DIY Builds
DIY Builds
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However, if you have a project in a high-humidity area, you must use or create water-resistant MDF, or the material will start to disintegrate if consistently exposed to water and damp conditions.
Cinder blocks may last up to 80 years if maintained properly, compared to the lesser average age of wood frame houses. Both cinder and concrete...
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If you've been wondering is it cheaper to build your own shed, you'll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to...
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Medium density fiberboard, or MDF, is a highly versatile, inexpensive wood product that has many applications, including shelving, cabinetry, furniture and moulding. Made from heat-pressed recycled wood fibers and resin, it is available in laminate, veneer and paint finishes, is very strong, easy to work with, and is less likely to tear and chip. However, if you have a project in a high-humidity area, you must use or create water-resistant MDF, or the material will start to disintegrate if consistently exposed to water and damp conditions. While it should never be used outdoors or in an application where it’s regularly exposed to water, there are two approaches to “waterproofing” MDF so it can withstand moisture in high humidity areas: use ure Resistant (MR) MDF or make it water-resistant yourself. It should be noted that whichever method you use, MDF is moisture-resistant, not water-resistant, nor waterproof, and is still prone to swelling and warping if in direct contact with the elements. The first and easiest approach is to purchase MR MDF, which is designed to work well in interior applications where moisture is a concern. Compared to the standard MDF, moisture-resistant MDF is still easy to sand and mill, takes well to most adhesives, veneers and paints, but is made with a moisture-repellent resin. It’s ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and boiler and laundry rooms, and while a bit more expensive than standard MDF, the moisture-resistant feature makes it well worth the investment. You can also create waterproof MDF by adding a high quality wood sealant, varnish or stain or moisture-resistant paint so that your project can withstand threats of moisture and humidity. Do not use waterborne polyurethane, as it may not bind readily to the MDF’s surface. You will need to start with a latex primer, or a primer designed specifically for MDF. Use a 3/8-inch paint roller to apply the primer, and a paintbrush to reach into any areas that can’t otherwise be reached. Let the primer dry for six hours. Step two is to apply the sealant or water-resistant paint, using a 3/8-inch roller. Use a paintbrush to paint the corners and edges. This layer should take about four hours to dry. Step three is your final layer of paint or sealant; allow a drying time of at least three days to make the MDF moisture-resistant.
Gravel is the best shed foundation, especially for portable buildings that come with a wood floor. Concrete is the ideal foundation for a garage or...
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Foil does not work by preventing the conduction of heat as other insulators do. It works by reflecting radiative heat back towards the source. So...
Read More »Pressure-treated plywood is chemically treated to prevent insect damage and to protect against rot, and it can survive outside without added protection if exposed only to average amounts of water like an occasional rainstorm or garden hose.
Pressure-treated plywood is chemically treated to prevent insect damage and to protect against rot, and it can survive outside without added protection if exposed only to average amounts of water like an occasional rainstorm or garden hose. Damage occurs with submersion of the wood in water or its use as an exterior material in very wet environments. Manufacturers can apply a water-resistant finish that will reduce the risk of warping and rot when the plywood is in or on the water. The finish may extend the life of the material, but it is not a permanent solution. The problem is the voids in the wood caused by naturally occurring grooves and holes. Water can enter these voids and cause the wood to rot from the inside. Another concern with submerging pressure-treated plywood is the risk of chemicals leaching into the water. In the past, the chemicals used to treat the wood were arsenic and copper. Arsenic can accumulate in the tissue of fish and other animals, and high levels of copper are toxic to marine life. Today, many brands of plywood still use copper, but not arsenic. However, studies have been unable to produce any conclusive evidence that the level of the chemicals in the wood is enough to cause serious health risks to nearby marine life. So it is still legal to use pressuretreated plywood in docks and other structures in the water in Florida. Although, it is still not the most efficient material for this purpose. A better type of use for basic pressure-treated plywood is in yards that are not overly wet or directly against waterways. Use pressure treated plywood to build decks, steps, and picnic tables. The wood is also safe for raised-bed gardens and children's playsets.
Cover the surface you want to insulate with foil. Make sure there is a small air gap on both sides for maximum performance. Overlap at the edges...
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A great place for a man cave is the basement. The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level...
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You can build a garage or outbuilding on your property without planning permission as long as it's of a reasonable size – no higher than 4 metres....
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These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
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What Type of Roof Is the Strongest? A metal hip roof offers the most durability of any common roofing design. Because hip roofs have an inward...
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