Outdoor Security Lighting: How to Plan and Install It Safely
Plan outdoor security lighting around entries and dark spots, pick fixtures and ratings, and learn which installs are DIY and which need an electrician.
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Articles by Home DIY Online Editorial Team
Paint Sheen Guide: Which Finish for Each Room
Pick the right paint sheen for every room: flat for ceilings, eggshell or satin for living areas, semi-gloss for trim, with brand gloss-unit data.
Pegboard Organization: How to Install and Lay Out a Tool Wall
How to choose, install and lay out pegboard so hooks fit and the wall holds, with hardboard vs steel panels, stud fastening and layout ideas.
Wall-Mounted Storage Ideas: Rails, Cabinets and Shelves That Hold
Wall-mounted storage ideas beyond basic shelves, with published load ratings, stud and anchor rules, and how to fasten rails, cabinets and shelves.
Garage Storage Ideas: Wall, Ceiling and Shelving Systems That Work
Garage storage ideas for walls, ceilings and shelves, with manufacturer load ratings, safe anchoring and chemical storage rules from EPA and CPSC.
Aluminum Wiring in Houses: Risks and Repair Options
How to tell if your home has aluminum branch wiring, why its connections overheat, and the three repairs CPSC approves, all done by an electrician.
Wall Repair Before Painting: How to Patch Holes, Cracks and Dents
How to patch nail holes, dents, cracks and larger drywall damage before paint, which compound to use, and how to prime the repair so it does not show.
How to Choose and Install Modern Light Fixtures
Choose a modern light fixture by type, rating, bulbs and weight, then swap it safely: breaker off, wires proven dead, box checked, and when to call a pro.
Accent Lighting: How to Highlight Your Home's Best Features
Learn what accent lighting is, which fixtures to use for art, walls and architecture, how to aim them, and what bulbs to buy, with safe install tips.
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed: Step-by-Step Guide
Build a raised garden bed: pick a sunny spot, keep it 3 to 4 feet wide, choose rot-resistant lumber, assemble, level, fill with topsoil and compost.
