Billy McCarley

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Stories By Billy McCarley

  • How To Paint A Kitchen Sink

    It is possible to paint a kitchen sink to give it a refresh. Stainless steel and acrylic sinks can be painted at home. Remove all hardware and clean the sink. Use sandpaper to scuff the sink and acetone to remove gloss. Use caution with acetone. Prime and paint your desired color.

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  • How To Build A Drainage Pit

    A drainage pit, also called a dry well, is used where water drainage is poor. This pit is usually 3 feet- long, 3 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet deep -- although it can be excavated deeper and wider to accommodate larger drain problems. It is then filled with gravel to within 4 inches from the top.

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  • How To Square Up Four Posts

    Setting 4 posts is not as easy as digging the holes and placing the post in the ground. If these posts represent the four corners of a structure, then they will need to be squared. Otherwise, the building materials that are attached to the posts will not fit properly.

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  • How To Treat Lumber For Use Underground

    When using lumber underground, you should always apply preservative to the lumber to prevent rot and termite damage. There are several tried-and-true methods for treating lumber that have been developed in the construction building industry. These methods and can be implemented by the do-it-yourself homeowner.

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  • How To Estimate A Concrete Foundation

    There are essentially two parts to a concrete foundation: the footer and the walls. Each part is made from the same materials. Consequently, there is no cost variation in material costs. Over time, the construction industry has developed an effective method to estimate a concrete foundation.

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  • How To Tile Over A Tile Fireplace

    Tiling over a fireplace surround that already has tile attached is easier than you might think. Years ago, most people would tear out the old tile and replace it with the new. Nowadays, it is quite possible to tile over the old tile and avoid the time and money of cleanup and backerboard installation.

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  • How To Calculate Rebar Needed In A Concrete Foundation

    Calculating rebar for a foundation project is as important as calculating concrete for the footings. If you guess at the amounts, you may end up with too much rebar and push your project over budget. Or you may end up with too little, which will render your project useless and underdeveloped.

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  • How Do I Estimate Concrete For A Swimming Pool?

    One of the most difficult parts of building a swimming pool is estimating the amount of concrete in the project. You don't want more than you need, but if you don't order enough, your project concrete may dry before you can get more. Knowing how to estimate the right amount of concrete can save headaches.

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  • How To Restore Pine Furniture

    When restoring pine furniture, there are a few things that are absolutely necessary for a successful project. Although the finish on pine furniture can last for decades, there are unavoidable forces that can wear down the furniture.

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  • How To Remove Wood Stain From Glass

    When glass gets wood stain on it, it is sometimes necessary to remove the stain. Unfortunately, removing the stain can scratch the glass. With careful work, though, the amount of time for you to remove stain successfully shouldn't be more than 1 or 2 hours.

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  • How To Calculate Building Materials

    When figuring a job for construction, a few formulas will help you complete a successful project. With a little practice, you will be an ace at building material calculations.

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  • How To Install Metal Roof Flashing Against Brick

    Metal roof flashing is a galvanized sheet metal that is bent at a 90 degree angle about 8 to 12 inches on each side of the angle. It comes in 10-foot lengths, or, for step flashing, 6-inch lengths. It is used to seal the gap between walls and intersecting roofs.

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  • How To Build A Cinder Block House

    Cinder block can be a cost-effective material for building your next house. Not only are cinder block houses relatively simple and basic, they are also considered structurally sound and solid. In the following article, you will learn about the necessary steps in building a cinder block house.

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