. . .

Built-in work light puts light where vou need it

3AO" scroilinS action for detailed cuts

Expanding foam ($5 per can) is a fast, convenient filler for anything wider or for areas where appearance doesn't matter. It can

4-position orbital cut control allows wide cut range from smooth to fast.

o lncludes carrying case

of any size but doesn't And rodents can gnaw right through foam, so it's smart to stuff gaps with copper mesh before you add the foam (enoto o). Conventional steel wool can eventually rust away. If you only have a few gaps
gaps leave a smooth, neat-looking patch.

fill

foam expands too much, flows out of

the crack and makes a mess). A little overflow is no problem, since you can slice off the excess (ehoto z). For large or hollow cavities, standard full-expansion foam is the best (enoto s).

62 vnv zooo

fhe

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selection, qualiU, and prices!

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nate moisture-wicking soil and mulch away from the window frames and low wood. Turn your mulch periodically to help keep dampness down, and keep bushes trimmed back as well.

ft t

$ f yo, suspect an area is damp, use a screwdriver to d* probe the wood to determine if it's soft and moist.
Eliminate the moisture source and replace rotten wood.
':r

to draw lifesustaining moisture from their surroundings, so ..' -,they avoid dry places and are attracted to moist ones. If the soil around your house, the foundation and the walls is dry, it'Il be less attractive to insects, spiders
nsects and other small pests need and centipedes. There's no way to keep everything perfectly dry, of course, but you can reduce moisture. Here are common moisture sources and ways to reduce them: Downspouts and gutters: Check that the downspouts are turned away from the house, and invest in a splash block or downspout extensions to disperse rainwater. AIso watch for major leaks in your gutter system that may be pouring water onto or near your foundation. Standing water: If water is not absorbing into your lawn, your grass may have a buildup of thatch. The solution is to aerate your lawn to open up dense patches and admit water better. 66 vnv
zooo rHE
FAMTLY HANDYMAN

; ,'

Poor drainage: Make sure that the soil is sloped away from the house at least 6 in. over l0 ft. This will reduce
soil dampness near your foundation and keep your basement drier.

Mounded mulch: Mulch and soil trap moisture and should be raked away from your windowsills and any other wood (Rtroto r). Heavy vegetation: Plants growing against the house will keep siding damp. Trim back bushes and trees. Plumbing leaks: Fix leaks such as a dripping hose bib. If your home is above a crawlspace, look for leaks from any exposed plumbing under the house. Moisture problems can come from inside the home
too. A leaky sink trap, for example, can create a moist bug oasis under your kitchen cabinets. A poor seal around a bathtub can allow water into the surrounding floor and

walls. Damp basements are a favorite home for spiders, centipedes, millipedes, silverfish and sowbugs.

I 4

Stor" items off the floor on wire rack shelving to prevent moisture from collecting underneath. Look

for mouse droppings and other evidence of infestation with a flashlight and mirror.

Store pet food in a lidded metal trashcan, as mice cannot climb the slick, vertical sides of the can. Sealed plastic containers are also a good option.

2 fJ

tiUV up under the kitchen sink. Store items in a caddy so you can easily clear out the cabinet for cleaning and inspection. Self-adhesive tiles provide
an easy-to-clean surface.

f pests are the enemy, then clutter is the battlefield. Moisture forms between the concrete floor and the box Any pests you can name love our untidiness for a bottom (silverfish especially love damp spaces under couple of reasons: to hide their initial infestation boxes). Another reason to use storage racks is for easier and provide privacy and shelter for reproduction. pest inspections. With boxes off the floor, you can quickThe best way to eliminate pest homes is to store items ly spot mouse droppings and other evidence of unwantproperly. Garages often harbor many clutter zones and ed critters (etoto z). are easily accessible to critters. Add to that the seductive The cabinet under the kitchen sink is a potential pest smells of pet chow and your garage will look pretty darn nirvana with trash, moisture, clutter and dark hiding cozy to pests looking for an upscale home. Birdseed and places. Infestations can be hard to spot under all the pet food need to be stored in containers that mice and sponges, rubber gloves and paper bags. To get on track, other rodents can't get into (Photo I ). Avoid keeping old take everything out of the cabinet and stick self-adhesive cardboard boxes in your garage, but if you must, make vinyl tile squares to the cabinet floor. These tiles are sure they are broken down neatly, stored off the floor and cheap (about $1 per 12 x 12-in. tile at home centers) and inspected regularly. easy to wipe clean. Next put all your cleaning supplies in Neatness deters pests indoors, too. Keep cardboard a tote so you can easily remove them to inspect and clean .boxes and even plastic bins off the floor and on a wire (Photo 3). While you're under there, be sure to check for rack or shelf. Be especially rigorous on concrete floors. plumbing leaks'
continued on

p.

102

68 uav

zooe

IU11
by David Radtke

ESIEEIN

AHEAD.

Iight
Stay up late: Enjoy your deck

well into the evening hours with low-voltage light fixtures

on't let nightfall drive you indoors this summer. Instead, illuminate your deck. Once you see the effect of highlighting your favorite plants and deck features, you won't want to go inside. And there's a safety factor, too. If you light the stairway and railings, you won't trip over the garden hose! In this article, we'll show you how to plan and install a
low-voltage system. The 12-volt system we show here has several distinct advantages over standard household (120volt) wiring. It's much less dangerous, and the actual wiring methods are less exacting. Even if you're a beginner, you can safely install a simple system like ours. A low-voltage system begins with a transformer that plugs into a standard GFCI exterior receptacle. The transformer converts the power from 120 volts to 12 volts and sends the current through special outdoor cable to light the fixtures. The only special tool you'll need to install this system is a wire stripper. The rest are just basic carpentry and garden tools. To light the deck and the landscape around it, we used 13 fixtures, two transformers, cable and connectors. The entire cost was about $350. Pay close attention to the

planning section and drawing, and follow our photo

for techniques and tips on how to safely wire your low-voltage system. Our deck lighting layout in Figure A features a variety of fixtures and mounting methods to show the different methods of running cable to individual locations and determining the wattage loads for each circuit. Follow the dotted lines for each circuit to the type of fixture we used
series

in our story.
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN MAY 2006

7l

Planning your lighting

One great feature of a low-voltage system is the wide var.iety of fixture finishes and shapes to choose from to complement your home. You'll find a limited selection at horne centers, but a wider variety at local lighting specialty stores and through online catalogs (see Buyer's Guide, p. 77). Keep in mind tl-rat you can buy complete ground-level landscape lighting kits, but you'll have to buy individual components (transformer, cable, fixtures, lamps and connectors) fol a deck lighting system. Before you buy anything, make a sketch of your deck along with the chairs and tabies. To simulate the effect of each fixture on and off your deck, buy an inexpensive clamp-on work light with a metal reflector shade. Along with the clamp light, buy 25- and 40-watt standard frosted ir.rcandescent bulbs and a 45or 50-watt reflector flood bulb. As evening approaches, install

El

Srrfu."-rnounted 12-vott tights cast a soft pool of light onto the deck surface. These are perfect for mounting to posts or other flat surfaces.You'll need to drill a hole behind the fixture to hide the wire or create a false panel behind the fixture to conceal the wire.

the 25-watt bulb and plug the clamp light into an extension cord. Then clamp the lamp at different locations on your deck, turn it on and observe the lighting effects. This will sir.r.rulate the various fixtures we used in our deck plan. Keep the light low (about 2 ft. off the deck surface) to prevent glare. Try a 40-watt bulb if you want more light. Mark the most desirable locations on your drawing. Pay particular attention to lighting areas like the stairway and
transitions to different deck levels. For these locatior.rs, install the spot bulb for more focused light.

PATHWAY LIGHT

FiEure A Deck lighting layout

. o. . = DECK LIGHTING CIRCUIT o... : LANDSCAPE LIGHTING CIRCUIT

CAUTION:
Use only outdoor Ul-listed lighting transformers, cable and lights for your project. lf you plan to purchase individual components instead of a kit, check with the product manufacturers to make sure your components are compatible.
TRANSFOBMERS

SURFACE-MOUNTED BULLET LIGHT

\\

*-'"*-'tz:volT"Hcflr-

STAKED BULLET LIGHT

I I I I I I I
T

72 vay zooe rHE FAMtLy

HANDyMAN

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R""""""d 12-volt lights

Surf"""--ounted 12-volt

diffuse the light for soft general lighting.You'll need a hollow area like our deck planter or stair riser to mount this type of fixture. They are not to be mounted in an exterior wall ofthe house.

bullet lights are perfect for mounting to posts or exterior

panels.The base threads onto the fixture and has a 360-degree adjustment for exact focus. Use 3s-watt spot or flood lamps in these fixtures.

Sr"t"a bullet lights (12 vort) are designed for ground-level lighting to silhouette plants or illuminate
architectural features of the deck or house.They have a swivel mount for exact focusing. Use a 35- to 50-watt spot or flood lamp.

P"rt *", lights are designed to illuminate paths and low-lying plants.These 12-volt lights are
stake mounted and generally take 9- to 18-watt lamps.

I I I I I I I t I

vlv:ooa 73

CABLE

CLAMPS

$pry trs
the transformers near the exterior receptacle. {I Mount Leave enough cable to connect to each transformer later. You can connect to the transformers once you've wired the circuit. Now take the clamp light into the yard around the deck and clamp it to various stakes so you can see where you can illuminate a path, plants or other features along the perimeter of the deck. Mark the best spots on your drawing. You'll want to incorporate several lighting techniques for a variety of useful and decorative effects.

ffiffi'
) 4
as needed.

fasten the supply cable out of sight under the deck using cable clamps. Drill holes and run it through framing

Match the transformer to the wattage of the circuit

We chose two lighting
circuits, each controlled by its own transformer with built-in timer, as shown in Figure A, p. 72. This plan gave us several options.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING TRANSFORMERS

The circuits could go

Mark and cut the holes for the recessed fixtures, then fish the cables through the holes. Leave at least 6 in. of extra cable to work with. Strip about 3/4 in. of wire and connect the ends to the fixtures with cable connectors.

on and off at different times and we could create a dedicated deck lighting plan and another landscaping plan. Once you figure out how many lights you'll have on each circuit, add up the wattages and buy large enough transformers to power each circuit. (If you buy a landscape lighting kit, all the materials and connectors will be included.) tansformers generally come in 100-, 150-, 300-, 600- and up to 1,000-watt capacities with a price range of $40 to $150. The total wattage of all the lamps in an individual circuit must not exceed the wattage rating of the transformer circuit. Follow these guidelines: r Add the wattage for the seven lights on the deck: four lamps at 26 watts and three at 35 watts, for a total of 209 watts. You may want to add a lamp or choose a
7ll
vev zooo rHE
FAMtLy HANDyMAN

,/l I*

pustr the wires into the recess behind

tn" fixture, screw the fixture to the

siding and install the lamps and cover.

Wtren you're installing a surface-mounted fixture, aritt a 3/4-in. hole, slip the wires and connectors through, make the connections and mount the fixture.

f r/

In"tatl the lamp in the fixture socket. Use a small cloth or tissue to protect the bulb. The oils on your skin can cause premature lamp failure.

ft tlJ

brighter bulb later, so use a 300-watt transformer for

this branch.

Next, calculate the total wattage for the perimeter of the deck. We had six lights. Five of the lights had 50-watt bulbs; the other had an l8-watt. This added up to 268 watts, so we selected another 300-watt transformer to supply power for the landscape circuit. The transformers plug into a 120-volt exterior receptacle (Photo t ), so if there's not one nearby, you'll need to install one or have it installed by an electrician.

Cable and connectors complete the package

You'll also need to buy cable for your light fixtures.
WIRE CONNECTORS (BLUE)

Fp r f ? T *fi*f##:iT:*s*'*
""""";T;'"';:*y;lf*::;?:i;TtrH*
4
areas where the cables

Don't skimp here. If you have long runs of 50 ft. or more ] Position surface-mounted spotlights f about 2 ft. above the staircase. Make as we did, buy l2-gauge outdoor lighting cable and you sure you can fish the wires; you may won't have to worry about a voltage drop along the cir- have to drill through some posts. cuit that could dim the lights near the end of the line. Measure the total distance from the I

will be buried in

"fllBl*o
CONNECTORS (RED}

the soil outside of the deck. The first type (Photo s) is a standard wire connector used in common house wiring connections. The other connector (Photo a) is filled with a sealant that coats the wires as you twist the connector onto the bared ends of the wire. These cannot be reused

but offer excellent protection for years of service. Also

buy some cable fasteners to secure the cable to the deck

!Q Iu join the wires with

eim the ground-level spots, and waterproof

framing (enoto z).

76 vnv zooo rHE FAMtLy

connectors. Then bury the cable and connectors 6 in. deep.

HANDvMAN

Editor's note
It's tough to judge the appearance of an exterior fixture unless you see it in person.

It's best to visit a patio and landscape specialty store that has a display. Or you can walk through a welllighted neighborhood and see what lighting options were
chosen and their effects.

Dt't'P
\-.-..,----t/

lnstallation
The photos show the basic installation steps. Start at the transformers (Photo r ) and run the cable in the shortest route to all the lights. In general, run the cable out of sight as much as possible and be sure it's protected. You don't have to make connections inside elec--iltl ;

trical boxes as with 120-volt systems.

Mounting procedures vary, so read the directions included with your fixtures.

If you want to

add more lights or

change to brighter lamps, be sure your transformer can handle the extra load.

Note: Do not run the cable into concealed areas like the exterior walls of

your house. If you want lighting mounted to the walls of your house,
you'll need to buy 120-volt fixtures, follow conventional wiring methods and have your work inspected by your local
electrical

F'-

inspector.

r_l

Buyer's Guide
You can find a wide variety of outdoor lighting systems at Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards home centers, or check out these online sou rces for other options:
CONTRACTOBS CHOICE LIGHTING:

www.ccl-lig ht.com
ELIGHTS.COM: www.elights.com LIGHTING SHOWPLACE: 1800) 334-27 25.

www.lightingshowplace.com
LOUIE LIGHTING lNC.: (877) 385-21Q4.

www.louielighting.com

Art Direction
Photography
I ustrat on .

. BltL

BECKY PFLUGER ZUEHLKE

MARIO FERRO

Conslltants. AL HILDENBRAND and JOHN WILLIAMSON, I\i]ASTER ELECTRICIANS

rrtt\Y ZOO'

77

./"
t

q.

Timefor a filter
change?
n,tav zooe rHE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

Evaluate your own air filter and PCV valve i,v liti' \,'iLrsc.-,1;iat
78

,iE- holdlng your air filter and PCV valve and recommending that you replace both because they "look dirty." Without missing a beat, he explains how critical the air filter is to the efficient operation of your car. He tells you that a clogged air filter, or one that's nearly clogged, can easily cost you 10 percent in gas mileage. With gas prices going through the roof, he adds, replacement will probably save you more than the cost of the filter. Plus, a dirty PCV valve, well, that's never a good thing. Then he waits for your decision. It's tough to make up your mind about a $25 air filter and an $11.95 PC-whatchamacallit valve when you don't know what to look for. It's not difficult to check the air filter and PCV valve vourself. Here's what you need to know:

Fo" take your car in for an oil change. The work is almost V done when the technician comes out to talk to you. He's

First, ignore the dirt on the leading edge

of the air filter pleats. All air filters accumulate dirt on the leading edges in as little as a few thousand miles. Yet most last for about 12,000 miles. You want to know how much dirt has penetrated deep ir.rto the pleats. To test the true condition of your filter, hold a shop light behind it. See how much light passes through the inner pleats and compare yours with the three sample photos below. The filter shown on the left is totally clogged and cost the owner a fortune in wasted gas. The fiiter in the middle shows a clogged area, but the rest of the filter has decent light trans-

mission. It's borderline, and the owner could probably squeeze 2,000 to 3,000 more miles out of it. It should be replaced at the next oil change interval. The filter' on the right shows how much light passes through a new filter.

Follow the black plastic duct to the air filter box. Unscrew or unsnap the filter. Note that the screen always faces the engine. The pleats face the incoming air.
i:i latches. Remove the

"l

F"F nota

tn"
a

#*" filter over

shop light and compare it with the photos at

right. Reinstall
or replace,

The PCV (positive crankcase ventilatior.r)

Fd

R"-ou"

valve

is a one-way valve that

recycles

crankcase gases back into the engine to burn. A plugged PCV valve can result in a rough idle and poor mileage. Worse, it car.r cause costly oil leaks. AJr,vays follow your manufacturer's replacement recommendations. And never replace a PCV valve sim"looks dlrty." ply because because rt it "looks dirty." A.tl All used PCV PCV
valves look dirty. Photos 1 and 2

*P+

ii

ttte PCv valve from its

iE

show

two ways to check its real condition.

Ed..,. DAVID A'r llrectron . DAVID
Photog'aphy.

" -'ry-j-] d W -=.l

,{

'.!n rf"

:*
q:i.

grommet. With the engine off, shake the valve. lf it's good, you'll hear a solid clicking
sound.

, s'
\ fo

SIMPSON MIKE KRIVIT

RADTKE

u3 Or, check it in place with the engine running. #* Pull the PCV valve from its housing and place

',

h*k a qq
,c

''\

your thumb over the PCV valve opening. You should feel it click. lf the click sounds or feels mushy, replace the valve.
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

nav zooe

79

lT:,:T

irrr,,ti,rti,ift

'i

r',1, n umbrella table doesn't have to ,', look like an industrial chunk of '' ' metal or plastic. We designed ,,r : .,,. ' ' ' ours with a cedar top and sides
because

not only for longevity and stability, but it will look handsome with minimal upkeep for years. The sides cloak a hear,y concrete weight that anchors the
umbrella.

r1
i ; ,:!1-.:i: .;{'j f-XJ : J i..-j

In this article we'll show you how to build this umbrella table step-by-step. The tapered base may look like the work of a skilled craftsman, but the entire projectincluding the angled parts-is super simple. If you've tackled a few woodworking projects in the past, you can complete this one in a weekend. If you have only a little experience with woodworking tools and techniques, this is a good learning project.

'r
i:j:i.i:i'ii

tii

by Eric Smith

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vnv

zooe

8t

Cut all four sides (A) from a 4 x 4-ft. sheet of plywood (Figure Bl. Your cuts don't have to be perbe hidden behind the rails and stiles.

fect-they'll
"T

to two of the side panels with four screws along each edge. Screw the other two side panels to the cleats to form the table base.
,r,.,

"' i:,Screw the corner cleats (Bl

*rr* i *:, {l

j,* ii * y * r'r r:j

s"r;

a ir:l i'i ;;i ; :::l

You'll need a miter saw a circular saw, a drill, and a pocket hole jig ($60 to $150; Photo 7). You can rip boards with
a

circular saw, but a table saw will give you better results. With its knot-free cedar top, our table costs about $ 150.
expensive rumber' vours courd cost ress

than $100. You can, for example, use 5/4 cedar or pressure-treated deck boards for the top (if you select good pieces). Other good choices include teak, redwood, cypress and white oak. For the base, we used plywood ar.rd No. 2 cedar. Our cedar boards were 7/8 in. thick, but 3/4-in.-thick boards would also work. Patio umbrellas
are available starting at about $100 at home centers.

82 uny

zooo

,",::J:::::ress

MAN'
INTRODUCING THE PLUGMOLD@ TOUGH POWER STRIP.

umbrella table
Figure A Umbrella table

Figure B Side panel dimensions

I !

6-7

t16"

6-7l16'

.@ :ts N

DRAW CENTER MARK

AND MEASURE OUT

FROM IT

l5.DEGREE
MITER

l5.DEGREE

A note on wood
Home centers often sell boards with a high moisture content, and they can

Shopping List
ITEM
T1-11 5n6" rough-sawn plywood (no grooves) (A) OTY,
1

Cutting List
KEY
OTY.

SIZE & DESCRIPTION

21-'112" base

A4
2 b
e

12-718"

top x

23-718"-lall plywood side panel

Pressure-treated 2x2 x 8' (8, K) Rough-sawn cedar 1x4 x 8' (C, D, E, E G) Clear (grade D or better) cedar 514 x 4' x 8' (H, J)
1-1l4" exterior screws
1

'l-1/2" x 1-112" x 23-1/2" pressuretreated inside corner cleats

c
D
E

4 4
4

7/8" x2-518" x26-314" corner stiles

718" x3-112" x26-314" corner stiles 718"

shrink noticeably as they dry out. For a furniture proiect like this, it's a good idea to store your wood flat in a dry location for a few weeks before you use it.

1 tb. 1 tb.
12

" exterior screws

x 3-112" x apDrox. lower rails upper rails

17-112"

2" exterior screws

2-112" exterior screws 1-1l2" coarse-thread pocket screws

718" x3-112" x approx. 9-1/2" G H

4 1 tb,

4 o 2

718" x3-'l12"

Exterior wood glue Exterior finish Cement mix

1" x3-112" x 4"

x 19-3/8" center stiles x22" top slats

1" x 3-112" x 4" x approx. 22" short frame sides

1" x3-112" sides

1-112"

x4" x29" long frame

x 10" inside top

1-112"

cleats

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vnv

zooe

83

umbrelSs table

Clamp your miter saw and a stop to your workbench. Set your saw to 10 degrees and cut the stiles (C and Dl.

$ q#

'',.: and D) to each other. Then spread glue on the stiles

and screw them to each corner from inside.

Set the base on 2x4s. Glue and clamp the stiles (C

No need for compound miter cuts

When mitered to l0 degrees, the ends of the stiles (C and D) won't match up evenly. That's no prob'q' . lem; just sand the pro-

SAND

--'t
STILE {DI

'-

FLUSH

\'

,:,i,:

Pivot your saw to miter l0 de'.::: grees and tilt it to bevel l0 degrees.

,..;' than j simpliciry and you have a ,: , t ,'. compound miter saw, you can ,'.:' cut stiles that match perfectly.
.1lj:l perfection rather

truding corners flush and no one will ever notice. But if you prefer

15 degrees and rip a bevel along th top edge of the lower rails (El so water will drain off.
af,,,. :..,,,'

ffh your table saw

i::il ;'i..

jt,i-,,

i,.:,.,':

screws (Photo +). Use plenty of glue to ensure a strong bond with the rough plywood.

l-in.

The umbrella stand's base is simply a tapered plywood box with trim (Fisure n). Cut four side panels (A) from a 4 x 4-ft. piece of 5ll6-in. "T1-l l" plywood (enoto r ). T1-l I is a common type of rough-sawn exterior-grade plywood available at most lumberyards. Figure B shows how to lay out the cuts. Then use corner cleats (B) to join
the panels (ptroto z).

J..i. :

i:

.t-i

t.'i :i .r r';:l]

Ui:

i :l

I i :-r.i

i.: i'j

:t |i

C,jS;

The corner stiles, which act as the legs of the base, come next. Four of the stiles (D) are full-width lx4s (3- 1/2 in. wide) and four (C) are ripped to 2-5l8 in. wide. Cut the stiles to length (enoto 3), then glue and clamp them together. Let the glue set for an hour before you attach the stiles to the corners of the base with glue and
84 vev
zooe

Bevel the top edges ofthe lower rails (E; photo E). Then cut the upper and lower rails to length, mitering the ends ofthe rails at 10 degrees. Test-fit them, then glue and fasten them to the plpvood with screws driven from inside. To complete the base, add the center stiles (G). Cut a I 5-degree bevel on one end of each center stile and make
a square cut on the other end. Make each stile about

l/8

in. too long, check the fit and shave off a smidgen with your miter saw until it fits perfectly. Center the stiles when you glue and screw them into place (Ptroto 6).

Attach the rails (E and F) with glue and screws driven from inside. Then mark their centers, position the center stiles (G) and fasten them.

Cut and lay out the tabletop (Figure A) with the best side of each part face down. Mark the pocket hole side. then drill two holes per end with a pocket hole jig.

!
2

-Ffi%

Join one corner with glue and pocket screws. Position the slats (H) with 1/8-in. spacers and fasten them. For flush joints, clamp the piece you're screwing into.

Center the base on the tabletop and screw 2x2 cleats (L) to the tabletop with 2-in. screws. Dont overdrive the screws or they'll poke through the top. Drive screws through the upper rails (F) into the cleats.

ii"

The slats (H) must be precisely the same length, so cut them using the stop you used to cr-rt the corner stiles (Photo 3). When you cut the short frame sides (J), don't rely on the measurement (22 in.) given in the Cutting l.ist. Slight variations in the widths of the slats can change this measurement. h.rstead, lay out the six slats with 1/8-in. spacers between them, measure the total

JOmery rn rTunutes
Dont be intimidated by pocket screw joinery.
The pocket screw jig may look complicated, but after about 10 minutes of practice you can create tight, strong joints. For some tips, see "Tight Joints with Pocket Screws," Feb. '03, p. 23. (To order a copy, see p. 5.1 A good-quality

Jvl.aster

po.kgt scre\M

width of the row of slats ar.rd add l/4 in. Then cut the
short frame sides, lay them in place and take a measurement for the lor.rg frame sides (K). With all the parts laid out, drill pocket holes (Photo 7). Start assemblyby join-

pocket screw kit (containing a jig, clamp, drill bit and driver) costs from $60 to $150, depending on the features. lt's well worth the investment. One source is www.kregtool.com.
THE FAMTLY

ing two frame sides at one corner, then add the

slats
HANDYMAN nnv zooo

85

x"asffibre}Ss

tmh}*

before attaching the other two frame sides (enoto a). Next, fasten 2x2 cleats (L) to the underside of the top

(Photo s). Then drill a 3/16-in. hole through each upper rail (F) and drive a 2-in. screw into each cleat. You can remove the tabletop simply by removing these four screws; this makes finishing, moving and storing the
table easier. Drill a hole through the center of the top a hole saw. Our umbrella pole required a 2-in. hole. Before finishing, dab exterior wood glue on the end grain at the bottom of the legs. Then apply exterior oil finish to the inside and outside of the table. We used exte-

with

rior teak oil.

CONCRETE

rl f,\ Set the lower end of the umbrella pole in the You don't have to spend $50 or more on a fancy umbrelf;{J Oase. Drill a 3/8-in. hole through rhe pipe and la base. You can make a simple-but-stable base with a pole. Secure the pole by running a 114-in. eye bolt 5-gallon bucket, a 60-lb. bag of concrete mix and 2 ft. of through the hole. PVC pipe. You'll need l-112- or 2-in. pipe, depending on the diameter of your umbrella pole. crete hardens, drill a hole so you can fasten the pole to Mix the concrete and water in the bucket. Cover the the pipe (Photo ro). Also drill a hole through the buckbottom end of the pipe with duct tape to keep the con- et at the level ofthe concrete so rainwater can drain. t crete out. Set the pipe into the concrete and push it all the way to the bottom of the bucket. Hold a level against the Art Direction . MARCIAWRIcHT ROEPKE Photography. l\4lKE KRIVIT pipe to make sure it's standing straight up. After the con- TEChNiCAI Art ' FRANK ROHRBACH III
86 vnv
zooo rHE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

Anchor the umbrella with a heavy base

by Brett Maftin

'l"irne"saverl

Ouick drain unelogger

fyour drains have chronic clogging problems and youre fed up with harmful chemicals and expensive drain cleaning services, Ridgid's Auto-Spin drain cleaner
could become your new best fiiend. It's simple

to use and clears most clogs in

less

than l0

minutes. When you squeeze the lever and step on the foot pedal, the vibrating cable snakes slowly

into the drain line to clean clogs. The 30-ft. cable enables you to reach obstructions deep
inside the drains (most pipes empty into larger pipes before 30 ft.). You never have to touch or manually feed a grimy cable, and the guard ensures you don't get splattered when the cable is in operation. The Auto-Spin is designed for
pipes with a diameter

of l-ll2 in. or less. This 101b. machine is perfect for tubs and sinks. These drains account for 78 percent of clogs, according to Ridgid. It's not for use in
toilets. Look for the Auto-Spin at Home Depot

for $140.
Ridgid, (aaa) 743-4333. www. ridgid.com

What the pros *ay

The cable went through the trap in our lawtdry room drain without any problents. What's nice is there's a lot of caltle length.
So many handheld snakes end up being too

short to get the job done. This is the only machine I've seen with a snake guard so you don't haye to touch the cable.
Les Zell, Master

Plumber Zell Plumbing

Horneowners

will

need sotne prnctice get-

ting used to operating it. Since it's self-feeding, it removes the need for the operator to
feed the cable by hand. This could be a safety intprovement and saves on cleanup.
FOOT PEDAL

Charles Avoles, Master Plumber,

Avoles Plumbing
THE FAMTLY

HANDYMAN tuay zooo

87

GTTY||UN tr
,r,

illlllln
Time-saver

fi

ffi
qffis
\F

The new E3 spark plug with revolutionary DiamondFlRE technology is especially engineered to give your small engine the power to start right up, every single time, in hot weather and cold. The advanced diamond shaped electrode is completely new- generating a more powerlul, more complete spark than old-fashioned plugs, so you start up faster... and finish faster.

Keyless door lock

If you're like me, by the time you finally
n-rake it out the door, yodre already running late. You don't want to stop, turn around ar-rd

PB0VEIIT0INCBEASE P0WER - up to 12% over conventional plugs in two- and four-cycle engines.

PB0VEi|T0 EXTEND ENGINE LIFE - by reducing carbon deposits and material degradation inside your engine. PB0VEtIT0 SAVE GAS - E3 advanced technology helps your engine burn fuel more completely and e{ficiently, saving up to 13%. Now you can work longer... fill up less.

dig out your keys to

lock the deadbolt. With

this keyless deadbolt

Desigr.r,

fror.r.r Safety by

0f course, your results may vary...but E3's patented edge-to-edge electrode design has been tested and verifred by the engineering
departments of two major universities. For complete tech and test information, visit our web site at www.e3sparkplugs,com.

you don't have to. You sir.r.rply give the metal collar on the outside of the lock a quarter turn by l.rand ar.rd it's locked. Don't worry. You still need a key to ur.rlock it. The downside: It's
easier to lock your self out of the housel

$.1

i$;l1ii fi li':t$:

ii.

lii

1"

i,i

{t

LF i.

ii

The lock fits

standard-thickr.ress

E3 Spark Plugs with advanced DiamondFlRE design are warranted against fouling, wear, and defects in materials and workmanship for

doors and standard lock openir.rgs. The deadbolt is a sir.rgle-cylinder, meaning

the life of your engine.

house

it still locks and unlocks inside the with a thr"rmb-turn latch.

(Double-cylinder locks require a key

TAKT T3 OlI THT ROAII

Replace your car or truck plugs with E3 and get more power on less gas. Reduce engine carbon deposits, too... better than any other plug you can buy. 0ur patented diamond-shaped electrode and edge-to-edge technology makes E3 the best,

on the outside and the inside.) Tl.re keyless deadbolt is available in chrorne, brass and nickel finisl.res. The deadbolt assen.rbly is $45 and the com-

binatior.r deadbolt assembly with

n.ratchir.rg

most efficient spark plug on the market.

door har.rdle is $55. Purchase

it or-rline or find retailers on the company's Web site.

Safety by Design, (877) 349-0306. www,turnerlock.com

88 vnv zooo rHE FATMtLY

HANDYMAN

!leurproduets
Tougher toois

4-$,if;.ii11ffi'.iJil*"-,*:*
discover that many kid-size tools are just flimsy toys. And grownups'tools are too big, healy and even dangerous. But not these. The Budding Gardeners series (betow and left) offers sturdy tools made small enough for kids to do real gardening. They have the

Sturdy, yes, and Rising

same powder-coated, tempered steel construction and hardwood

handles as the adult versions, so they won't break. The long-handled tool set ($30) even comes with a hear,y-duty carrying case to make it easy to $ the tools together.

Mist Organic Farm's

tools are also "themed"
for younger kids. On the

keep

EA i

t'L\\\LILIIilJJ

Web site, you'll find

Barbie and Garfield gardening sets, frog-design
kneepads and lots more.

*tTry**

Troy-Bilt,

(8OO) 428-55OO

www.thebuddinggardeners.com

\ i

t
:1

li

The Kid's Hand Tool Set ($12) is perfect for kids who like to get on

their hands and

and dig in.

knees

Hising Mist Organic Farm, (7as) 456-6725. www.wackyworldsof ,com 9O unv zooo rHE FAMTLY
HANDYMAN

Now on

ne\Jysstands!

of our best stories on impioving your yard and garden.

Best Backyard Projects features plans for building decks, patios and garden paths; gazebos, arbors and sheds; outdoor furniture, planters

Here's a whopping I92 pages

and picnic tables; plus a whole section on ponds and water gardens. It'll show you how to build a retaining wall, attract birds and butterflies to your yard, and make gorgeous container gardens.

You can buv Best Backvard Proiects at your favorife magazin'e retail6r for $g.gg.
You con olso order Besl Bockyord Proiecfs from Country Store. Coll I -800,/55 8-'l O I 3 (hove your credit cord reody) or order online ot www.CountryStoreCotolog.com. Refer to product number 35862 ond Suite 7920J The cost is $9.99, plus $3.95 shipping ond hondling. Wisconsin residents, odd 5% soles tox. For orders from outside the U.S., the shipping ond hondling chorge is $7.95. Orders from outside the U.S. ore occepted by credit cord or postol money order in U.S. funds only. Moil your order to: Country Store, Suite 7920J, P.O. Box 990,

Greendole Wl 53 129-0990.

rg.9br D

'/

s?#xerpx {}{ga},#fls

*-

ilalderr in conrfct"t

Break the

STRAIN.FREE

ground, not your back

Back pair.r quickly takes the lun out of gardening.

HAND TOOLS

That's what

makes GardenWay's strain-free har.rd tools such a good idea. Lightweight with

23-in. handles, the j j tools allow the user to kneel or sit with their back straight while gardening-something you can't do with conventional short-handled garden tools. The T-handles are long enough to grip with both hands so you can apply plenty of leverage without strain. The set ($40) features four stainless steel tools with ash wood l.randles: a garden edger, a fork, a trowel and a transpianter. Well built, these tools will last.

Buy the tools online at the company's Web site. They're

also available at some garden centers and landscaping stores. GardenWay (a Troy-Bilt affiliate):
(8OO) 82a-55OO.

www.gardenway.com

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vnv

zooo

9l

PR()JECT#

SETTING A P(IST

21
OUICK STEPS*

o
@

PLACE P()ST & P()UR DRY MIX IN HOLE. ADD WATER SETS IN MINUTES

newproducts
Keep

it simple

Ball-and-cup laser level

The LaserBall 360 by Zircon stands out from the pack of portable laser level tools for its ease of use and ability to mount
anl.where quickly, leaving your hands free. The four-way bubble level, lighted by an

internal LED, allows you to find level or plumb for a perfectly level line. Or, use it to generate a line at any angle you want.
The ball has magnets inside, which hold it to the cup mounting system. Once you set the ball in the cup (it takes delicate nudging to get it level and plumb), it maintains

its position. You can even attach it to the wall with the adhesive pad included. The LaserBall costs just $20, but it doesn't project as long a line as higher-priced tools. It's available at most home centers
and hardware stores. Zircon,
(8OO)

245-9265. www.zircon.com

92 vnv

zooo rHE FAMtLy HANDyMAN

Great Garage Contest Rules

This contest is open to residents of the United States, its territories and possessions who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of The Fanily Handyman, The Reader's Digest Association, lnc., or affiliated or subsidiary companies, or members of their immediate families, are excluded from entering. No purchase is necessary to enter Entrants should send a photo and a description ol their garage explaining why it should be named the winner in one ol the following five categories: Garage Hints and Tips, show us how you have made youl galage a better space, inside or out; Best Garage Shop, show us your dream workplace; Most 0tganized Garage, show us how you ended garage clutter; Most lnteresting Use lor a Garage, anything unusual you have done to your garage; Goolest Garage, show us your comfortable, organized, creative, inspiring and just plain cool garage. Send slides, prints or digital photos. Digital photos must be a minimum of 900 x 1,500 pixels, and should be sent on a CD. lnclude a written description of your garage or garage tips and a cover sheet that indicates which category you're entering, your na me, street address, daytime phone number and e-mail address. Entries will be judged based on the broad appeal ofthe garage or garage idea (60%), originality of approach (20%), and quality of photography and description (20%). One winner will be selected in each category, and from these five winners. we will select one grand prize winner, one second prize winner and three third prize Winners will be selected on or about June 15. 2006, and will be notified by mail within one month of selection. Prize inlormation: The grand prize winner will receive the following Ryobi tools and accessories, courtesy of Ryobi Power Tools: l8-v 0ne+ caulk gun, 18-v 0ne+ chain saw, l8-v 0ne+ Corner Catfinish sander, 18-v One+Torque lV drill/drivec 18-v 0ne+ hammer drill, 18-v One+ impact driver, 18-v 0ne+ jigsaw, l8-v 0ne+ laminate trimmer, 18-v 0ne+ laser circular saW 18-v 0ne+ nailer/stapler, 18-v 0ne+ reciprocating saq 18-v 0ne+ right angle drill, 18-v 0ne+ speed sa4 1 8-v 0ne+ Tuff Sucker weVdry vac, 1 8-v 0ne+ flashlight. (4) 18-v One+ battery packs, (7) 18-v 0ne+ lanyards, (2) 18-v 0ne+ chargers, 18v One+ vehicle charger, l0-in. bandsaw, l0-in. portable table sa4 12-in. compound miter saw universal miter saw stand, multiTASKit, 0ne+ accessories kit,215-pc. super drilling kit, pressure washer, cultivator and 18-in. straight shaft string trimmer (total retail value: $2,633.10). The second prize winner will receive the following, courtesy of E3 Spark Plugs: Ryobi l7-in. curved shaft string trimmer, Ryobi blower vac, Ryobi gas pole saw, and (3) E3 small-engine spark plugs (total retail value: $454.) The three (3) third prize winners will receive one case of Castrol GTX High Mileage motor oil, courtesy of Castrol USA (retail value: $18 each. Total retail value: $541.

The prizes are non-transferable. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if any of the stated prizes are not available
at the time of award.

winners. All ludging will be accomplished by editors

Handyman and the decisions are final.

of

The Fanily
an

All entries must be sent by mail. Please place the completed entry in

envelope addressed to: "Great Garage Contest," The Fanily Handynan,2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. All entries must be postmarked by June 1, 2006, the closing date. 0nly one entry per contestant is allowed.
Contest entries will not be returned. All submitted materials become proper-

Winners will be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibilitywithin 14 days of attempted notification. Noncompliance within this time period will result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. All taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Winner will be requested to give permission for the use of his or her name in promotional material.
The total number of contestants anticipated nationwide is 5,000. Consumer lnformation: lf you wish to receive a winners list, write to: Winners List, The Family Handyman.29l5 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Eagan. MN 55121.

ty of The Family Handyman and its parent and affiliated companies. We

reserve the right to use your entry in all print and electronic media, and to edit it for brevity and claritv.

,R@ CHIPPER*
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ESSIONAL

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l

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I typically prefer oil-based paints for interior trim. I like the way they brush out onto the wood, and they seem to
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and a finish that looks like it's been

o CLEAR & MAINTAIN

o CUT

meadows, pastures, roadsides, fencelines, walking paths with ease!

sprayed on (well, almost!). And the finish, which is stain resistant, cleans with

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most

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Editor. TRAVIS LARSON

DR'@
127 Meigs Road, Vergennes,

E-mail

Art Direction. IVIARCIAWRIGHT

VT

05491

Photography

ROEPKE

BILL ZUEHLKE

www.DRfieldbrush.com 94 vnv
zooe rHE
FAMTLY HANDYMAN

s#x"##sr. pffitr#k
Corttirnted ft'onr p. 56

the eaves and valley with strips of

waterproof membrane (Photo 13) and install the sheet metal valley. Place roofing nails about 12 in. apart along the edge of the metal valley. Cut a short piece of valley metal to complete the top on each side, overlapping it about 6 in. onto the long piece. Staple No. 15

building paper to the remainder of the porch roof, starting at the bottom and
working up. Overlap each row 3 in. onto the one below. Install shingles to match the house. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for starting, overlaps and nail placement. Use l-in.-long galva-

Fill in the gable ends

Cover the triangular opening in the truss above the house wall by building a 2x2 frame and nailing 1x6 tongueand-groove boards to the back. Then slide the frame into the opening and
screw

nized roofing nails

to avoid

nailing

it into place. Fill the triangular

through the tongue-and-groove ceiling.

wall with a 2x4 frame (Figure c). Then staple screening to it and cover the screens with stops, just as you do with the walls
space above the outside

below. Practice

What $ize? How Many? Honu Much?

on scraps to make accurate patterns for the steep angles. Then transfer the angles to the actual
framing members. You may have to cut these angles with a handsaw;

0et n Risnt Tne ]ir$t lime! PnoncrcAlc'PLus

they're too steep for a miter saw unless

you build a special jig.

lnstall the screens and screen door

The charcoal aluminum screening we used is strong and long lasting, but you have to handle it carefully to avoid creases and dents. Carefully unroll the screen on a large work surface and cut

t
$

Tiles/Blocks...
0uickly find the number of standard or custom Tiles, including the Grout, to cover any Ara.

$ ,i

lengths about 3 in. longer than you

need. Reroll each piece and carry it to its location. Photo 15 shows how to

Painting...
Easily determine Pints, ouarts and Gallons ol Paint required tor an Area or find the Area ol coverage per Gallon.

staple the screening

to the

framing.

ffi i3 L-J H ffi q3 ffi ffi $

m
Wallpaper...
Simple keystrokes calculate Wallpaper coverage by Area or per roll.

m r-l w

fl tf E It
like

m r'

Find it in the tool department.

material needed for 100's of home improvePainting, Wallcovering, Tile, ment projects Decks, Fences, Carpet, Gravel, Concrete, Roof Bundles, Blocks, Bricks and much more! I nstantly calculate costs. Save lime, naterial and money!

Design, install, apply and finish your jobs with precision and confidence. Easily plan the Pros. ProjectCalc P/usworks in Yards, Feet-lnch-Fractions and Meters, including Area and Volume. Dedicated function keys

convert dimensions to the amount of

The loolc Prcs Sclact and Rcly Onl

Conshuclion-Moth Colculoiorr
P0w0rlul t00ls l0r c0nstruction prolossi0nals! Built-in lunctions sav llm0 0nd assur0 groater accuracy with c0nstruction-math. P0rfct lor plans, bids and ostimatg$. C0nv0rt dimonsions; s0lvo Squar6-ups, Battor, Ro0l and Framlng masuremonts, $tair layouts, Circles and much more.

After you stretch and staple each section, cut off the excess screen with a sharp utility knife. Then cover the edges with 2x2 trim pieces (photo 16). We screwed these on to allow for easy removal for future screen repairs. If you use a wood door like ours, start by trimming it just enough to fit in the opening. Then set it in place and mark the door for final fitting. Use a sharp plane or belt sander to trim the door. You may have to repeat this process a few times to get a good fit. Nail 1/2 x 2-in. wood stops to the framing at the door opening. Then hang the door using galvanized or brass screen door hinges. Mount a latch and door closer to complete the
job.

ir
.
IMARCIA WRIGHT ROEPKE

Art Direction

i-L- ,NDttsfR,Es'
4840 Hytech Erive
Carson City, NV 89706 1 -775-885-4900 Fax: 1 -775-885-4949

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For the nealest dealer call

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ffiffiffiffiffi
FROM OUR HEADERS

Drain uaeuum
When a hard object like a toothbrush, comb or toy plugs a toiiet or drain, a plunger may not be the solution-it might only push the obstruction in deeper. Instead, suck out the water and the obstruction with a wet/dry
shop vacuum. You'll feel like Superman!

Mark Serkanic

"He's my superhero"

L"/

b" g

98 nny zooo rHE FAMtLy

HANDvMAN

Disappearing remotes
are cluttering up your coffee table and getting lost behind sofa cushions, here's how to neaten up. Apply adhesive-backed hook-and-loop strips to the underside of the coffee table and to the backs of the remotes. To avoid snags on upholstery and clothing, put the soft (loop) material on the remotes. Now ail the controls are hidden from view, but you'll always know where to

If your remote controls

find them. Hook-and-loop strips are available for about $7 a package at home centers and discount and hardware stores.

Daniel Griesbach
Continued on p. 100

WE PAY $1OO FOR TIPS

lf you have a hint you d like to share, send

it to

handyhints@readersdigest.com or

Handy Hints',The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN
55121. Original contributions become our

property upon acceptance and payment. We're sorry, but tips can't be returned.
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vav

zooe

99

ffiafim*s

Color-coded chargers
Strips of colored masking or electrical tape take the confusion out of mating cordless tools with their chargers. No more matching
by trial and errorl

Bob Cramer

Dou ble-duty shelf brackets

Shelf brackets designed to support clothes hanger rods aren't just for closets. The rod-holding hook on these brackets comes in handy in the garage and workshop too. You can bend the hook to suit long tools or cords. Closet brackets cost about $3 each at home centers and hardware stores.

Kyle Schroeiler
Art Direction

LUCIE B. Al\4UNDSEN . LISA PAHL Photoqraphy. BILL ZUEHLKE

Editor

il

IOO

rvnv 2006 THE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

!.TPrlF

*F

Tt'ii: ART \*/{l?[1815 ixilT{.fiLtrrq IYSTLM

rhe orisinar

DRIVEWAY /lllERfru

Subscribe
our companion e-newsletter
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Lots more hints & tips oreviews Sneak previews nl tqc of Ilnanmlng upcoming issues

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iili**li'::s"s"

detecls intruders: home, yard or anyr,vhere you need xtra security. Call our experts toll free lor details, -cylirt:s fi+:I l!i$t ii*9.!-+

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TOUGH ,EASY ON UNRULY PROPEI

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Continued front p. 68

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I Name 1...
I

Art Direction
Photography

City-State-Zip_
E-mail

i t ZZ Hrteigs

!on. eowen equreuenr,

oept. srs+rx

Road, Vergennes, VT 0549.l

BECKY BILL ZUEHLKE MUIR STEWART Consu tants . JAY BRUESCH, PLUNKETT'S PEST CONTROL; JEFFREY HAHN, UNIVERSITY OF MINN.
lllustrat on .

PFLUGER

il

lO2 vnv zooo

Picture hanging on a uuire

by Roy Doty

Our thanks go to Melanie Coulthurst, Wausau, Wl, for this idea. for any ideas pubtished, so send in those sketches and notes! Submit your idea to wordless@readersdigest.com or Wordless, The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. Only ideas we purchase can be acknowledged. Original contributions become our property upon acceptance and payment.

We'll pay $t (D(l

llO

vrnv 2oo6 THE FAMtLy HANDyMAN

Underwear whereabouts? ,rn^

After 12 years, the

M{'
YQ,

,h)'\

/u

old dryer finally

died. I immediately loaded the

\-'7 L/ 'Vfr
n

J*t
?' ./,/ ,,

appliance

into

my

u /..'4
I

truck, dropped it at the recycling cen-

it. In less than two hours, our laundry room was back in business. I was sure my quick response would go into the record books and I waited for my well-deserved praise. Then my wife asked me where I had put the wet clothes from the old drver. Then it dawned on me-the clothes were still in the old dryer! I called the recycling center and learned that the old dryer had been hauled away only moments before. Sometimes, it pays to delay.
ter, bought a new dryer and installed

-Bill

O'Callaghan

Hot pants!
As I was installing a basement water softener, my family started to complain about the water being shut off. Well, I tried to hurry. I was holding a propane torch with one hand while trying to join the pipes with the other. No go-I needed both hands, so I tucked the flaming torch between my knees to free up my other one. As I reached upward, the torch flipped downward and set my pants on fire! I swatted the fire out and did a fancy two-step to get my pants off. I spent the next hour in the tub soaking off the melted polyester that had stuck fast to my skin. Luckily, I didn't have a serious burn. I have learned not to rush jobs-or at least to wear flame-retardant work duds when I do.

Goofl7 grass
I had to replace a worn rt x 6-ft. section of my lawn with new sod. I was
advised to cornpletely kill off any grass before rolling out the new

turf.
Wanting to do a good job, I purchased the best lawn killer I coulcl find and meticulou.sly sprayed out a perfect square. A tbw clays |ater, the area started to turn brown as expected. I aiso noticed that a few spots outsiele the square were starting to die out too. I was irritated that nry sprayer had leaked on my otherwise perfect
lawn.

Richard Wirtz

As the grass killer proceeded to do its job, the mystery spots began to take shape*they were the perfect imprints of rny shoes! Evidently I
j_l

Got yerur orrun do-it-yourself mistal<e?

had walkecl through the

area while hending back
garage.

sprayed

We pay $1OO for each one we print.Write to greatgoofs@ readersdigest.com or Great Goofs,The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. Originat contributions become our property upon acceptance and payment.

to

my

-Ken

Schuba

Ed

tor

LUCIE B,

AI\4iJNDSEN

Art

rection

LISA

PAHL

I Ustrat

on

STEVE BJORKMAN

ll2

MAY 2006 THE FAMTLv HANDvMAN