Installing Cabinet Pulls in 5 Easy Steps

In a depressed economy, most of us can't afford to make home renovations. This makes it very difficult if we want to enjoy a new look - or if we want to sell the house and spruce it up before we do so. One great way to create a quick renovation in the kitchen without spending a great deal is by changing the cabinet pulls or cabinet handles. While costing a small amount, this small change can make a big difference in the kitchen décor. Here is a quick guide to installing cabinet pulls, even for the novice renovator.

Step 1 - Count It All
Before you purchase new cabinet pulls, and invest your money in this project, it's important to know how much hardware you will need. Nothing is more frustrating that realizing you've purchased three extra 2.5 inch cabinet pulls and now have nothing to do with them. Make sure to thoroughly count every cabinet, drawer, door and closet where you hope to install new cabinet pulls. Have someone else in the house double check your numbers as well.

Step 2 - Measure It Out
Now, it's time to measure the distance between the center of the screw holes to know what size cabinet pulls you'll need. The easiest way to do your renovation project is to purchase new cabinet pulls that are the same size the old ones were. Why have to close up holes and drill new holes, if you can simply find the same size 12 inch cabinet pulls or 3.5 inch cabinet pulls to fit the existing space? Once you know the exact size of your space, you'll be able to shop for the inch pulls by size, making it a much easier and smoother purchase and installation.

Step 3 - Let's Shop!
Now, the fun begins. Once you know which size inch pulls you need, you can have fun shopping for a new look. If you're shopping for your own renovations, then think about the cabinets that you already have and make sure to match the new cabinet pulls to your existing colors and style. If you're hoping to sell the house, then consider purchasing brass cabinet pulls or satin nickel cabinet handles, as these will catch the eye of the potential buyer.

Step 4 - Out with the Old, In with the New
Once your cabinet pulls arrive, you're ready to begin the installation process. Remove your existing cabinet pulls using a screwdriver to dislodge the screws. If the screws aren't budging, try putting some W-D40 or Goo Gone on the screw heads. Let the substance dry and then try again. This should work to dislodge the screws. Now, install the new cabinet pulls in the same location where the old pulls were. Take a new screw and place it in the existing hole, starting from the inside of the drawer. Using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, turn the screw through the hole and into the hole of the new cabinet pull. Take a look from the front of the drawer at your new hardware. If you like the look and fit of the 2.5 inch cabinet pulls you've purchased, you can tighten the screws and place the cabinet pull into place.

Step 5 - Other Tips
If you plan to paint or refinish the cabinets, drawers or doors as part of this process, make sure to do so after you've removed the old cabinet handles and before you've installed the new ones. This will ensure that you cover the entire surface with the new paint or refinishing and it will ensure that your new hardware doesn't get painted on or ruined.

You're ready to host a T.V. show about home renovations! You've successfully installed your new pulls - whether they were 3 inch cabinet pulls or 8 inch cabinet pulls - and you can bask in the glory of a job well done. Now, you're ready to admire your work for years of great use - or to sell the house at its true value.

Romi Sussman has written dozens of articles offering easy home renovation tips for the kitchen, bath, and bedroom. She is partial to her 2.5 inch cabinet pulls and loves their stately appearance.

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Tags: Installing, Cabinet, Easy Steps

Choose Wire Closet Shelving For Your Closet Remodeling Project

Wire closet shelving is the most popular and dependable type of closet organization. Almost every household finds it be the perfect home improvement solution for their shelving needs because of its wide availability and reliability. Most pantries, bedroom closets, garage storage composed of wires. It is also considered as the least expensive of all.

Due to its simplicity, it can be easily constructed in no time by most homeowners. Unlike the wood closet shelving, wires do not require much construction knowledge. It is also very easy to reorganize or re-install in case you are always on the move.

Wires are probably much more abundant than wood because its accessories are easy to find. You might be having second thoughts of utilizing this because of the fear of creasing your beloved clothes. Do not worry; you can easily solve this by using shelf liners. These liners not only prevent wrinkles but also protect your clothes from dust.

Wire closet shelving is not only advisable for bedroom closets but also for a garage or patio since you can easily look at the items in the rack without the need to look at them very closely. Tested and proven by its users to be the most cost effective. Wire closet shelving does not require much budget unlike wood closet shelving. It is affordable, dependable, versatile and the most available shelving system.

Implementation is not very complicated, you just need to hang the wire racks and wires in your current closet that's what makes it very appealing and a strong choice to many family's that wants an affordable, effective and versatile shelving and closet organization system. If you are always moving or constantly looking to expand your closet without too much hassle on planning or designing, then wire closet shelving is the right choice for you and your family.

Our site provides information on bedroom closet organizers, walk in closets and various other types of closet designs. Let us provide all your storage information. By Naomi Smith

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Tags: Closet, Remodeling, Wire

How to Build a Closet Organizer Without Spending a Small Fortune

The times have made it impossible to keep up with all the clutter we seem to collect. Even when you clean there is still clutter around, which still makes it look messy. The computer is buried under paperwork, research material, and reference books. The closet swallowed the new outfit you just bought. Finding anything has become a search and rescue mission. It is time to build a closet organizer.

It is not as hard as it sounds. There are certain steps you must take. Do them in the order listed and you are on your way to a clutter free space. Take a deep breath and get motivated.

The first thing you must do is get the dimensions of the chosen closet. This means each wall, the height, and depth. You will want to know how much room you have to work with. Draw it out on graph paper to get the dimensions to scale.

The simplest closet organizer to build is a unit with two tiers for hanging clothes, a couple shelves, and maybe some storage bins. You will want to go from the door to the back wall in a deep closet. For the shallow coat closets you need to go from side to side. The same design can actually be used for both.

Once you have a design plan, you need to buy the material. Remember when figuring linear board feet you should add 10% for cuts. It is smart to buy a board or two extra just for those times you cut a board too short. If you need help deciding how much material you need, ask the service desk for help. This is what they are there for.

You will need shelf supports along the wall to hang your shelves from. These should be 84" from the floor in a closet with an 8 foot ceiling. This will give you ample space to store things on the top shelf. Be sure to uses drywall anchors to install these boards. You do not want this unit pulling out of the all. Measuring down from the first set of supports, install the second set if you want another shelf. A good guide would be 8 to 12 inches down from the first.

A central shelving unit can be formed by measuring from the bottom of the last shelve to the floor. Cut two side panels the appropriate length. In this case of two shelves the measurement should be 72" to 76". It is always advisable to measure twice and cut once. After you cut the sides check for fit. If they are too long, trim off the excess. Be careful not to take too much off. You will want to cut four boards to use as the center shelves. These should be 1 foot in length. Screw the sides to the center shelved using 2 1/2" wood screws. Nails tend to loosen after time. Wood screws will hold the shelves secure. Place the center shelving unit where you want it to be. Because this is a free standing system you do not have to anchor it to the wall.

You will need to buy hardware to hang the dowels. You will need 6 brackets for the dowels to hang from. Remember you will want clearance for the hanger. The brackets should be placed 2 to 3 inches below the lower shelf. This will be for the upper dowels. The lower dowel brackets need to be 38" above the floor. Slip your dowel rods in.

That is all there is to it. You now know how to build a closet organizer. Once it is done the closet will look clean and clutter free.

Not sure which closet organizer is the right one for your closet? No problem, explore inexpensive closet organizers by visiting http://www.bestclosetorganizerguide.com a popular closet organizing site that provides tips, advice and resources on organizing small closets that always seem to have stuff thrown into them.

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Tags: Closet, Spending, Fortune, organizer

What Types of Closet Organizer Systems Can I Get?

Have you gotten to the point where you frustration is at an all time high and you cant take the clutter any longer? When that happens and your disorganized house becomes a complete mess you have to take action and get it under control. We tend to throw things in the closet and worry about cleaning them up later. Procrastination is an ugly nemesis and sometimes you gotta take the bull by the horns and get organized so that it does'nt take you an hour to find that particular pair of shoes or shirt. That's when closet organizer systems become your best friend and I am gonna go over a couple of systems to help you regain the control you once possessed in your cluttered room.

There are several types of closet organizer systems on the market you can purchase and implement on your own. You can also have a closet system custom built online to your specifications and requirements to help enhance your existing closet space and utilization. Everything from walk-in, reach-in and linen closets. Too often we have a lot of wasted space in our closets and closet organizers can help better utilize that space. The do it yourself closet systems do require some technical expertise and handyman skills to install so if you are not good with tools and a measuring tape you better hire someone to install for you.

There are some brand name closet organizers as well such as Rubbermaid closet organizers. They feature a rod and track system mounted to the wall for easy adjustment of height and length to accommodate any size closet. This closet system is ideal for reach in closets that need a bit of organizing on a fixed budget. Rubbermaid is a household name and make good reliable products. If your going to purchase a Rubbermaid closet system be sure to add the necessary accessories they have to offer so you can best utilize your wasted closet space.

Kohlcraft also makes closet organizer systems and specialize in wire baby closet organizers for your home. Solid Wood makes reach in and walk in closet systems for every type closet and they come highly recommended by many interior designers. If your going to go with a custom closet design be sure to look for great reviewed products and reliability. Quality craftsmanship is your number one priority when dealing wood working and stained materials.

for more tips on which type Closet Organizer to go with check out shop closet organizers

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Create an Elegant Headboard With a Closet Door

I can't believe how many homes I go in where I see no headboard on the bed. Headboards have a solid purpose and that's not only to anchor the bed in the room visually, but to allow pillows to have a resting surface. They can be simple or ornate, the choice is yours but here's an easy way to create one.

Use a door! A door you say? Yes! Choose a closet sized door rather than a standard wall door. Plain or fancy, either will work but I prefer solid doors with recessed panels to give more architectural detail to the piece I'm about to create. You will find that closet doors also tend to be less expensive allowing for more quality in the piece for the same money.

1. Get measurements for the legs by measuring from the floor to the top of where you want your headboard to come up to on the wall, minus 2 inches. (This is so that the leg rails do not show above the head board).

2. Measure the distance between the rails on your bed frame.

3. Divide the measurement of your bed rail frame distance by two.

4. Find the center on the top of your door/headboard and mark it with a pencil.

5. Measure outward from that center mark, the 1/2 distance measurement you just took for the rails and place a mark. This will be the exact place the center of your legs will attach.

6. Cut legs out of 2x4's. Attach to the back side of the head board with wood screws to secure. Use a carpenter's level to make sure they are attached squarely.

7. Prime and paint the door and legs a neutral color and allow to dry completely.

Now the creative brain can kick in and really have some fun! Try these fun and easy ways to decorate your new head board.

Stenciling:
Border the outside edges of the door with a vine border then add floral designs to the recesses. I especially love doing this to a headboard that is painted deep brown or black as the design shows up so beautifully and it set off by the rich background.

Faux Finishing:
Paint the door then create granite or marble effects in the recesses. Even blended sponge painting can be gorgeous, and then paint the outside edge a contrasting color.

Raised Plaster Stenciling:
Add a border design to the outside edges, then a raised plaster central stencil design with joint compound to the insets. Let the joint compound dry for 48 hours before applying paint over the surface so that you do not to loose any of that beautiful raised detail.

Using the same color paint as you used for the door surface, paint over the design and allow it to dry to seal it completely. Apply a color wash of translucent wall glaze mixed with a darker, coordinating color over the design and wipe away the excess to reveal a much more detailed version of the design.

Cast Ornamental Plaster from a mold:
Any mold designs can create the most elegant and unique headboard. Molds are easy to use. Simply lubricate the inside of the mold by brushing lightly with mineral oil then fill the mold with mixed plaster of paris. Allow the plaster to set, remove the piece from the mold and let air dry completely.

Cast and arrange your molded pieces in the pattern desired then attach to the door with joint compound as the adhesive. Let dry 48 hours then paint and color wash as described above in the raised plaster stenciling paragraph. The look of cast plaster on your head board is so beautiful and appears to be carved right in to the head board. What an expensive look!

To finish your headboard, seal your design with a clear, non-yellowing sealer.

To attach the head board to the bed frame:

1. Stand the headboard up against the bed and mark a hole for each of the holes in the bed frame mounting bracket (standard with all metal bed frames).

2. Use heavy duty metal screws and purchase matching wing nuts.

3. Drill pilot holes for each screw hole you marked the same diameter as the screw and drill all the way through the leg.

4. Attach the headboard legs to the bed frame by inserting the screws all the way through the back of the legs and the bed frame then attach a wing nut and secure tightly.

© Victoria Larsen 2009. All Rights Reserved

Victoria Larsen is a professional wall stencil designer and interior specialist. Her products and ideas have been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Women's Day, Craft Trends, Creating Keepsakes, Rubber Stampin Retailer and Memory Maker magazines and The Wall Street Journal. Victoria's website features ideas, techniques, stencils and ornamental wall molds for easy and beautiful home decorating.
Visit Victoria on line at http://www.victorialarsen.com
"Decorating with Class on a Budget" Blog: http://victorialarsen.typepad.com

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