Rice County Fall Home and Garden 2019

RICE COUNTY

Fall Home & Garden SEPTEMBER 2019

Faribault Daily News | Northfield News

Storage/display opportunities: In furniture, along walls and in hidden places

(Metro) Finding more space to store and display all the ‘stuff ’ used for day-to-day living, as well as life’s pleasures, can be an adventure that ends with everything in its perfect place.

Woodcraft can help you with a few ideas to kick-start your space hunt and then suggestions for tools and supplies to make your storage projects successful.

Small tables with enclosed storage underneath, chests and trunks that provide seating, benches with built-in storage, beds with built-in space underneath or in the headboard, and kitchen islands with concealed nooks are all options to manage ‘stuff.’

In the kitchen, add drawers to the space (toe-kick) beneath lower cabinets to store rarely used items. Shelving and bookcases, either built-in or freestanding/open or enclosed, will transform unused wall areas or sections of large closets into instant storage for a wide range of items. Nooks cut out of the wall and covered by pictures offer one of many concealed storage options that also include nooks or drawers in the sides of enclosed staircases.

The ideas for storage and display projects are endless and can be found through Internet searches and on Woodcraft.com in books like ‘Stanley Built-Ins & Storage’ by David Schiff, in the

Woodcraft blog, and in free vidFor projects that require eos and articles. using nearly invisible fasteners, the industrial strength Grex Plan for Painting Up Front 23-gauge Headless Pinner leaves ‘When choosing where only the tiniest of entry holes, to develop storage and display making it ideally suited for finspace, you have the opportu- ishing work, detailed woodnity to rethink the colors in working, light wood assembly, rooms where changes will be decorative trim, dowel and joint made,’ Woodcraft Public Rela- pinning, and picture frame astions Manager and blogger Lori sembly. To provide air pressure Harper said. ‘By using paint in for the pinner, Rolair’s JC10PLUS building, buying or repurposing Compressor is a good choice. storage pieces, you can change The oilless machine features a 1 or supplement an existing color HP, single-stage, two-cylinder palette.’ motor/pump and a stainless steel Woodcraft stocks a wide reed valve that runs on low RPM selection of finishing and paint for optimum quiet operation. products, including the versa- Building drawers is easy with tile General Finishes Milk Paint, the Kreg Drawer Slide Jig that General Finishes Flat Out Flat supports drawer boxes while Topcoat, Black Dog Salvage Fur- mounting slides to the drawer. niture Paint, and Black Dog Sal- The jig works with ball-bearing, vage Guard Dog and Show Dog epoxy-coated, and undermount Topcoats. slides for perfect positioning every time. Whether you’re boring Building Made Easy shelf pin holes in a new enterPocket-hole joinery is a tainment center or adding adquick, easy way to join wood justable shelving in an existing pieces for building projects. Kreg cabinet, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig makes it simple with a pocket- will help you get the job done hole jig for every application to quickly and accurately. The Kreg create very strong joints. Check Cabinet Hardware Jig makes it out Festool’s CXS Compact Drill easy to install knobs and pulls on Driver Set for drilling pocket drawers and doors. holes and adding pocket screws, as well as handling other day- Shortcuts & Safety to-day drilling and driving chalTo save time when building lenges with comfort. Tight spac- drawers, check out the Readyes, dark spots, and corners are no to-Use Prefinished Birch Drawer match for it.

Sides at Woodcraft.

This travel trunk from the 1970s is now a reimagined family heirloom storage trunk that fits well into any room.

For some really made-to-order storage units, use WoodRiver Cubby Cube Connectors. Available in three configurations Ñ cross-brackets, T-brackets or L-brackets -these handy connectors allow for quick and easy construction of multiple cube storage using 3/4”-thick material

in any size you need.

Protect your ears while using power tools with ISOtunes Professional Noise Isolating Earbuds - OSHA-approved hearing protection and Bluetooth technology so you can connect to a smartphone and listen to music.

If protection is all you need,

consider the Pyramex BP 3000 Banded Earplugs.

To learn more about these and other products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.Woodcraft.com.

PAGE 2

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Prevent growth of mold/ mildew in colder months (Metro) Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but unhealthy. These fungi grow readily in damp areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside. If left unaddressed, mold and mildew can threaten the health of a home’s inhabitants.

Mildew is a type of mold that remains relatively flush with the surface it grows on. Other molds can grow puffy in appearance. Molds serve the purpose of destroying organic materials, but in high amounts, these microorganisms can cause respiratory problems, sinus congestion, throat irritation, headaches, and other issues, particularly when mold grows unchecked indoors, says Better Homes and Gardens.

As a result, it is essential to address mold before it becomes problematic.

According to Polygon, a drying technology and temporary climate solutions company,

How to level an uneven yard

the wet season in winter is when molds often grow and expand.

Mold can break down the integrity and strength of the surfaces where it grows.

Homeowners can employ the following strategies to prevent mold growth.

• Keep all surfaces clean, using proper cleaning products.

Diluted bleach solutions are highly effective at killing micro-

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scopic fungi, viruses and bacteria.

• Reduce moisture and humidity by ensuring sufficient air circulation in rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove moisture quickly.

• Fabrics covered in mildew that can be laundered should be carefully removed and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water.

An oxygen bleach product also can be effective.

• Invest in a dehumidifier that can reduce moisture in the home in problem areas, such as damp basements or garages.

• Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible.

• Remove damp leaves and snow from areas around the foundation of the home. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and can shuttle water away from the house effectively.

• Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements.

• Make sure all seals on windows and doors are not compromised and are in good working condition.

• Be sure an HVAC in-line humidifier is adjusted to the right setting and isn’t pumping too much moisture into the heated air; otherwise, the added humidity can contribute to mold.

• If there is a flood or water infiltrates a home in other ways, hire a professional service to help clean and dry the home effectively.

Mold and mildew are problematic, but with diligence they can be kept at bay.

(Metro) Many things can cause a yard to be uneven.

Drainage problems, leaky pipes beneath the grass and pests can wreak havoc on a yard, resulting in uneven turf that can be both unsightly and unsafe.

Addressing an uneven yard might be homeowners’ ultimate goal, but the home experts at BobVila.com note that homeowners should first figure out what’s causing the problem and make fixing that their first task. Fixing uneven ground above leaky pipes will only be a temporary fix if the leaks themselves are not addressed. Professional contractors might be necessary depending on what’s causing the problem. However, once the underlying issue has been addressed, many homeowners can handle the task of leveling an uneven yard on their own.

• Get the right tools and materials. Leveling an uneven yard may require various tools.

Thatch will likely need to be removed from the lawn before it can be leveled out, so homeowners will need a thatch rake or dethatching machine to get

RICE COUNTY

this task started. Dethatching machines are generally necessary for especially large lawns, and these can typically be rented from home improvement retailers. A shovel, bow rake and push broom are other tools homeowners will likely need.

Materials such as topsoil, compost and sand will be necessary as well, and these are typically sold at local garden centers.

• Fill in areas beneath the grass. Areas beneath the grass can be filled in with a mixture of sand, topsoil and compost. The experts at BobVila.com advise using two parts sand, two parts topsoil and one part compost.

Each of these components plays its own role in restoring the yard to full health. Sand helps the ground stay level, while the topsoil and compost provide the grass with valuable nutrients. If the low spots are not especially deep, this mixture can be applied without removing the grass. However, before filling in holes when addressing spots that are deeper than two or three inches, remove the grass then place it back in place once the hole has been filled. To

Fall Home & Garden

A special project of the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021 Publisher CHAD HJELLMING

dig up the grass, put the blade of the shovel at the outside of the low spot before sliding it under about two or three inches so you do not upset the grass roots.

• Spread the top dressing. Once the holes have been filled and the grass has been placed back on the ground (if it was removed), spread the top dressing mix with a shovel. The mix should be spread evenly with the back of the bow rake at a depth of no more than half an inch. Make sure the mix is worked into the low spots and that it’s not completely covering the grass, as that will suffocate the lawn. If necessary, use the push broom to work the mix into the soil.

• Water the lawn. Finally, water the lawn to help the top dressing settle into the grass. If necessary, repeat the process of applying top dressing and watering until the lawn is even and has returned to full strength.

An uneven lawn is an eyesore and potentially harmful.

But fixing an uneven lawn is simple once homeowners discover and address what’s behind the issue.

A special project of the Northfield News 115 5th Street W, Northfield, MN 55057 Publisher CHAD HJELLMING

Rice County Home & Garden, September 2019 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Northfield News and Faribault Daily News at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2019.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 3

Secrets to making your home look like you hired a design pro

(Metro) Photo spreads in home design magazines can be awe-inspiring. Quite often homeowners wish they could lift the looks right off the pages of

techniques the designers employ ries.

Also, many designers work to do a remarkably good job of improving the interiors of their in shades of three for room colors. There may be one main color homes without such help. for walls, another color for larger accents, such as couches and Embrace texture The colors used in a home chairs, and then a third color can add impact, but designers that pops in accessories such as often utilize various textures to flowers, pillows and collectibles. create aesthetic appeal. A single These can be any colors, but the color scheme can be enhanced by most muted tends to be the more various fabrics. Consider a leath- abundant shade. er sofa made more cozy with chenille pillows next to a rustic Add a bit of bling Glittery items and metallics side table. Figure out ways to incorporate a few different textures can add a touch of luxury feel to any space. A shiny table lamp, to add depth to the room. mirrors, a sparkling chandelier, and the like are easy ways to Be careful with color Many high-end homes produce a high-end feel. Reflecshowcase neutral shades that are tive surfaces also will cast light enhanced by pops of color. If you around the room, giving the illulike a rich, royal purple, leave sion of a larger space. room for other colors as well.

Add touches of purple in vases, Choose a big statement piece Many homeowners make throw pillows and other accesso-

the mistake of filling a room with several small pieces of furniture that only contribute to clutter.

Instead, look for a statement piece, which can be a cabinet, armoire or chaise. Mix and match large and small elements for a sense of balance.

Accessorize Finish the room with accessories and flowers. When placing and hanging knickknacks and wall art, odd-numbered groupings often look the most cohesive and interesting. Experiment with different scales and heights for even more dimension.

When inspiration hits, take some cues from interior design pros to make spaces look like they belong on the pages of your favorite magazines.

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PAGE 4

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Things to consider before warming up next to your first fire this winter

(Metro) A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather.

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces. After a lengthly period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources

who can let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last used. The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year.

A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Homeowners also should

inspect their chimney dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper.

Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not well-seasoned will produce more smoke than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months.

Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace experience. Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. Creosote is highly flammable, and as it

builds up in a chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases.

Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a

creosote-related chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney.

Before nestling up to a fire-

place this winter, homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for the season ahead.

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