While you could buy a simple portable kettle grill to heed the call of the charcoal, there’s something alluring about a built-in masonry grill. These structures not only accent the patio, providing a focal point and creating a gathering spot, but also are ideal for feeding a crowd because they typically have more grilling space than your standard-size rollaway. Plus, they’re durable and weather resistant, don’t need to be stored, and have a warmer feel than outdoor kitchens glinting with stainless-steel surfaces....

Many of us envision fluffy pink fiberglass when we think of insulation. But insulation actually comes in many forms. Understanding the advantages and limitations of different insulation types will enable you to choose the right products, whether you’re dealing with new construction or planning an insulation upgrade. How It Works All types of insulation have an R-value rating, and the “R” stands for resistance to heat flow. Heat transfer can occur through conduction (the way a frying pan gets hot on the stove), convection (the natural process of hot air rising above cooler air), and radiation (objects absorbing heat from a heat source like the sun or a radiator)....

Specifically discussing Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’, Miscanthus ‘Adagio’, switchgrass, and Hakonechloa grass, Jenn points out their characteristics and shares what other plants she likes to pair them with. She also explains where the plants thrive and how to maintain this plant. Foundation Planting Ideas How to Maintain Ornamental Grass Resources Jenn discussed a variety of ornamental grasses, including miscanthus “morning light,” miscanthus “adagio”, panium vergatum “purple tears,” and hakonechloa “Japanese forest grass....

Long Island is known for its beaches and state parks, including Jones Beach State Park, Fire Island, and Montauk Point State Park. It’s the longest and largest island in the contiguous United States and houses nearly 40% of New York’s population. It’s relatively close to Manhattan and the Bronx and comprises four counties—Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk—all areas that require pest control services. If you live on Long Island, you have several options for pest control....

Steps for building a movable kitchen island Tools

Here we show you different dormer window styles that can add the perfect accent to your home. Dormer Window Ideas Double Hung Peeking out from a slate roof, this dormer features two double-hung windows, a style named for the fact that the top and bottom sections each move up and down. Double-hung windows are popular where houses don’t have air conditioning because they can be opened part way at the top and at the bottom....

According to international code standards, interior doors (the ones that allow passage from one room to another) are required to be at least 80” in height and 32” wide. To make your doorway accessible, a 36” door is ideal. Closet doors, on the other hand, do not have the same code requirements and come in a range of sizes. Because doors come in different sizes, the door may need to be trimmed or modified to fit the opening....

When you’re renovating, there’s one pesky thing that always stands in the way of creating the home of your dreams: the budget! Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and while creating a budget and sticking to it is important, know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve great style. It’s all about spending smart—and knowing which upgrades are going to deliver the most value in the long run and make the most impact....

Host Kevin O’Connor speaks with Rosemary Thorton, author of The Houses That Sears Built, and Avi Friedman, author of Pre-Fab Living, about this then-groundbreaking concept. How did the kit home answer a booming need for affordable and modern housing? And why did their popularity disappear? And is there a place for a modern kit home today as we face yet another housing crisis? Subscribe and listen to Clearstory on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts....

Maybe you’ve been attending pool and spa shows, looking at all the models and options available. Before you get too far along your buyer’s journey, there are a few things to figure out, like if you need a permit, where you’ll locate the tub, and if you need to hire someone to install it. If you plan to add a hot tub to your backyard oasis, these how-to instructions will help you get started....

What is Brick Made of? Regardless of the type of brick chosen, the main ingredient is clay. Clay is unique to the area from which it comes, causing bricks from different regions to consist of different colors. Bricks made in the southeast tend to use red clay, causing the bricks to be a very prominent shade of red. Bricks further west, such as the Milwaukee area, use yellow clay, creating the lighter yellow and beige-colored brick buildings prevalent....