By Liz Snyder More than 40 percent of U.S. homes were built over 50 years ago. With many homeowners choosing to renovate rather than move, the need for updates is growing. Often, these changes entail creating a layout that enhances functionality and flow for daily use. To do so, a great place to start is replacing traditional fenestration. Operable glass wall systems are a solution that offers both functionality and aesthetics. With these systems, homeowners can create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, opening the house's layout, allowing for optimal ventilation, expansive views, and blending outdoor spaces. Completely sliding or stacking out of the way, these systems maximize underutilized space, ideal for family gatherings or entertaining. NanaWall  floor supported systems are especially suited for remodels, as the need for structural alterations is minimized—making it easy to add lasting value and customization to your home. Sentinel Hill, Vancouver residence designed by Upward Construction and Sarah Gallop featuring NW Aluminum 640  folding glass door   Choosing the Right System for Your Home Selecting the ideal operable glass wall system for your space is key to achieving your renovation goals. Various options—folding, sliding, and stacking glass doors—are designed for specific aesthetic and functional needs.   ●       Folding Glass Doors  allow for large, unobstructed openings with a single track that allows the connected panels to fold into themselves. This system is ideal for everyday use, seamlessly connecting interiors with outdoor living spaces. ●       Minimal Sliding Glass Doors provide a streamlined, contemporary look with the slimmest frames and largest panels on the market. This option is ideal for expansive floor-to-ceiling openings, uninterrupted views, and ultra-modern designs. ●       Stacking Glass Door systems are made of individual panels, each running along a single track that stack neatly out of sight. This style is optimal for multi-purpose spaces, and unique designs that can transform with ease.   It is important to evaluate the options and discuss them with a professional when selecting the right system for your home—from glass system type to hardware accessories and customization options. Modern farmhouse featuring NanaWall cero  large panel minimal sliding glass walls   Working with NanaWall Renovations can be daunting. Still, to help mitigate the installation process, NanaWall offers the expertise and support of a nationwide network of independent certified professionals to make the process straightforward. As a single-source supplier, NanaWall oversees the entire manufacturing process to ensure the product meets the highest quality of materials and engineering standards. This also allows NanaWall to provide the most reliable lead times possible, keeping projects on time and within budget. NanaWall’s network of certified installers undergo a rigorous certification process of installing and servicing the entire product catalog. This ensures that the systems are installed correctly for optimal performance and efficiency. Installation of NanaWall cero  large panel minimal sliding glass walls   Proper Installation for Long-Term Performance Professional installation is essential for the durability and longevity of operable glass walls. NanaWall systems have a comprehensive owner’s manual to ensure proper setup and optimal system performance to ensure long-term smooth operation and durability. This helps avoid common issues like misalignment or draft. First, contractors must prepare the rough opening in accordance with the installation plan while ensuring structural integrity. The frame and sill must be assembled and anchored to the structure. The frame needs to be plumb, level, and square to ensure the doors open and close with ease. Then, each panel can be added and hinged together according to the proper instructions. Once the panels are operational, locking points are installed in addition to the final hardware. Finally, any waterproofing, flashing, trim, and sealant can be finished around the perimeter of the opening to maintain energy efficiency. Pool house installation featuring NW Aluminum 840   Partnering with a NanaWall certified installer is the best decision when considering operable glass wall systems. Certified installers ensure everything aligns perfectly for lasting results, allowing your system to function beautifully and add lasting value to your home. Whether creating an entertainment area, maximizing a scenic view, or modernizing your space, operable glass walls offer an elegant, transformative solution. -- About the author Liz Snyder is Director of Product Marketing and industry leader at NanaWall .

22 Awesome Ideas to Go Under the Tree!   There’s an old saying that goes, “Give someone a fish, and they’ll eat for a day; give someone a tool, and they might fix your sink.” I’m paraphrasing. Tools and supplies make excellent holiday gift ideas for home-improvement pros as well as DIY’ers of all types. Here, you’ll find suggestions for woodworkers, car lovers, handy-people and homemakers, so read through our list, and then check it twice to find something for someone who you think is nice. Metabo HPT 25’ TruRange Measuring Tape The Metabo HPT 25-ft. TruRange tape measure delivers up to 17 feet of reach and 14-ft. standout. The measuring tape is 1-1/4-in. wide with large, easy-to-read numbers, and 1/8-in. incremental fractions on both sides of the high-visibility blade. For extra durability and longevity, the extruded nylon blade coating resists wear and prolongs the tape measure’s rigidity, enabling it to outlast the competition under regular use. The rubberized grip provides added comfort, while the manual blade stop allows for quick and easy measuring without needing to lock the blade in place. Plus, with a lanyard attachment and wire belt clip, it’s always within reach. www.metabo-hpt.com     Dremel Cordless 4V Electric Scissors Here’s a handy tool for DIY’ers: Dremel Electric Scissors. The HIR  team reaches for a pair more than we ever expected to slice through clamshell packing, shape cardboard templates, trim wallpaper, notch out plastic sheeting and landscape fabric, and much, much more.   A variable speed dial includes five cutting speed settings, and the ultra-sharp shears allow for quick and smooth operation. It has a quiet motor, low-battery indicator light, and an integrated lithium-ion battery that charges by USB-C port. www.dremel.com   Surebonder Homeowners can now easily tackle the chore of hanging holiday lights with the affordable Surebonder 15030C staple gun. Hang up to 100 feet of holiday lights and garland quickly and easily. The staple gun's unique plastic insulator design ensures the safety of holiday light wires, even when lights blow in the wind. It features easy drop-in staple loading and comes with 60 staples and 30 insulators. It may also be used for home wiring for TVs, computers, telephones, intercoms, alarms/security, doorbells, thermostats and speaker wires. (For best results, use Surebonder 15030C plastic insulated staples.) www.surebonder.com     Strongway Limited Edition Richard Petty Jack You can honor “The King” with this Strongway Limited Edition Richard Petty Low-Profile Super-Duty Jack that lifts up to 75 percent faster and lasts up to 10 times longer than comparable standard floor jacks. The tough, powerful and versatile floor jack is engineered with exceptional components to get the job done quickly, easily and consistently. The 31-1/4-in. x 15-11/16-in. x 8-3/4-in. profile (with handle in vertical position) provides a large, stable platform, and an oversized saddle offers more surface area to help stabilize the load. The jack meets and complies with ASME PASE 2019 safety standards. www.northerntool.com Bosch Blaze Green-Beam Laser Distance Measure The Bosch Blaze 165-foot GLM165-27CGL uses green-beam technology, which generates a point/dot up to 4 times brighter than standard red beams. The inclinometer shows the tilt angle up to 360 degrees for easy angle and indirect measurements. The laser has accuracy up to +/-1/16 inch, plus it includes a rounding button (which rounds the measurement to the fraction that best suits the application) and haptic feedback for loud jobsites. The digital laser measure also offers Bluetooth functionality, so users can digitally transfer measurements to a smartphone or tablet through the free MeasureOn app. The Blaze is built with full rubber overmold housing, similar to a roll cage. It is IP65-rated and has an ergonomic design for better grip. It has a rechargeable Li-ion battery for extended runtime and includes 11 different measuring functions, including real-time length, length, area, volume and indirect functions, and addition/subtraction capability. www.boschtools.com   Scrigit Scraper Here’s a handy stocking-stuffer—the Scrigit is an inexpensive, pen-sized, non-scratch cleaning device that provides a quick and convenient way to remove small amounts of unwanted substances from household and automotive surfaces, edges, and grooves where a metal scraper would scratch or damage the work surface. It can be used instead of fingernails and metal tools to quickly clean off small areas of unwanted substances, such as grime, caulk, putty, wax, latex paint, dried food, adhesive stickers, labels and tape. The Scrigit Scraper is two scrapers in one. A rounded tip simulates the scraping shape of a fingernail for scraping off small spots, cleaning curved surfaces, and removing adhesive labels, stickers and tape. The flat-edged tip is best for getting into tight spaces and cleaning off unwanted materials from flat surfaces, edges, corners and door tracks. Two sizes are available made in the USA of a durable plastic resin that easily washes clean and won’t conduct electricity. www.scrigit-scraper.com   Benchtop Mini Variable-Speed Personal Dust Collector Oneida Air Systems introduces its most portable dust collector yet, the BenchTop Mini. Similar to the original BenchTop dust collector, the Mini delivers on-the-go powerful source collection for power tools lacking dust ports, including rotary tools and hand sanders. When placed in close proximity, the BenchTop Mini continuously captures fine dust as it's being generated, preventing the majority of particles from escaping into the shop air. It features high-performance, variable-speed fan motors to provide quiet, powerful, and uniform airflow, ideal for a wide variety of applications and tools, particularly those that produce fine dust such as wood carving and sanders. Analog control adjusts the fan speed to meet the needs of any application, and its slim design offers portability and an easy fit on any workbench. Magnetic side vanes snap on quickly and ensure optimal airflow. The dual-filter system significantly prolongs the lifespan of the internal MERV 12 filter, with economical third-party replacements widely available. Made in the USA, the BenchTop Mini is built to last with a galvanized steel chassis and reinforced rubber handle. www.oneida-air.com     WiseBond Deep Pour Epoxy For the woodworkers out there, WiseBond Deep Pour Epoxy is perfect for creating the popular live-edge river tables, creative wood slabs, and object art-casting projects. This epoxy cures to a crystal-clear, water-like appearance and designed for a long cure to make it easy to work with. WiseBond Deep Pour Epoxy has been engineered to be low-odor, and zero VOC with a slow exothermic reaction to prevent cracking and shrinkage. Powdered colorants, dyes, and alcohol inks can be mixed into the epoxy for amazing special effects adding vibrancy to any river table, encapsulated object, voids, turning projects, custom wood tables or art projects. WiseBond Deep Pour epoxy features a 2:1 mixing ratio and can be used indoors without ventilation or bulky respiration equipment. Each epoxy kit includes a resin (part A) and a hardener (part B). www.wisebond.com   Next-Gen M12   Heated Toughshell   Jacket The Milwaukee M12 Heated Toughshell Jacket is powered by Milwaukee’s new Hexon Heat Technology to stay warmer for longer in all temperatures, deliver the fastest heat-up time, and offer greater heat coverage throughout the garment. Whether facing freezing outdoor temperatures or navigating spaces with minimal heat indoors, this jacket adapts to its environment to deliver effective heat in any condition. Three times more insulation maximizes heat retention and enhances comfort. The hidden battery pass-through pocket allows for front or back battery placement, increasing versatility depending on the situation. It features durable 100-percent stretch polyester fabric and a DWR finish. www.milwaukeetool.com Ryobi Power Carver The Ryobi USB Lithium Power Carver is the industry's first cordless power carver. This carver allows for controlled carving with a 1mm stroke length and 14,000-spm for all your project's needs. This tool is ideal for carving on all types of wood and furniture restoration. The kit comes with three accessories: the Straight Chisel, U-Gouge and V-Gouge. The Straight Chisel is ideal for detailed carving and furniture restoration. Built for clearing large amounts of wood, the U-Gouge features a 1/4-in. blade. Lastly, the 90-degree V-gouge is fit for relief carving and creating detailed lines through different channels. The included USB lithium 2Ah battery features a USB-C port that also charges mobile devices. The carver also features an LED indicator to signal when the battery is charged (green) or has low battery (red) while in use. www.ryobitools.com   Mayhew 2-Piece Mini Heavy Duty Pry Bar Set Mayhew Steel Products’ new 2-Piece Mini Heavy Duty (HD) Pry Bar Set features both a curved and straight pry bar, each with a 3/16-in. blade and measuring 5 inches overall. The handle for each bar is a vibrant green color for quick and easy location of the tools. The set’s compact design makes them ideal for working in tight spaces and providing leverage in close quarters. Made in the USA, the shaft of each tool is made from hardened and tempered alloy steel that runs from the prying edge through the handle for maximum durability and prying power. A black oxide finish helps prevent rust. The ergonomically designed handles provide superior comfort and a secure grip. The tough handles are made from high-tensile strength Nylon 6. www.mayhew.com   Knipex TwinGrip Pliers Two new TwinGrip sizes hit the North American market, a smaller 6-in. and larger 10-in. model round out the assortment. Made in Germany, the original 8-in. TwinGrip Pliers quickly became popular across a wide range of industries. The smaller 6-in. TwinGrip easily grips stripped screws and bolts with front and side gripping capacities of 1/8 to 5/8 in. while the larger 10-in. TwinGrip grips from 3/16 to 1-1/16 inch. All models feature push-button adjustment, allowing users to adjust the tool once and it stays. Other features include a slim head for working in confined spaces, reliable front gripping of flat workpieces due to the three-point gripping system, and a pinch guard. www.knipex-tools.com Zircon StudSensor HD55 Stud Finder   Equipped with an enhanced LCD display featuring a target spotlight, the HD55 StudSensor locates the stud’s edges so you can safely and efficiently secure and anchor mirrors, shelves, cabinets, and anything you need to hang. The HD55 offers two essential scanning modes: StudScan Mode, to locate wood or metal stud edges up to 3/4 inches deep, and DeepScan Mode ,  which doubles the scanning depth to 1-1/2 inches. Zircon makes safety and accuracy a top priority with the following features: WireWarning detection alerts users to live AC wiring up to 2 inches deep. Patented “Over-the-Stud” indication prevents errors by ensuring accurate scanning. The SpotLite Pointer projects a bright arrow-shaped light on the wall to mark the stud edge. The translucent base and Illuminated “V” Marker Groove allow for precise marking. And the patented Pivot Pinch Grip provides a comfortable, secure hold for either hand. www.zircon.com   Craftsman V20 Brushless RP 4.5” Circular Saw Offering more runtime and better performance, the V20 Brushless RP Cordless 4-1/2 in. Circular Saw (CMCS405B) is lightweight and perfect for tight spaces and extended-reach applications. The brushless motor delivers up to 4,500 (no-load) rpm for efficient cutting through various materials. With a 4-1/2-in. blade, you can cut 2x material at 90 degrees, and the saw bevels to 45 degrees to cut 1x at 45 degrees. The auxiliary handle enables one-handed operation and easy use. An auxiliary handle allows for easy use, and an on-board front port can help reduce airborne dust, and a sliding rip fence improves accuracy. For safety, an electronic blade brake stops the blade quickly. www.craftsman.com   Ridgid 18V Subcompact 2-1/2” Bandsaw Ridgid’s new 18V SubCompact Brushless 2-1/2 in. Band Saw (R87040)   pairs powerful brushless motor technology with a compact tool design. This lightweight, ergonomic saw is designed for one-handed use and reduced fatigue when cutting overhead. Users can quickly and precisely cut material like conduit, pipe, rod, strut, angle iron, rebar, PVC and more with speeds up to 580 surface feet per minute and a cut capacity of 2-1/2 inches. The variable speed dial and trigger provide ultimate control and speed customization for any task at hand. The saw features a tool-free blade change and is compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries and backed by the Ridgid Lifetime Service Agreement, for free parts, free service, for life. www.ridgid.com   Werner PK100 LevelSafe Pro Automatic Leveler Upgrade a ladder with the new Werner PK100 LevelSafe Pro Automatic Leveler, which is used to level ladders on uneven surfaces. It can be adjusted up to 8-1/2 inches and comes with mounting hardware, a drill template, and instructions. Transfer the shoes from your existing Werner ladder to your LevelSafe during installation. Level your ladder with precision and convenience. It’s compatible with Werner ladders with 225-lb. Type II duty rating or 375-lb. Type IAA duty rating. The ladder’s duty rating will remain the same upon installation. ANSI tested and OSHA compliant for safety, the PK100 LevelSafe comes with two ladder levelers (one per rail), mounting hardware, template and instructions. www.wernerco.com   WoodRiver   Apron Plane This WoodRiver Apron Plane just might be the handiest plane you’ll ever own. At 4 inches long and 10 oz., it is lightweight and compact enough to tuck into your apron pocket, and quick and easy to use with one hand. The plane’s 20-degree bed angle is perfect for making light and accurate cuts to trim and smooth wood and plastic. This mini plane’s sturdy investment-cast (also known as “lost wax”) 304 stainless steel body and lever cap will be around your shop for a long time. Thanks to thoughtful details like easy-adjust brass knobs, a D2 carbon steel blade, and inset finger grips for a comfortable grasp, this rugged apron plane will become your go-to finishing tool. www.woodcraft.com   Vampliers Screw Extraktor The Extraktor is the most affordable model of Vampliers for the DIY’er, especially designed for screw removal. Intermeshed teeth hold thin metal plates without slippage. Remove stripped, rusted, corroded, stuck, one-side Torx screws, nuts and bolts. The steel is hardened to HRC60±2 (Rockwell standard) to handle tough screws. The serrations in between grips can be used as wire-pullers. The top teeth are intermeshed for a non-slip grip. It features ergonomic elastomer handles for user comfort. www.vampiretools.com   Makita 18V LXT 4‑Speed Impact Driver Kit Makita’s 18V LXT Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver (XDT20) combines power, speed and precision. A one-touch, four-speed power selector button is positioned on the rear of the impact driver, which enables one-handed speed changes (0-1,100/ 0-2,100/ 0-3,200/ 0-3,600 rpm and 0-1,100/ 0-2,600/ 0-3,600/ 0-3,800 ipm), which provides precise fastening control for a wide range of applications. The Impact Driver features Assist Mode (A-mode) which helps eliminate "screw cam-out" and "cross threading" by driving at low speed until tightening begins. It also features two Tightening Modes (T-mode) for use on self-drilling screws in thick or thin gauge metal that help prevent damage to the screw or workpiece. The XDT20 includes reverse rotation auto-stop mode, which stops rotation and impact when the fastener is loosened adequately to help prevent over-loosening and dropped fasteners. Powered by 18V lithium-Ion batteries. Makita 18V LXT batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories. www.makitatools.co m AirShim Pro STEEL Here’s a unique tool for your favorite handyperson. Calculated Industries, the company that revolutionized installation tools with their original AirShim inflatable pry bar, now offers the AirShim Pro STEEL. This innovative device addresses common issues with standard air bags, offering a game-changing solution for construction and remodeling professionals. The AirShim Pro STEEL features a patent-pending PowerLift steel plate on one side that prevents it from folding up around narrow loads and eliminates bouncing during lifts. This unique design allows for stable, controlled lifting of doors, windows, cabinets, and appliances, even with small-footprint loads. Use it with the steel plate side up or down. It’s lab-tested to hold 350 lbs. for an hour without leaking, and it’s gentle on surfaces, reducing the risk of damage. The AirShim Pro STEEL also comes with a larger pump bulb for faster inflation with less effort. Look for it soon at the Home Depot, HomeDepot.com , and on Amazon.com . Visit www.calculated.com   GuardDogg Pickup Truck Headache Rack The GuardDogg Headache Rack shields a truck cab's rear window from damage and provides a mounting surface for lights and other accessories. This easy-to-install rack clamps onto a truck for a quick, no-drill installation. Made in the USA and available in multiple sizes to accommodate 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton pickup trucks, this headache rack is constructed of durable steel and powder-coated to prevent corrosion. Mount lights and other accessories without damaging your vehicle. Secure ladders and other cargo in your pickup bed. www.buyersproducts.com     Side Note Tired of Buying Gifts? Make Some Instead! Laser engraving just got a whole lot easier, quicker, and more portable with the xTool F1 Portable Laser Engraver . Use it anywhere; the xTool F1 has a fully enclosed cover that protects eyes from laser lights and safely contains odors associated with engraving, meeting safety standards. Dual lasers engrave almost all materials—wood, leather, glass, rock, paper, metals and plastics. Cut through up to 8mm of wood and 5mm of acrylic. The user-friendly software works with your smartphone, tablet or laptop. More than 1,000 step-by-step project tutorials, 500+ free images and free design resources are available. As the only woodworking retailer in the U.S. to carry the F1, Woodcraft stores will also be the only place to see on-site demos. “This is one of the hottest tools on the market,” says Beth Coffey, Woodcraft vice president of sales and marketing. “The F1 lets you do more things with more materials. Woodworkers, crafters and makers of all skill levels, including Etsy sellers, love the F1 Engraver System for engraving on the go. The portable machine allows for fast on-site engraving at craft shows, fairs and markets on a variety of materials. Cutting boards, coasters, tumblers, pens, mugs, jewelry and more can be customized in minutes with incredible detail.” The xTool F1 and accessories are available at the 73 Woodcraft retail stores across the country and online at woodcraft.com .

Most waterfalls occur naturally along a river or stream. When mother nature doesn't cooperate, some folks take matters into their own hands to create a waterfall right where they want one. HIR Magazine got the opportunity to visit the construction of a huge, elaborate, 50-foot waterfall with a 17-foot lift built by our friends Caleb and Randy Stephenson at the Laney Building in Birmingham, Alabama. "The Laney Building" is a multi-tenant office building that's a great place to work, with a walking trail, fitness center, locker room, conference rooms, full kitchen, and a lounge. The Laney Building's waterfall project is admittedly a much larger endeavor than most homeowners will attempt, but we couldn’t resist the story opportunity. The amount of earthmoving and boulder-lifting involved in this project required heavy-duty machinery and a skilled operator, but the fundamentals of constructing the water garden remain basically the same as for smaller backyard projects. After locating any underground utilities, mark the layout of the water feature with stakes and spray paint to define the edges and indicate shelves to be excavated. Mini excavators and skid steers are available at rental outlets, but it takes skill and experience to operate one safely and effectively. Catch basins can be covered with a grate to screen out sticks, leaves and other small items from the water circulation. This waterfall utilizes catch basins at the lowest point of the feature. Felt underlayment is installed beneath the pond liner. The filter shown here will be positioned at the top of the waterfall as the return point for the water to flow back downward. The EPDM liner conforms to the shape of the excavation. Caleb Stephenson marks the liner with spray paint to help keep track of shelves and the planned flow of water. To maintain a natural look, boulders were relocated from other parts of the property to shape the edges of the waterfall. The water hose is often sold separately from the pump, so the length can be specified as required for the project. Larger rocks shore up the edges and determine the bulk of the flow. Smaller rocks are used to fill gaps and direct water where it’s wanted. Drainage rock lines the bottom of the stream. Caleb recommends using expanding foam specified for ponds to seal gaps and crevices to redirect the water flow. A project like this offers the opportunity to create lots of channels and ledges for cascading effects along the water path. Now complete, this beautiful new feature looks like a natural waterfall. Contact the Caleb Stephenson at Core Resources: Coreresourcesal@gmail.com / 205-612-9021 Side Note 1 DIY Water Garden Basics Planning to build your own backyard water garden? Check out his article on the basics of construction . Side Note 2 Story of the "With You" Statue The Laney Building serves as the treasury office of the Birmingham Vulcans Rugby Club and is home to the new commemorative "With You" statue dedicated in 2024. The team's namesake Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world, and is the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. The 56-foot tall statue depicts the Roman god Vulcan, god of the fire and forge, with iron-working equipment. The "With You" statue is a miniature version of Vulcan that now marks the Laney Building waterfall. "The phrase 'with you' has special meaning to every rugby player in every country in the world," explains Birmingham Vulcans Treasurer Michael Laney. "On the field, 'with you' basically means 'I’m here if you want to pass me the ball' or 'if you need me to ruck over and protect you after you get tackled.' Off the field, 'with you' means so much more." Laney explains the phrase extends to supporting teammates and the community at large. "I'm proud to be from Birmingham and I love taking visitors to the Vulcan Park and Museum to show it off," says Laney. "I'm proud of how the city gets behind its Birmingham Vulcans (men's), Birmingham Steel (women's), and youth rugby teams. The 'With You' statue is a way to support the non-profit Vulcan Park and Museum, non-profit Birmingham Rugby Club Foundation, and show the community pride from all eleven companies in this building on Valleydale Road." Learn more about Birmingham rugby at: www.birminghamrugby.com www.steelrugby.com

Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a cozy patio, building a water garden can create an enchanting addition to any outdoor space. The sight of flowing water and the sound of cascading falls provide a relaxing atmosphere and a sense of peace that many homeowners enjoy. Water features are often complemented with a variety of plants to create a natural oasis, a beautiful focal point for the landscaping, and even provide a habitat for aquatic life. Whether you want a small garden fountain or a large waterfall pond, this brief guide will take you through the basic steps to create your own water feature, from planning and design to maintenance tips. Planning and Design Consider the size and shape of your location, the amount of sunlight it receives, and any landscaping features. Keep in mind that larger ponds require more maintenance but offer greater biodiversity. Choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and is located away from trees to minimize debris falling into the water. Keep the site near an outdoor ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet and plan the most direct line possible between the house and the pond for the pump’s power cord. Decide on the style of your water garden, whether it's a formal pond with geometric shapes or a naturalistic pond with irregular edges and native plants. There are unlimited possibilities for the size and shape of your pond or water garden, but a capacity of at least 15 to 25 gallons is practical. DIY’ers may want to choose a kit, because the products are already included for a hassle-free assembly, sparing you several trips to the store. Even if you don’t buy a kit, checking out what’s in the kits can often be helpful when matching parts. Remember to check for parts compatibility when buying different brands for the same project. For small water features, consider a container garden, which is essentially a large pot of water that contains aquatic plants. Container gardens are a good way to construct a water garden before committing to a larger, permanent pond.  Preformed rigid pond shells include shelves to hold aquatic plants. The rigid pond liners are available in a variety of sizes and are usually constructed of UV-resistant recycled plastic. Shown here is a preformed liner from MacCourt Products, Inc. Start with a large ceramic pot, a galvanized tub, a wood barrel lined with plastic, or a preformed rigid pond shell which includes shelves to hold aquatic plants. The rigid pond liners are available in a variety of sizes and are usually constructed of UV-resistant recycled plastic. Larger, more ambitious water features can be constructed on a slope or hillside to take advantage of the downhill water flow over excavated shelves, which creates a waterfall effect. Excavation Once you've finalized your design, it's time to start digging. Mark the perimeter of your water garden using spray paint or a rope. Avoid underground pipes, cables, sewer lines, septic fields, etc. Call 811 if in doubt to have the utilities marked. Most small ponds can be dug out with common hand tools—pickaxes, shovels, spades, etc. However, your water feature can be as large as you want, and big projects might require construction machinery. The excavation depth can vary but will need to be at least 18 inches for aquatic plants and fish to thrive. In some communities, 18 inches is the legal depth limit, meaning that if it’s any deeper, some building codes might consider it a swimming pool and require a permit to build it. You’ll have a significant amount of excavated dirt you can use to build up the sides or shoring of the waterfall. If ground elevation allows, incorporate ledges or overhangs along the path of water to create drop points that will make interesting waterfalls throughout the feature. Construct rock walls or shelves around the perimeter of the pond to accommodate different types of plants. Pondmaster Super-Flex is a flexible polyethylene-based pond liner that is half the weight of traditional EPDM liners. Pondmaster liners combine the strength of polyethylene liners with exceptional flexibility to conform to the contours and shelves of the pond excavation. This fish-safe liner is ideal for koi ponds, aquatic habitats, water gardens, waterfalls, fountains and streams. Installation Flexible pond liners require underlayment or a layer of sand to protect the liner from punctures. If using a 3-in. sand bed, you’ll need to add 3 inches to the excavation depth. (A preformed pond container may not require underlayment but should be installed so its bottom rests on flattened and compacted earth.) Install flexible pond liners so there are no wrinkles or folds which could cause leaks. Pond liners are available made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM rubber). These are available in several different sizes, from 7-by-10 to 20-by-25 feet, to accommodate small or large projects. Lap the edges 8 to 10 inches over the edges of the pond, leaving a little extra in case you find a low spot where a leak could occur. Backfill under the rest of the liner and then cover it with soil, mulch, rocks, or plants. Trim back any exposed liner. Flexible pond liners generally require underlayment or a layer of sand to protect the liner from punctures. For in-ground ponds, you can use a wheelbarrow to add topsoil to help create the berm around the back and edges. The berm will help blend the water feature with the rest of your yard. Construct a retaining wall to hold large berms in place. Filtration and Circulation Proper filtration and circulation are essential for maintaining water quality and preventing algae growth. Install a pump to gently circulate the water, which helps oxygenate the water and prevents stagnation. Pump capacities vary according to the volume of the water in your pond. Pumps will require hose long enough to recycle the water as needed throughout the feature. Add a biological filter to remove excess nutrients and harmful bacteria from the water, promoting a healthy ecosystem. Consider incorporating a UV clarifier to control algae blooms by sterilizing algae cells and preventing them from reproducing. Your pond parts will also need to be high efficiency. The pump should turn over the pond’s total gallons of water once every two hours. Research and compare before choosing the parts that are right for your project. Install the pond filtration pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then fill the pond with fresh water. The water feature’s pump should have enough capacity to turn over the pond’s total gallons of water once every two hours. Landscaping and Planting Add the finishing touches to your water garden with landscaping elements and aquatic plants. To blend a naturalistic water feature with the surrounding, landscape pros often recommend incorporating rocks and plants native to the area. Use larger rocks, such as flat flagstones or irregular boulders, as foundational elements to define the ledges and the outside perimeter. Work in smaller stones as transitional elements. Mixing varying shape and sizes of rock can give a look of depth and variation. Plug in the pump and watch the way the water falls over the rocks. Place small rocks on the waterfall stone and move them around, observing the changes in the sound and the splashing. Tweak the path of water until you achieve the desired flow effect. Pro tip: Apply Expanding Landscaping Foam to seal gaps between the stones, the biological filter, and the liner to divert the water over the stones (instead of beneath or between them). Choose a variety of aquatic plants, including submerged, floating, and marginal plants, to decorate your water feature and provide habitat for fish and insects. Place taller plants at the back and shorter plants at the front to create visual depth. Rocks, gravel, or driftwood around the the pond can protect the edges and complete a naturalistic look. Pro tip: If using underwater lights, wrap two or three feet of cord around the base of the light and tuck that into the rocks. This makes it easier to retrieve the light from the water to change bulbs. Building a water garden is a rewarding way to enhance the landscape and create a tranquil retreat in your backyard. Follow these steps and incorporate your own creative touches to have your new water feature flowing nicely for years of low-maintenance enjoyment. For a natural look, define the edges using rocks native to the area. Side Note 1 How To Choose a Pump Does your pump need to send water cascading over a waterfall or run a small fountain? Application is important when selecting a pump. Fountains or “spitters” typically require a smaller pump, but waterfalls require more calculation to determine the required size. UV Clarifiers or pressure filters typically come with a manufacturer’s recommended pump size for optimal use. Check the product manual for recommended pump size but understand that head pressure will also be factor. Water should circulate through the filter at least once every two hours, which means a 1,000-gallon pond needs a pump with a capacity of at least 500 gallons per hour. For fish habitats, professionals recommend doubling the pump capacity to ensure that the water remains clean. Pump size is not only related to pond size. Head pressure and the desired flow rate will also determine selection. Head pressure refers to the friction created when pumping water uphill or over long distances. Flow rate determines how much water moves through the feature over a given time. Measuring Head Pressure: Head pressure is calculated and represented in terms of feet. It’s a combination of the length of tubing and the vertical distance from the water surface to the top of the waterfall. Every vertical foot of distance the return pump moves water equates to 1 foot of head pressure.  The effects of friction on head pressure are more difficult to calculate, but roughly every 10 feet of pipe (horizontal and vertical) through which water is traveling adds 1 foot of head pressure. (Every 90-degree bend also adds 1 foot of head pressure, which is one reason why flexible pipe is preferred.) Therefore, a water feature that is 3 feet tall with 16 feet of tubing would have 5 feet of head pressure. Note that pipe diameter is important when calculating head pressure. For minimum head pressure, use the largest diameter pipe that fits the pump is best.  Measuring Flow Rate: The average amount of water moving over a waterfall is 1,500 GPH for every 1 foot of width. Therefore, a waterfall that is 2 feet wide would need a 3,000 GPH pump. To achieve a heavier flow, calculate your desired flow rate using 2,000 GPH per foot. Pumps are sold with head pressure and flow ratings listed among the product specifications, and you will need to choose a pump that offers the capacity required for your project. Side Note 2 Water Garden Maintenance To keep your water garden healthy and thriving, regular maintenance is key. Here are some essential tasks: 1. Use a skimmer or net to remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and algae from the water surface. 2. Trim and prune aquatic plants to prevent overgrowth, reduce insect infestation, and maintain a balanced ecosystem. 3. Regularly monitor water quality properties such as pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels, making any necessary adjustments. 4. Maintain your filtration system, including cleaning or replacing filter media and checking pump operation. Want to learn more? Check out this project profile on how to construct a waterfall!

If you have an older home or if your energy bill is higher than you expected, you may need to assess how much insulation is in your home. To improve comfort and lower heating and cooling costs, it's essential to know when you're due for an upgrade.   Warning Signs  Uneven temperatures —If temperatures vary from room to room, it could indicate your home may need additional insulation and possibly some air sealing.   Insulation should provide you with consistent temperatures throughout a home, so if you find yourself avoiding certain areas that are too hot or cold, you may need to add to your existing insulation, or possibly replace it altogether.   If you have rooms that remain cold at some points, no matter how much you try to warm the space, it’s likely that heat is escaping through places such as the attic, garage, windows or doors. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks or cracks that might be releasing air from your home.   Walls, floors and ceilings —Unusually cold room temperatures in cooler months can indicate it's time to reinsulate your home, but you can also gauge whether you need new insulation by touching your interior walls, floors and even ceilings. If any of these three places feel cold or moist, it could be an indication that they're not adequately keeping the heat in.   Well-insulated homes in the cooler months usually have warm and dry interior walls, floors and ceilings—meaning heat is being kept inside where it should be circulating. The walls on the outside of your home should feel colder since they’re preventing the warmer inside air from escaping your home.   High energy bills  –Gradually increasing energy bills may be due to poor insulation.   Another possibility is that your heated air is escaping through cracks in the floor, walls, windows, under doors, or even through your roof. In any of these cases, your home's heating and cooling systems will work harder to ensure that you stay comfortable inside, which in turn could raise your energy bills considerably.   Save money (and energy) by performing an audit of your existing insulation and the air sealing of your home. As a house settles, gaps can show up under doors, in the floorboards and around windows. This is true of all homes but is particularly concerning in older houses that may have endured more wear and tear over the years. Apply caulking or low-expanding spray foam to seal leaks around windows. Install weather-stripping and or even new thresholds to tighten up leaky doors. Looking for small voids in these locations may seem insignificant compared to how large your house is, but they can cause a large waste in energy resources and money.   You can also schedule a formal energy audit  at the time of a standard inspection before purchasing a home.   Anything frozen —As a general rule of thumb, if anything is frozen that shouldn't be, you likely have an insulation problem. For example, frozen pipes or "ice dams,” which are essentially icicles that you see trickling down from your roof and gutters during a cold winter, are signs of improper insulation. Not only are ice dams a safety concern and tough to clean out of your gutters, but they may also be a sign that your insulation isn’t as effective as it should be.   If your house is poorly insulated, the heat which rises out of your home through the roof melts the snow that's laying on top of it, creating water that then freezes over again as it falls off the unheated eaves or gutters and into the cold air. The ice dams can cause water to pond on the roof and risk a leak.   Immediate action requires eliminating snow from the roof to stop the formation of ice dams. For long-term and preventative measures, consider increasing the amount of attic insulation to cut down on heat loss. Check that your home meets or exceeds the state requirements for insulation levels.   Three Things to Know before Insulating  Whether you're building a house, renovating a home or simply giving your insulation an upgrade, it's essential to know what to expect. Here are the three most important things to keep in mind:   What type of insulation is best for your home? It all comes down to "R-value,” which has to do with the insulation's ability to prevent heat from escaping. Depending on the weather where you live and the area of your house you are insulating, you may need insulation with a higher or lower R-value.   The higher an insulation's R-value, the greater the insulation power. With this in mind, if you live in an area that has extreme temperatures, hot or cold, a higher R-value will be required to maintain your home's energy efficiency and comfort. You can check the appropriate R-value for your home based on where you live at Energystar.gov . How to Choose the Right Type There are essentially three different types of insulation that you can choose from to insulate your house, each with their own benefits depending on the area of the house you’re using it in.   Loose-fill, also referred to as blow-in insulation, offers excellent thermal control. This is installed with a portable blowing machine and is perfect for covering hard-to-reach areas, typically attics. (The machines are usually available to rent from the insulation supplier.) Blow-in insulation is easy to install in spaces of all shapes and sizes and doesn't require fitting or cutting. This type of fiberglass insulation also reduces sound transmission and is resilient to rotting, mildew and deterioration.   Batts are often used for insulating floors, walls and ceilings. They’re pre-cut for faster installation and are installed piece-by-piece for tight spaces or wall cavities with obstacles such as electrical wires.   Rolls, on the other hand, are perfect for insulating unobstructed spaces or rolling between ceiling joists and can easily be cut to fit whatever length is needed for the project at hand.   The latter two types of insulation are especially useful in significant house renovation or restoration projects, as these jobs often require total wall replacements and starting from scratch. Where Should it Go? Once you’ve decided on the type of insulation you need, you can begin to plan which areas of your home to insulate. Homeowners can save as much as 20 percent on their home’s heating and cooling costs simply by using the correct insulation in each space. Ideally, the whole house would be insulated including the attic, crawlspace and basement.   If you're looking to do a weekend insulation project, the attic is a great place to start. Blow-in insulation will fit those hard-to-reach areas and provide full coverage, while rolls are excellent to use between floor joists and provide quick coverage in those long, open areas. When insulating the attic, it may seem counterintuitive, but it is important to ventilate your house adequately so that moisture doesn't build up. With this in mind, make sure that the various vents in your attic aren’t blocked when installing insulation. This allows moisture to escape and avoids mold from developing.   For new room additions, pre-cut batts are a great choice because they easily fill the cavity of a standard 8-ft. wall by installing one piece from the bag. For different wall heights, rolls may be the better option as you can roll out the product. Simply measure it to the length you need, cut it to size, and then place the one piece of material in the cavity to fill it. Most batts include a paper stapling tab to fasten to the studs. Johns Manville partnered with Company & Cottage to provide insulation for the renovation of a small barn into a hand-crafted cottage near Saugatuck, Michigan. The barn pictured is being remodeled into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with all new appliances and brand-new insulation. Renovating this 1907 barn required starting from the basics to transform it into a livable rental home for summer getaways. Editor’s Note:  This information appears courtesy of Johns Manville. To learn more about home insulation, visit www.jm.com .

(by Valerie Smith) Does fertilizer go bad or lose its effectiveness? What if you have fertilizer left over from last season? Knowing answers to these questions can help you maximize your gardening efforts and avoid waste. In this article , we’ll explore different types of fertilizers, how long does fertilizer last, and essential storage tips to keep your fertilizer from going bad. Types of Fertilizer and Their Shelf Life Granular Fertilizer Granular fertilizers are popular for their long shelf life. If you’re asking does lawn fertilizer go bad in granular form, the answer is no, provided it’s stored properly. Granular fertilizers can last indefinitely as long as they are kept dry and away from moisture. However, if moisture gets in, it can cause clumping, which affects its effectiveness. Liquid Fertilizer Liquid fertilizers are typically more concentrated and faster-acting than granular options but come with a shorter shelf life. Depending on the formulation, liquid fertilizers can last around 5–10 years if kept sealed and stored properly. Once opened, they are more prone to degradation, particularly if exposed to air and moisture. Organic Fertilizer Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure-based options, have shorter shelf lives compared to synthetic fertilizers. Since they rely on natural breakdown processes, they may lose their potency after a year or two. Improperly stored organic fertilizers can harbor bacteria or mold, making them less effective and potentially harmful to plants. Signs That Fertilizer Has Gone Bad Clumping and Hardening (Granular Fertilizer) If your granular fertilizer has absorbed moisture, you may notice that it has clumped together or hardened. This makes it difficult to spread and may reduce the even distribution of nutrients. Clumped fertilizer can sometimes be crushed and used, but in more extreme cases, it may not be salvageable. Separation and Sediment (Liquid Fertilizer) Liquid fertilizers can separate over time, especially if stored improperly. If you notice that the contents of your liquid fertilizer have separated into layers or there’s sediment at the bottom, it might indicate that the product is no longer usable. Shaking the bottle can sometimes resolve this issue, but not always. Foul Odor and Mold Growth (Organic Fertilizer) Organic fertilizers that have gone bad may emit a foul odor or show signs of mold growth. This happens when the natural decomposition process continues beyond what’s beneficial. If your organic fertilizer smells off or appears moldy, it may no longer be safe or effective to use. Factors That Affect Fertilizer Longevity Several environmental factors can influence the shelf life of fertilizer. Here’s what to watch out for: ·        Moisture and Humidity:  Moisture is the primary enemy of both granular and liquid fertilizers. Granular fertilizers can clump, while liquid fertilizers can become diluted or contaminated if exposed to excessive moisture. ·        Temperature Extremes:  High temperatures can degrade certain fertilizers, especially liquid formulations. Freezing temperatures, on the other hand, can cause liquid fertilizers to separate or crystallize. ·        Storage Conditions:  Where you store your fertilizer is crucial. Fertilizers should be kept in cool, dry places, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. A garage or shed often provides the ideal conditions, as long as it’s not too damp or too hot. How to Store Fertilizer Properly Best Practices for Storage To extend the shelf life of your fertilizer, proper storage is essential. Always store granular fertilizers in airtight containers to keep moisture out, and make sure that liquid fertilizers are tightly sealed after each use. Place fertilizers in a cool, dry area, like a garage or shed, away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Labeling and Organizing Organizing your fertilizer stash is another smart move. Label bags or bottles with the date of purchase to help you track how long you’ve had them. Store fertilizers off the ground, either on shelves or in bins, to prevent them from being damaged by moisture or pests. Tips on How to Prevent Fertilizer from Going Bad Preventing fertilizer from going bad can save you money and reduce waste. Here are some key tips to ensure your fertilizers last as long as possible: ·        Inspect Packaging Before Purchase:  When buying fertilizers, check that the packaging is intact and not damaged. This prevents moisture from entering the product before you even bring it home. ·        Use Airtight Containers:  For granular fertilizers, transfer any opened bags into airtight plastic bins or containers to keep moisture out. Liquid fertilizers should always be tightly sealed after use. ·        Keep Fertilizers Off the Ground:  Store fertilizers on shelves or raised surfaces to protect them from potential water leaks or flooding in your storage area. ·        Avoid Overbuying:  Only purchase the amount of fertilizer you’ll need for the season to avoid long-term storage and the associated risks of degradation. ·        Check Expiration Dates:  Liquid and organic fertilizers may have expiration dates. Rotate older products to the front of your storage area so that they get used first, and avoid holding onto products for too long. ·        Periodic Stirring or Shaking of Liquid Fertilizer:  Shake liquid fertilizers regularly to prevent sediment from forming at the bottom of the container and to maintain an even nutrient distribution. Is Expired Fertilizer Still Usable? Granular Fertilizer Even if your granular fertilizer has hardened or clumped, it can sometimes still be used. Crush the clumps and see if they dissolve in water. If so, the fertilizer may still be effective. Liquid Fertilizer For liquid fertilizers, separation isn’t always a dealbreaker. Try shaking the bottle well. If the liquid mixes evenly and doesn’t have an unpleasant odor, it may still be usable. However, if it remains separated or smells off, it’s best to dispose of it. Organic Fertilizer When it comes to organic fertilizers, the risks of using expired products are higher. If it smells foul or appears moldy, it’s better to discard it, as it could harm your plants. What to Do with Expired or Unusable Fertilizer Disposal Methods Improper disposal of fertilizer can harm the environment. If you need to dispose of expired or unusable fertilizer, contact your local waste management facility for guidance. Some areas have specific disposal methods for fertilizers to prevent contamination of water sources. Repurposing Options If your fertilizer is slightly past its prime but not entirely spoiled, consider repurposing it. You can dilute older liquid fertilizer and use it on less sensitive plants or use clumped granular fertilizer in non-critical areas of your garden. Want to learn more about achieving a great lawn? Check out more Sod University tips here  and subscribe to our weekly newsletter . -- This article was written by Sod Solutions Content Strategist, Valerie Smith. To view this article on Sod Solutions website, click here .

A new PVC column-wrap system comes in a range of realistic woodgrain finishes that make attractive decorative columns out of standard lumber posts. A PVC wrap system makes installation easy and saves maintenance in the long term.   “By combining the maintenance-free performance of premium cellular PVC with the warm personalities of natural woods, new Canvas Series Versawrap offers builders, architects and homeowners a wider-than-ever range of creative possibilities,” says  Versatex President Scott Van Winter.     Less Labor “With Versawrap, one worker can snap a beautiful, weatherproof shell around an unfinished wooden post in just a few minutes, instead of cutting and fastening four mitered corners for every column,” says Rick Kapres, vice president sales and marketing. “I’m happy to announce we’re supplying 6 x 6 -in. by 10-ft.  Canvas Series Versawrap in three colors: Kitami, Turner Oak and Natural Amber, with matching accent wraps and base moldings. “With Canvas Series Versawrap, you can install column wraps that give you natural wood charm without the worry of re-staining or refinishing, ever again,” says Kapres. He notes that color-matched touchup kits are available for purchase, plus the wraps are also available in the original solid white. Preparation Always reference local guidelines and be sure to use materials that comply with building codes.   Note that if you’re planning to wrap a new pressure-treated wood post, first allow the post to dry (which may take several months).   Versawrap column wraps are individually packaged in a cardboard sleeve, and the canvas surfaces are folded inward to protect the exterior faces of the wrap. Be careful when handling the individual wraps to prevent damage to the canvas face. Keep the wraps in their original packaging until installation.   All Versatex Canvas Series products must be handled like a stained piece of mahogany, walnut, or any other premium wood and not like dimensional lumber. The laminate boards should never be stored on the ground, asphalt, or any rough surface face down or in standing water.   Boards should be removed by lifting at both ends. Friction between the laminate and the backside of the boards may cause minor markings. (See the cleaning tips below).   Make sure the post you’re planning to wrap is structurally sound and straight. It may be necessary to install thin furring strips, shims, or spray foam insulation (formulated for windows and doors). Be sure the outside dimensions of furred/shimmed strips are no wider than the inside dimension of the Versawrap column wrap.   For Spray foam insulation, spray four 1-in. beads leaving 12 inches at the top and bottom without foam. (The foam will expand and fill in the gaps between the column and the wrap.)   If using shims, attach them evenly to all four sides to maintain equal spacing around the column/post.   Pro tip: For newer posts, the use of spray foam vs. shims can help manage post twisting as it dries.   Installation Test-fit the column around the post before installation. If the locking miter joint is too tight, consider wrapping a piece of 320 grit sandpaper around a paint stick, ruler, or shim and run it through the groove to slightly open the joint.   Use a thin-bodied PVC glue that offers enough cure/working time to be applied in the four joints and wrapped around the structural column/post before curing. PVC glues with solvent work well, provided you apply them quickly. Keep solvent-based PVC glue from contacting the canvas surface because it may damage the laminate. If PVC glue contacts the laminate surface, be sure to clean it off immediately.   Apply the PVC glue into the four joints using a plastic squeeze bottle with a thin, tapered nozzle applicator, like a ketchup bottle or a 5-ounce tube of adhesive. Avoid using thick two-component or single-component adhesives, which will keep the lock-miter corners from fitting tightly together. Remember to apply the adhesive to only one surface of the miter joints.   For the easiest installation, glue the two corners opposite male and female panels, forming a “U”. Wrap the “U” around your post, apply spray foam (if used) and glue the remaining two corners of the wrap. The column panels may need to be temporarily held tightly together by using tape, a strap, or square clamps until the PVC glue cures. Be sure to use only low-tack tape (painters’ tape) and clean off any residue using a recommended cleaner.   Note: Four Versawraps can be glued using one 5-ounce tube of adhesive regardless of column length.   Secure the column wrap to the structural column using stainless steel nails that penetrate through the furring strips (if used) to the structural post.     Cleaning Tips Versatex recommends wiping the material with the recommended cleaner Cosmofen 20 (CL-300.140 by Weiss) and a soft cloth. Avoid the use of abrasive scrub pads like Scotch Brite pads, pumiced-based cleaners, or any solvent like acetone and toluene, which will break down the laminates and dull the surface.   Overview Made of cellular PVC with three pre-mitered grooves, the Versawrap column wraps fold around a structural post and lock together with a friction-fit, locking miter joint. Just apply your PVC glue, fold the wrap around your structural column, and secure in place. This method provides an easy, low-maintenance way to enhance the look of ordinary posts.

SawStop Contractor Table Saw Billed as “the world’s safest mobile saw,” the SawStop Compact Table Saw (CTS) features built-in technology that stops the blade on contact with skin to keep your fingers intact in case of accident. The safety feature works instantly and electronically whenever the blade contacts conductive material. In milliseconds, the 10-in. blade is buried into a metal safety cartridge, stopped cold (akin to the velocity of airbag deployment). The new CTS is smallest, most portable saw in the SawStop lineup, although not exactly lightweight (68 lbs.). Whereas lightweight table saws seem like they’d be easier to carry, in my experience they tend to have vibration and stability issues when operating, so I prefer a heavier, more stable saw such as this one. In this case, the weight seems to come primarily from the AC-powered motor, which is powerful and smooth-running. The saw has onboard storage for the included miter gauge, blade guard, pawls, riving knife and rip gauge. I should note that the CTS is capable of cutting conductive materials—just remember to engage the “bypass mode” so the material doesn’t trigger the safety mechanism. Our test model arrived with a saw stand, and although this one doesn’t come with wheels like some other brands, this one doesn’t need them. The stand is very lightweight and folds up flat, so it’s easy to carry and occupies less storage space than the larger wheeled stands. It provides a stable, sturdy base for the saw when cutting, and that’s ultimately what matters most. The SawStop CTS is a quality-built saw with professional features for the handyman-on-the-go or the DIY woodworker. For those new users who don’t have a lot of power tool experience, the safety feature may prove to be a very sound investment. - M. Weber Bosch 18V Brushless SDS-plus Bulldog This 18V Bulldog delivers on the high expectations of a Bosch rotary hammer, providing an outstanding impact-to-weight ratio and superior performance. The GBH18V-28C 18V Brushless SDS-plus Bulldog 1-1/8-in. Rotary Hammer delivers 2.6 ft-lbs. of impact energy (EPTA) and weighs only 7.3 lbs. without battery. The brushless motor maximizes battery runtime. KickBack Control technology helps reduce the risk of sudden tool reactions in binding conditions, and an anti-vibration system provides maximum comfort. The L-shaped design offers better control for both overhead and horizontal drilling applications. The 360-degree side handle provides a variety of grip positions. The hammer features Vario-Lock to rotate and lock the chisel. This hammer also features Bluetooth connectivity (which connects with a Connectivity Tool Module sold separately), linking the free Bosch Toolbox app on any connected device for easy customization of three different working modes (Auto, Favorite, Soft). - M. Weber WoodRiver Circle Cutting Router Jig Use this WoodRiver Circle Cutting Router Jig to cut circles from 2-1/2 in. diameter to 32-1/2 in. diameter with most any plunge router equipped to accept a Porter-Cable style guide bushing. Instead of bolting the router to the jig using a dedicated bolt pattern, simply install the included precision guide bushing into your router base and lower the router onto the sealed bearing of the circle jig base. Circles can be cut smoothly and easily as the router glides through the cutting motion without tangled cords or dust collection hose. Cutting radius is adjustable through locking the tailstock along the 1/2-in. steel guide rods. - M. Weber E6000 Premium Adhesive The newest product from the makers of E6000 is E6000 Premium , which will bond plastics that other adhesives simply can’t. This unique adhesive formula forms a permanent bond to the most difficult items such as most plastics used in 3D printing, polycarbonate, PVC, ABS, acrylics, polystyrene, fiberglass, etc., while also providing super strength bonds to other materials such as wood, metal, fabric, ceramic, glass, cement, clay and more. E6000 Premium is an ideal adhesive for hobby/crafts, home-improvement/DIY projects, auto repairs, industrial applications and more. E6000 Premium has extreme flexibility, will withstand extreme temperatures, is waterproof, dries clear, is paintable, and is washer/dryer safe. - M. Weber Venom Steel Protective Equipment Venom Steel offers heavy-duty personal protective equipment (PPE) that’s built to last. Products include Rip-resistant Nitrile Gloves , Heavy Duty Barrier Face-masks, and Heavy Duty Beathable Coveralls which are great for paint, cleanup and automotive work. On testing them, the gloves held up with no rips and tears like you get from the cheapies. This also makes them reusable, if you can keep them clean. The Heavy Duty Barrier masks work well too. I’ve done so much cedar work in recent years that I’ve developed an acute sensitivity to that particular dust, but on the job, I still find myself working with cedar. I’ll mask up around it even if outdoors to prevent the asthmatic-like reaction I get from it. It’s nice to find these Venom Steel masks are engineered with 3X breathability, which makes working with cedar more tolerable for me these days. - M. Weber DAP Spray Textures 20-oz. Can DAP offers a new spray texture line for orange peel and knockdown textures. DAP is also introducing a 16-ounce texture repair can for its popcorn texture. Delivering excellent texture match, the new spray assortment provides quick, seamless repairs to wall and ceiling texture in minutes. The new line features an easy, user-friendly spray control grip. It provides strong wall adhesion that resists crumbling when painted due to the thick, sag-resistant formula. With a quick and easy setup time, it also textures and primes in just one step. The spray textures will be available in water-based formulas that feature a 30-minute paint ready time. Orange peel will also be offered in an oil-based formula that is paint ready in five minutes. Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt Coil Roofing Nailer Metabo HPT introduces the new 18V MultiVolt Brushless 1-3/4-n. Coil Roofing Nailer, NV1845DA. With the NV1845DA you can tackle roof repairs, vinyl siding installation, vinyl window installation and smaller roofing projects, such as ridge caps, eaves, and gables, without the hassle of dragging out a hose and compressor just to replace a few shingles. The included vinyl siding adaptor and quick depth adjustment make it easy to install vinyl windows and siding with this versatile tool. The NV1845DA also comes with an 18V 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery with fuel gauge, an 18V/36V lithium-ion battery charger, hex wrench, safety glasses and carrying bag. You can pre-order the new nailer now .

The Home Improvement & Repairs team attended the 2024 National Hardware Show, where an interesting approach to an attic-access ladder caught our eye. We asked about its unique design and met the inventor, Ed Ingalls, CEO of Tri Line Services, LLC, manufacturer of the Safe Step Stairs . Ed explained its origin: He and his wife had moved to a retirement community, only retirement didn’t sit well with him, so Ed launched a handyman business to service the retirees in his new community. “As my customer base grew, people began to ask me to get their holiday items out of the storage space above their garage and put them back after the season,” explains Ed. “I quickly found that at 60 years old, it was not easy to navigate the narrow steps and unstable fold-out ladders. I understood why my customers were asking me to do it for them. “I developed the concept of a set of stairs that were built to the same standards as a regular set of stairs where the run of the step, rise of the step, and angle of the stairs were the same or very similar to what people already navigate and are familiar with. “After several months of thinking about what would and would not work, I came up with a concept for a set of stairs that was simple and did not require expensive motors, cables, switches, or need to be connected to power to operate. I based the idea on a SUV tailgate being leveraged up and held up, yet easily opened and closed by hand.” Ed made some basic calculations and ordered a set of industrial gas shocks that were much larger than those of a SUV. He then drew up the concept of a hinge-and-lever system to hold up the stairs from one end with no cables or other devices impeding the use of the stairs from the bottom to the top. The first step is to assemble the Safe Step Stairs from the kit, which includes all necessary components except for the lumber. “After gathering the materials, I found a weekend where my wife was away and built a set of stairs in my garage, then cut a hole in our garage ceiling that was 22 inches wide and 10-1/2 feet long,” says Ed. “I installed the stairs, and my hinge-and-lever system proved the concept that the stairs could be held from one end and would open and close easily.” “Then my wife came home! She saw the hole and said, ‘I don’t know what you are doing, but you better fix it!’” It took a year for Ed to perfect the geometry and to design the hinge and other components to construct a viable set of retractable stairs. At that point he started the patent process, which is currently pending. Tri Line Services, LLC, brought Safe Step Stairs to market, offering them as fully built stairs including installation in the central Florida market, and now the company offers them sold as a kit across the U.S. and beyond. Pull-down Staircase Makes Accessing the Attic Easier than Using a Ladder Different Design The major difference between the Safe Step Stairs concept and conventional attic access methods is that most available options are ladders, not a set of stairs. Ladders are steep and have narrow and shallow steps or rungs for your feet. The design of fold-out attic ladders necessitates that the climber be on their toes, as only about 3 or 4 inches of depth on each step is available. This, along with the steep angle and typical lack of stability, results in a product that can be difficult and possibly dangerous to climb, particularly as we age. Safe Step Stairs are not a ladder at all but an actual set of stairs that retract to the ceiling with wide and deep steps on an angle, similar to almost all stairs used on a daily basis. Due to the wide and deep steps, users can easily navigate Safe Step Stairs because most of the foot can be firmly planted on each step. Combined with the shallow angle, easily accessible handrails, and an unobstructed pathway, this provides a unique method for easy attic access. The Safe Step Stairs are easy to open with a light pulldown of about 20 lbs. and will stay down. To close them, simply lift them up about two feet, and they will retract to the ceiling and stay closed. The Safe Step Stairs installs between ceiling joists with no need to cut the framing. Installation is a two-man job that requires careful alignment of the staircase. Installation The Safe Step Stairs are designed to install between roof trusses and will require about 10-1/2 feet of unobstructed ceiling access. This means that the orientation of the ceiling framing in relation to the house design might make this attic-access method impractical for some homes, so it’s most appropriate for use in garages, large rooms, and open-concept floor plans. The kit is designed so anyone experienced in the use of general hand and small power tools can build and install the stairs. A comprehensive installation manual is included, and customers have access to several online instructional step-by-step videos. The kit includes every component necessary to build and install stairs except the lumber. The build process usually takes between three and four hours for first-timers, and installation is a two-person job that normally takes three to four hours. DIY installers should take a cue from pro installers and devise a method to lift and suspend the staircase during installation. Pro installers make use of a winch secured to the roof framing to facilitate lifting and adjusting the stairs into position when making the hardware connections. The installation of Safe Step Stairs does not alter the home structurally in any way, and its design does not involve cutting joists or trusses at all. The stairs are installed between the existing joists or trusses, so only the drywall is cut. The standard kit is designed for a 24-inch on-center joist/truss system using 2x6 materials for the joists/truss. Customers often install the stairs in wider or narrower applications with up to 2x12 joists/trusses. Three standard kits are designed to be installed in homes with a floor-to-ceiling height of 7-1/2 to 10-1/2 feet. The kits carry a two-year unconditional warranty on all included components. Once installed, the Safe Step Stairs can be trimmed and painted to match the surrounding ceiling. “I have invented other products and always see a problem as an opportunity to find a solution,” says Ed Ingalls. “So, I set out to find a solution for my customers to be comfortable getting into and out of their attic, no matter what their age.” Find more information at www.safestepstairs.com

Smart homes and smart home products have become popular trends for several generations and show no signs of slowing down. According to Globe Newswire, the global smart home appliances market size is estimated to reach $63 billion by 2030. A smart home is a system in which a home automation system monitors and manages various aspects of the home, including lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and appliances. Rapid advancements in wireless communication and IT infrastructure have made it simple to incorporate home appliances compatible with smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This allows users to remotely manage and enhance the functionality of many home appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Zircon Leak Alert X According to one U.S. housing study, one in 12 homes per year experience a plumbing leak. The costs of water damage from common sources can be devastating in terms of building material replacement, remediation, and disruption. When toxic mold results from extended wet conditions, the time and cost required for remediation can quickly multiply. Water detectors can be placed near or under appliances, plumbing, and at other key locations where leaks or flooding are most likely to occur. Basements are particularly at risk. The detectors produce a loud, audible alarm, alerting occupants to address a leak situation immediately. Even better, sophisticated sensors today can now be connected directly to Wi-Fi networks to deliver email alerts to smartphones. Zircon’s Leak Alert X Smart Water Detector and Leak Alert WiFi devices provide audible, visual, and email alerts when water is detected, warning homeowners of a potential leak. Powered by a 3V lithium battery, the WiFi water detector eliminates the need for a separate hub. The Leak Alert X has an attached 9.8-ft. sensor cable to enable discreet leak detection in areas not typically accessible with a standard sensor. www.zircon.com LIFX Multi-Color Flush Mount Ceiling Light The newest LIFX smart home lighting innovation, the Indoor Integrated LED Flush Mount Multi-Color Smart Wi-Fi Dimmable Ceiling Light, offers 2500-2850 lumens of brightness, innovative visual effects, industry-leading SuperColor technology, and a power consumption of only 47 watts. This streamlined LED ceiling light brings a wider range of lighting experiences into your home within a sleek, minimal footprint, offering an array of lighting effects. Homeowners can choose from a library of exclusive visual effects, such as fluffy clouds, an overhead sky with cosmic meteors streaming past, an invigorating sunrise, or abstract art with shapes that twist and turn. And LIFX’s SuperColor technology offers another level of customization, offering a brightness superiority five times greater than competitors. All these dynamic visual effects are available via the mobile app to set the mood and inspire imagination. www.LIFX.com Glowing Smart Mirrors Integrated lighting can adjust in brightness from ambient light to the main lighting in the bathroom with Duravit’s Glowing Smart Mirrors. They include lighted-temperature variation based on Duravit’s circadian rhythm research. This feature adjusts light temperature based on the time of day; cooler-toned light is ideal for waking up in the morning while warmer tone light is best for winding down at the end of the day. The mirrors are equipped with defogging capabilities to avoid disruption of your daily routine. Different shapes are available to choose from, such as the classic circular shape of the Happy D.2 Plus collection and the organic design of Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha mirror. www.duravit.us SensoWash U With a sleek skirted design and integrated flushing system, the Duravit SensoWash U hygienic toilet features an updated spray wand which provides personalized hygienic cleansing with three settings: Rearwash, Frontwash, and Comfortwash. Users can save up to two individualized flushing profiles and adjust the water intensity, temperature, and spray wand positioning to their liking. The SencoWash U can be controlled by the fixture’s touch buttons, or via the SensoWash remote or app. www.duravit.us Smatrix Pulse Multizone Wireless Controller For new construction, this wireless solution is the first in the North American market to control radiant heating and forced-air heating and cooling in multiple zones throughout a structure. Moreover, the system connects to smart home assistants and can be controlled remotely via an app. The wireless technology means installers don’t have to hassle with the cost and time of running thermostat wires. Regarding setup, no internet is required (which comes in handy with new construction projects where the internet is unavailable). The Installation Wizard in the Smatrix Pulse app walks the contractor through the system setup, saving time and ensuring a smooth installation. The system accurately measures air, surface, and floor temperatures in each zone with embedded operative sensors in the thermostats and optional slab sensors. www.uponor.com Eaton’s Brightlayer Home App The Brightlayer Home app provides an interface to Eaton’s Wi-Fi smart technologies, allowing users to easily view power usage for connected appliances, control connected devices remotely, and make more informed energy decisions. Eaton’s Wi-Fi wiring devices are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, including bilingual voice controls. Once a qualified electrician installs and wires Eaton devices, intuitive, step-by-step guides in the Brightlayer Home app walk the homeowner through setup via mobile phone. Users may choose the types of devices to add through a Wi-Fi connection, such as smart breakers, switches, dimmers, receptacles or fan speed controllers. www.eaton.com Yale Approach with Yale Keypad Yale’s first retrofit smart security solution is available at an affordable price point. The Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi and the wireless Yale Keypad are easy to install on the back of most deadbolts. This solution is billed as “the ultimate do-it-yourself smart lock system for first-time users who typically cannot change their locks.” Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi is a discreet, interior-only smart lock that lets users come and go freely thanks to features like Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock and the ability to control the lock from anywhere with the Yale Access app. This retrofit product requires only a screwdriver and 10 minutes on average to install. Yale Keypad is a wireless accessory that is the companion for key-free convenience when paired with Yale Approach. www.ShopYaleHome.com Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera The TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120 is a full-featured security camera, which offers 2K video, color night vision, intelligent alerts, and built-in spotlights at a budget-friendly price point. Place the camera in your backyard, front door, living room, bedroom, or baby's room for round-the-clock coverage and IP66 weatherproof construction: day, night, rain, or shine. It stores recorded video locally or in the cloud. An embedded 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio connects the C120 to your home network, allowing you to control the camera from your phone and pair it with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can use voice commands to view its video stream on an Amazon Echo Show or a Google Nest Hub smart display. www.tp-link.com

Does water burn? Water vapor fireplaces present a modern take on the concept of home fireplaces. This type of electric fireplace insert powered by water uses ultrasonic technology to create a fine mist that mimics the appearance of flames and smoke. These fireplaces do not produce actual flames, but instead, they create a realistic-looking flame effect using LED lights and water vapor. Unlike traditional models, Aquafire fireplaces utilize water vapor to create stunning 3D flames without generating heat. This unique decorative feature ensures safety by eliminating fire hazards with minimal energy consumption and zero emissions. Whether installed in homes, apartments, or RVs, Aquafire's fireplaces offer a safe, eco-friendly alternative to enhance the look of a living space. Beyond functionality, Aquafire's designs are crafted to complement various interior styles. Each fireplace is customizable in size and finish, providing homeowners with a versatile solution that seamlessly integrates into their decor.   Is This a Plumbing Application?  Aquafire's water vapor fireplaces are not a traditional plumbing application. The units can be directly plumbed to your home's water supply similar to how an ice maker in a fridge is handled. Plumbing the unit is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. The system runs on regular tap water and plugs into a standard electrical outlet. The integration is intended to be simple and convenient, enhancing the fireplace’s functionality without requiring extensive plumbing work. Water vapor fireplace inserts are generally easy to install and use, as they do not require any venting or chimneys, and they can be operated using a remote control. While the Aquafire Water Vapor Fireplace Inserts can be installed via professional installation, the detailed installation guide provides valuable insights for both pro remodelers and DIY homeowners. The unit is designed for user-friendly installation that even an average homeowner can handle. Detailed written and visual instructions (including videos) guide you step by step, with many customers finding the process simpler than assembling Ikea furniture. How It Works Once the insert is installed into the desired enclosure the show, you can add tap water in one of three ways: (1) Connect directly to a tap water source; (2) enable the automatic filling function with the provided tubing; or (3) simply remove the top lid and add tap water manually. Within the mist chamber sits the ultrasonic transducer, AKA the "mist-maker." In the center of the mist-maker is a thin ceramic disc on top of a spring. When powered on, water flows from the water tank at a controlled rate towards the mist chamber, causing the ceramic disc to vibrate up and down at hypersonic speeds separating useful minerals from other molecules and suspending them in a web-like mist. The ultrasonic atomization results in mist, or “vapor,” which is gently pushed with fans from the mist chamber to the top of the unit through the diffuser vent. The vapor is then backlit by a bar (or two in the Pro model) of high-powered LED light strips, creating the patented "dancing water" vapor flame effect. The result is a beautiful, smokeless, eco-friendly water vapor fireplace. Enjoy for up to 20 hours on one fill or unlimited hours when directly connected to a water line.

Here's a step-by-step video showing how we built a table for a kamado grill using Cypress lumber. 'Home Improvement & Repairs' magazine partnered with Southern Cypress Manufacturer's Association    on this fun DIY project. For more information on cypress, visit www.cypressinfo.org .