Author: Thomas Avery

Are you dreaming of beautiful granite countertops but shocked by installation quotes? I was, too. After getting estimates that made my eyes water, I decided to install granite countertops myself—and saved over $2,400! In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through every step of DIY granite installation, from selecting the perfect stone to the final polish. You’ll learn exactly what tools you need, how to measure correctly, and the tricks I learned that made my countertops look professional. I’ve been working on home improvement projects for years, and I can assure you that with careful planning and the right approach,…

Have you ever tried getting that beautiful sun-bleached look on your wooden furniture only to end up with something that looks… well, wrong? You’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to create that gorgeous, light-washed wood finish you’ve been dreaming about. No more guesswork or ruined projects. I’ve been refinishing furniture and have made every mistake possible so you don’t have to. The techniques I’m sharing have been tested on dozens of wood types in my workshop. If you’re looking to brighten up dark furniture, create a coastal vibe, or refresh tired wood pieces,…

Ever stood there with a caulking gun in hand, feeling totally lost? You’re not alone. That awkward moment when the caulk oozes out uncontrollably or barely comes out at all is something we’ve all experienced. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to use a caulking gun properly—from loading the tube to getting the perfect bead of caulk every time. I’ve worked on home improvement projects and have made every caulking mistake possible so you don’t have to. The techniques I’ll share have been tested on countless bathroom tubs, kitchen counters, and window frames. Whether you’re tackling your first DIY…

When it comes to your driveway, choosing the right paint is more important than you might think. Not only does the right driveway paint help protect your concrete from wear and tear, but it can also boost your home’s curb appeal. A fresh, well-painted driveway makes a big difference in the overall look of your home. In this article, I’ll walk you through my top recommendations for the best driveway paint for concrete. You’ll also find tips on what to look for when choosing paint and a simple guide on how to apply it correctly. I’ve researched so you don’t…

Picking the right color for an orange brick house can feel tricky. I get it—it’s not always easy to know what works. Orange brick has a warm, bold look, and it needs colors that can balance it out or help it pop. The good news? There are lots of great color options that go really well with it. In this blog, I’ll show you the best colors to match an orange brick house. These colors can work for trim, doors, siding, or even plants and decor. I kept the list simple and easy to use so you won’t feel overwhelmed.…

Sealing painted cabinets is an important step to keep them looking fresh and protected. If you’ve just painted your cabinets, you don’t want all that hard work to go to waste. Sealing helps protect the paint from scratches, stains, and wear over time. It also makes cleaning easier. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to seal your painted cabinets. Don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds. All you need are a few supplies and some patience. By the end, your cabinets will look great and be ready to handle daily use without damage. So, let’s get…

Black window trim is showing up everywhere lately—and it’s easy to see why. It’s bold. It’s clean. And it makes a big difference in any room. Painting your trim black turns a simple window into a strong design feature. It’s like putting a frame around the view outside. Everything starts to look more finished and more pulled together. You don’t need a brand-new house to try this look. It works in modern rooms and older homes too. The contrast adds a fresh edge without feeling overdone. In this guide, I’ll show you how to do it the right way. You’ll…

The front door is the first thing people see when they visit your home, so it’s important to make it welcoming and stylish. A farmhouse front door is a great way to add charm and warmth to your entryway. It gives your home a cozy, inviting feel that never goes out of style. In this blog, I’ll share creative farmhouse front door ideas that can inspire you to update your own. From classic wooden doors to fun color choices and decorative touches, there are so many ways to make your front door stand out. You don’t need to redo your…

Are you trying to fix a sloped yard or create more usable space on your property? A stamped concrete retaining wall might be the perfect solution. In this guide, I’ll show you everything about these strong, good-looking walls that hold back soil and add style to your yard. I’ve built hundreds of retaining walls over 15 years, so I know what works and what doesn’t. You’ll learn why concrete is often better than wood or stone, how much these walls cost, and whether you can build one yourself. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly: If a stamped…

Want to build your own cabinet box but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place! Making a simple cabinet box is a great DIY project, even if you’re new to woodworking. It’s an easy way to add storage and style to your space, and you don’t need fancy tools or skills to do it. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything step by step. You’ll learn what tools and materials you need, how to plan your cabinet, and how to put it all together. I’ll also share tips to make the process smoother and the results…