All photographs courtesy of Extreme How-To except as follows. C. A. Technologies: 169 (2); CM: 051; Cen-Tech: 049; Craftsman: 013; Cuprinol: 148; Daptex: 077, Defy: 151; Dewalt: 004; Durham’s: 156; Osmo: 148; Powerhorse: 018; Quickrete: 159; Roto-Rooter: 092; Sashco: 160; Shutterstock: title page, all introduction images, contents, 001, 030, 031, 032, 036, 037, 039, 040, 045, 046, 048, 056, 063, 068, 078, 081, 083, 084, 088, 089, 091, 093, 098, 099, 106, 118, 127, 128, 132, 133, 134, 137, 151, 178, 192, 198, 225, 247, 254, 261, Wagner: 139, 169 (1 & 3); West Marine: 158
Conor Buckley: 09, 10, 14, 45, 178–180, 189, 202–204, 215, 224, 226, 229, 242, 303–307, 311 Hayden Foell: 76, 104, 113, 136, 145, 146, 193, 200, 201, 220, 243, 259, 298, 299 Vic Kulihin: 06, 15, 24, 27, 33, 107, 156, 176, 199, 211, 212, 216–218, 252, 263, 267–269, 270–272, 277, 313 Liberum Donum: 69, 73, 87, 109, 110, 129, 167 Christine Meighan: 25, 41, 47, 55, 56, 60, 65, 80, 81, 101, 119, 120, 123, 125, 140–142, 159, 173, 175, 186, 187, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 228, 231–234, 236, 240, 258, 260, 262, 275, 281, 284, 287, 288, 291, 294, 295, 309, 310, 312, 314, 315 Robert L. Prince: 35 Lauren Towner: 02–05, 08, 42, 44, 62, 64, 96, 100, 111, 116, 117, 157, 162, 195, 197, 207, 219, 221, 241, 261, 273, 274, 280, 290, 292, 293, 297, 301, 302, 316, 318, 319, 321
While every skill and procedure in this book has been fact-checked and field-tested, the publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, that the information is appropriate for every individual, situation, or purpose, and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. The information in this book is presented for entertainment value only, for an adult audience. Before attempting any new activity or project, make sure you are aware of your own limitations and have adequately researched all applicable risks; this book is not intended to replace professional advice from an experienced licensed contractor. Always follow all manufacturer instructions when using the equipment featured in this book. If the manufacturer of your equipment does not recommend use of the equipment in the fashion depicted, you should comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations. You assume the risk and full responsibility for all of your actions, and the publishers will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of any sort, whether consequential, incidental, special, or otherwise, that may result from the information presented.
Matt Weber has been editor-in-chief of Extreme How-To since 2003. He is an experienced home remodeler who has written hundreds of articles on home improvement and repairs. He lives just north of Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, two young sons, a dog and a lizard. In his spare time, Weber plays bass guitar in the rock band Skeptic? and is also owner of Pint Bottle Press, where he authors/publishes works of fiction.
Extreme How-To magazine is the enthusiast’s guide to home improvement, providing hard-hitting information on tough, practical projects that build equity for the do-it-yourselfer. Seasoned handymen and savvy homeowners can follow the magazine’s detailed, step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor projects, while generating their own ideas to put a personal stamp on their work. Get the latest information on tools and materials to get the job completed like a pro.
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Our mission is to pass along the latest and greatest home improvement knowledge, and any smart DIY’er will tell you that knowledge is the key to success.
I’d like to thank my dad Tom Weber—my DIY mentor—for teaching me the value of hard work and self-reliance, as well as a million other lessons that I use every day. I’d also like to thank Extreme How-To magazine’s many talented contributing writers, including Monte Burch, Mark Clement, Rob Robillard, Clint C. Thomas and Larry Walton. Finally, I’d like to thank the publishers of Extreme How-To, Trent Boozer, Chad Gillikin and Jeremy Hollingsworth of Latitude 3 Media Group, LLC.