DIY Builds
DIY Builds
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh
Although there are many myths about their rusty hue, early-day barns were painted red out of convenience and frugality. One belief is that barns are red so a farmer's cows can find their way home, but if so, that's a failed strategy cattle are colorblind to the colors red and green .
Plastic bins are a practical choice for storing clothes because they're easy to handle, stack well, and are good at keeping moisture and bugs out...
Read More »
Converting your shed into a living space can run from $1,500 up to $30,000, depending on the following factors: Material cost. Labor. Cost of...
Read More »
The image of a quaint red barn against green grass is as American as apple pie, but where does the tradition come from? Although there are many myths about their rusty hue, early-day barns were painted red out of convenience and frugality. One belief is that barns are red so a farmer's cows can find their way home, but if so, that's a failed strategy cattle are colorblind to the colors red and green . Others believe the popularity of red barns came from copying Scandinavian farmers, who painted their properties in rusty hues so that they would appear to be made of brick, a material they considered to be a sign of wealth. But barns weren't originally red in fact, they weren't painted at all. The early farmers that settled in New England didn't have much extra money to spend on paint , so most of their barns remained unpainted. By the late 1700s, farmers looking to shield their barns' wood from the elements began experimenting with ways to make their own protective paint. A recipe consisting of skimmed milk, lime and red iron oxide created a rusty-colored mixture that became popular among farmers because it was cheap to make and lasted for years. Farmers were able to easily obtain iron oxide the compound that lends natural red clay its coppery color from soil. Linseed oil derived from flax plants was also used to seal bare wood against rotting, and it stained the wood a dark coral hue. Farmers also noticed that painting their barns with the homemade paint kept the buildings warmer during the wintertime, since the darker color absorbs the sun's rays more than plain, tan wood. So red paint spread in popularity due to its functionality and convenience, becoming an American tradition that continues to this day.
Here are a few ideas for woodworking projects that sell. Wooden signs. Wooden pallets. Kitchen products. A cutting board. Furniture. Surfboards....
Read More »
The best concrete thickness for a shed tends to be 4 inches which is the standard size used for most residential concrete patios, walkways and...
Read More »
A minimum installation depth of 450mm underground is typically recommended for best practice. This increases to 600mm in locations where there is a...
Read More »
Leaving your bike outside in the weather can cause your bike to rust, get water in components that shouldn't. The paint will fade, and even cause...
Read More »
Some of the best businesses to look to for free pallets include: Hardware stores. Construction sites and builders. Small garden shops. Furniture...
Read More »
Concrete makes a great base for keeping your floor level, clean, and easy to remove any new dirt or debris. Concrete flooring is best for:...
Read More »