The best glue for plastic provides a strong, long-lasting hold. There are multiple choices, including a standard super glue, epoxy glue, and solvent cement.

Types Of Glue For Plastic

Not all glue types work well with plastic, but there are three that stand out:

• Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) – Super glue is effective at bonding to a huge range of surfaces and materials, from wood to metal. But it does have its Achilles’ heel: plastic. The majority of super glues do a poor job when used with plastic, though you can find a few designed with plastic use in mind.
• Epoxy – Epoxies use a two-part formula (resin and hardener) that creates a much stronger bond on most materials—even for some plastics.
• Model Cement – Model cement uses a two-part formula (solvents and filler), and the two parts work together to melt and then bond the plastic. The downside is it cannot be used with other materials, so purchase this type if you have a lot of plastic bonding to do or an important DIY project.

Best Glue for Plastic

We’ve combed through 20 types of plastic glue, narrowing down the best choice for each project.

Top Choice: Gorilla Super Glue Gel

Gorilla Super Glue Gel works with most plastics, ceramic, wood, and rubber. It comes in a no-drip gel, making it easy to use. It features an impact-tough formula, so the bond holds with everyday use. The glue dries within 10-45 seconds with no clamping required.

As with most superglues, Gorilla Glue doesn’t work on polyethylene or propylene plastics. You can use this glue for all other types of plastics, and it will bond plastic to plastic, plastic to metal, and plastic to wood.

Gorilla Super Glue Gel has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating with more than 56,000 reviews. Most positive reviewers claim the glue gel is easy to use and forms a strong bond. The biggest complaint was the short shelf due to the glue drying in the bottle.

Best Waterproof Plastic Glue: Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix

For waterproof plastic repairs, a product like Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix is what you need. It comes in a two-part, self-mixing applicator, and you can use it to fill gaps or bond plastic together. It’s suitable for plastic, metal, ceramic, tile, wood, and glass.

To use Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix, snap off the tab, attach the nozzle applicator, and apply the epoxy plastic glue where you need it. The bond sets in five minutes, and the item will be usable after 20 minutes. Since this is an epoxy glue, you can also sand and paint it if desired.

Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by more than 9,500 users. Top reviews appreciate the self-mixing tube and claim this glue will bond to almost anything. A few negative reviewers report that the applicator is hard to use after the first use.

Best Plastic to Plastic: Loctite Plastics Bonding System

For gluing plastic to plastic, Loctite Plastics Bonding System is hard to beat. It’s guaranteed to repair any plastic, and although it comes in a two-part system, it doesn’t require mixing. So if you have difficult-to-bond smooth plastic like polypropylene, this glue is worth a shot.

To use the Loctite Plastics Bonding System, start by roughing up smooth plastic with sandpaper. Then apply the activator to both pieces of plastic you’ll be bonding and allow it to sit for sixty seconds. Finally, apply the adhesive to one part of the plastic and push it into the other piece to connect. Hold for thirty seconds.

Loctite Plastics Bonding Systems has a 4 out of 5-star rating from over 3,700 reviewers. While most users say the product works as advertised, there are some complaints about the small size of the tube and the lid becoming glued shut.

Best Plastic Glue for Cars: J-B Weld Plastic Bonder

When you need to make plastic automotive repairs, you need a long-lasting adhesive. J-B Weld Plastic Bonder Body Panel adhesive is a two-part urethane system that works on carbon fiber composites, thermoplastics, thermosets, coated metal, and more.

This plastic glue for cars comes in a two-part syringe applicator. Mix equal parts in a disposable tray, apply it, and the glue will set in 15 minutes and cure in 30 minutes. It dries black. 

J-B Weld Plastic Bonder has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating with over 11,800 reviews. Users praise this glue for leaving a super strong bond when fixing automotive or bike parts. The most frequent negative complaint is that the dispenser doesn’t dispense equal amounts of product.

Best Plastic to Metal: Beast Bond Super Glue

Beast Bond is a max strength super glue that dries in ten seconds. It works on all types of plastics except PP and PE. You can use it to bond plastic to metal, but it’s also suitable for ceramic, wood, leather, rubber, paper, and more.

To use Beast Bond, apply one drop per square inch and hold your plastic to metal to form a bond. The glue will set within 10-45 seconds. Since this glue is a gel, you can use it on vertical applications without it running.

Beast Bond Super Glue has a 4 out of 5-star rating from over 500 users. Most users state that this glue creates a strong bond, but there are a few complaints that the adhesive is so thick it’s hard to get out of the bottle.

Best Plastic to Wood: PASCOFIX

PASCOFIX is a two-part system that’s over six times as strong as regular super glue. It’s heat and weather resistant and works on wood, plastic, metal, and other hard-to-bond items. 

It comes with glue and filler. To use it, start by cleaning and drying the items you need to bond. Next, apply a drop of glue and hold the items together to form a bond. Then you can use alternating layers of the adhesive and filler to create a “weld” on the object. You can place the glue bottle in your freezer to keep it fresh for up to two years.

PASCOFIX is rated 4.5 out of stars by over 780 users. While most reviewers claim the product works as advertised, some were disappointed at the price versus the amount of product received.

How To Choose The Right Glue For The Job

When choosing the best glue for a DIY home project, consider two key components: your target material and project scale.

Target Material

Before shopping for glue, ask which materials you need to bond. In this case, you need to bond plastic. With this in mind, ask:

• Am I bonding plastic with plastic, or plastic with something else?
• Which type of plastic am I using?

The type of glue depends if you’re bonding plastic with plastic, or plastic with a different material. Plastic is nonporous, and other materials have various porosity levels. To bond materials, you need a special glue that chemically bonds to each material.

You need to know the type of plastic you’re working with because not all glues are good for all plastics. PP and PE plastics are difficult to bond, due to their hard and smooth surfaces.

These will require a formulated plastic glue to bond. Two other plastic types include:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – connecting pipes.
• PS (Polystyrene) – for household items like plastic bowls or food packaging.
• PMMA (Acrylic) – a substitute for glass in screens and windows

Remember: Any type of plastic is easier to bond when it’s clean and sanded.

Safety When Gluing Plastic

Super glues and epoxies can be dangerous if not handled properly.

A few things to remember before using plastic glue:

• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as thick gloves and goggles.
• Don’t inhale any of the fumes from the glue, as they can be dangerous. Wearing a mask is recommended.
• If the glue makes contact with your skin, wash it off right away using soap and warm water.
• If the glue makes contact with your eyes, flush your eyes right away and call a doctor or emergency hotline.
• Do not let children near the glue while in use, and keep the glue out of reach.

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The average barndominium boasts 2,400 square feet and costs about $300,000 for a complete build. Barndominium costs can range from $120,000 – $540,000 or about $100 – $150 per square foot.

Several factors influence the price of barndominiums, including whether you purchase a kit or plan, the size of the home, and the finishes.

What is a Barndominium?

A barndominium is a home that looks like a barn on the outside. These homes come in many styles, ranging from rustic to modern. They can feature wood siding, metal siding, stone, or a mix of materials. Builders can turn existing barns into homes or build from scratch.

Barndominium Cost Breakdown

Here’s a look at the average cost to build a barndominium home:

• Foundation – $4,000 – $4,500
• Kit or Shell Material – $30,000 – $300,000
• Floor Plans – $1,000 – $5,000
• Interior Finishes – Varies Significantly
• Septic System – $10,000 – $25,000
• Electrical – $4 – $9 per square foot
• Plumbing – $4 – $5 per square foot
• Permits – $1,000 – $2,000
• General Contractor – Up to 20% of total costs

Barndo Prices: Average Cost of Barndominium by Size

Whether you’re considering a small or large barndominium, this table will show you the average costs for a complete build. Your project may be more or less, depending on the finishes you choose, the accessibility of your land, and whether you need a septic system.

Top Factors that Affect the Cost of a Barndominium

With careful planning, your barndominium build can cost less than the national average of $300,000. These are some of the top factors to consider.

Using a Contractor vs. a DIY Build

Building a large barndominium will require a general contractor and a team of skilled laborers. But, if you’re building a small home, using a kit, and have construction experience, you can save a significant amount of money by performing some of the work yourself. 

Purchasing a Barndominium Kit vs. a Barndo Floor Plan

A barndominium floor plan includes plans for the foundation, floor plan, electrical elevation, and often, roofing. When you purchase a barndominium floor plan, you’re given a blueprint and must purchase building materials yourself.

A barndominium kit will contain a floor plan and provide you with all materials to complete the shell of the home. Depending on the style, a barndominium kit may be the cheaper option. You’ll need to perform cost analysis comparisons and speak to an experienced contractor to determine which route is the best for you.

Your Land

To build a barndominium, you must purchase land. The price of the land and accessibility will play a part in your overall costs – especially if your land requires a lot of prep work for the foundation or is hard to access. 

Where you live will also play a role in costs. For example, an acre of land in Rhode Island averages over $133,000, while an acre in Wyoming is only $1,558.

Permits

Building permits range from $1,000 – $2,000. Depending on your locality, officials may charge you a flat fee or charge by the type of work.

Finishes

Interior and exterior finishes can account for up to 50% of your total build. If you’re on a budget, finishes are among the best place to save. For example, you can choose cheaper flooring, countertops, cabinets, and appliance options to save. You can upgrade those finishes when you have more funds available.

Septic System vs. Public Sewer

If your barndominium build is near local sewer hookups, you’ll save a significant amount of money. More rural sites will require a septic system which averages $10,000 – $25,000.

The post Barndominium Cost: How Much to Build a Barndominium appeared first on Homedit.

A set of barndominium floor plans gives you a guide to building a barndominium to live in. You can find barndominium floor plans for all size homes with prices ranging from free to several thousands of dollars.

What is a Barndominium Floor Plan?

A Barndominium floor plan is an architectural plan for building a barndominium, laying out the floor plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, elevations, and sometimes containing a materials list. These floor plans are blueprints, giving builders a step-by-step guide for construction.

You can purchase premade barndominium plans or pay extra to have a set customized on your behalf. If you prefer to have the floor plans and the materials, consider a barndominium kit instead.

Best Barndominium Plans

• Two Bed, Two Bath Barndominium Floor Plan – $99
• 40 x 60 Barndominium Floor Plan – $850
• Two-Story Barndominium House Plan – $1,150
• One-Story Barndominium Plan – $1,200
• Modern Barndo Floor Plan – $1,200
• Barndominium with Wrap Around Porch – $1,400
• Barndominium with Attached Shop – $1,400
• Stillwater Four Bedroom Barndominium Plan – $1,700
• The Mulberry Plan – $1,995
• The Fig Plan – $1,995

Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Barndominium Floor Plan

If you’re looking for a single-story barndo plan, you can find this one on Etsy. It features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open kitchen and a living room area with vaulted ceilings. The house is 40′ x 30′ with 1,200 square feet.

The plan also features a 40’ x 6’ porch and a 24’ x 24’ attached carport. It doesn’t include a material list, although you can purchase it separately from the seller’s shop.

40 x 60 Barndominium Floor Plan – $850

The Chasebriar plan is a 40’ x 60’ barndominium featuring 2,400 square feet. The interior has an open concept plan with a gourmet kitchen, three bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms. It also has a utility room, a two-car garage, and a covered outdoor area.

The barndominium package includes detailed floor plans, a foundation plan, an electrical plan, elevations, sections, and 3-D models.

Two-Story Barndominium House Plan – $1,150

If you like farmhouse style, this barndominium kit might be for you. It features two stories, three bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. It includes 2,350 square feet, a garage, a patio, and a porch.

The set includes foundation plans, interior and exterior elevations, floor plans, and cross sections. The price is for a PDF document, but you can also request mailed plans or CAD plans.

One-Story Barndominium Plans – $1,200

The one-story Barndominium floor plan from AHP boasts 1,695 square feet. The home is 62′ feet wide by 38′ feet deep, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house has a rustic appeal with a combination of exterior materials, including metal, board and batten, timber, and stone.

The home plans call for a slab foundation, but you can upgrade to a basement foundation for an extra fee. You can also upgrade to CAD plans or physical copies if you’d like.

Modern Barndo Floor Plan – $1,200

The Modern Barndo from AHP includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,575 square feet. It also has an attached three-car garage—the home and garage span 102′ wide by 43′ deep. The home features a modern shed-style roof, covered front porch, and pergola.

The floor plans include a digital PDF, building instructions, and slab foundation plans. You can upgrade the foundation or files for an extra fee.

Barndominium with Wrap-Around Porch – $1,400

This one-story barndominium floor plan with a wrap-around porch boasts over 2,100 square feet. The floor plan includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 1-3 car garage. The wrap-around porch is 9’ feet deep, providing lots of covered outdoor space.

The floor plan from Architectural Designs comes with slab foundation plans, floor plans, elevation plans, electrical plans, a roof plan, and more. There are optional upgrades like different foundation choices and a material list for an extra fee.

Barndominium with Attached Shop

If you’re looking for a barndominium floor plan with an attached shop, this large house might be a good fit. It contains 2,779 square feet and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and four garage/shop bays. The building is 86’ wide by 70’ deep.

The plan comes with elevation, floor plans, electrical plans, wall sections, and foundation plans. It doesn’t contain a roof plan, wall framing, or floor framing plans.

Stillwater, Four Bedroom Barndominium Plan – $1,700

The Stillwater is a large farmhouse-style barndo with 3,205 square feet. It features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two stories, and a three-car garage. The exterior features a wrap-around porch, a covered front porch, and a covered patio.

The PDF master plan starts at $1,700. You can upgrade to a CAD design plan or request foundation plans for a basement for an extra fee.

The Mulberry Plan – $1,995

The Mulberry is a cottage-style barndominium floor plan. It’s one story with over 1,900 square feet of living space. The home measures 60 x 40 and includes two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. 

The package includes a floor plan, basic electrical plan, roof plan, elevations, and foundation plan. You can request slight customizations for an additional $500.

The Fig Plan – $1,995

The Fig is a large barndominium plan boasting 2,849 square feet and measuring 54″ deep by 89′ long, and includes two stories. It has space for 3-4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It also has an attached two-car garage.

It includes a roof plan, truss plan, basic electrical plan, floor plan, and foundation plan, delivered via PDF. The company will customize the plan for an additional fee.

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Purchasing a barndominium kit provides a convenient way to build the shell of a new home. Small barndominium kits are suitable for DIY builders with some construction experience, while larger versions may require a contractor.

If you’re searching for a new home, we’ve rounded up ten of the best barndominium kits with prices.

What is a Barndominium Kit?

A barndominium is a home that looks like a barn. You can build a new barndominium or convert an existing barn into a home. A barndominium kit is a package of materials that contains everything you need to build the framing or shell.

Most barndominium kits contain lumber or steel for framing, the siding (often sheet metal), the roofing system, the plans, and interior walls. Some kits include all windows and doors. Barndominium kits rarely contain interior finishes.

Since contents vary from kit to kit, it’s essential to understand what you’ll be getting before you buy. 

Best Barndominium Kits with Prices

• Backyard Barndominium Kit – $17,429
• White Cottage – $23,778
• Gable Roof Barndominium – $37,015
• Westbrook – $40,002
• The Olive – $66,090
• 30’ x 81’ Barndominium Kit – $78,594
• The Magnolia – $101,432
• The Maple – $102,825
• The Cypress – $138,697
• The Dogwood – $309,939

Backyard Barndominium Kit – $17,429

The Backyard Barndominium kit is a 15’ x 18’ gable roof ADU. It features steel framing and an 18’ covered front porch. All steel-framed kits from NuEco Systems screw together, so you don’t have to worry about welding.

The kits come with construction materials, complete engineering plans, and installation videos. At 270 square feet, this small barndominium kit is suitable as a tiny home, guest house, backyard studio, or office.

White Cottage – $23,778

The White Cottage is a quaint barndominium that comes in four sizes ranging from 1,000 square feet to 1,360 square feet. The smallest size is 28’ x 40’, with prices starting at $23,788. All options include a 6’ x 20’ front porch with a 24’ x 24’ carport upgrade available. 

The interior features an open floor plan, making it easy to customize. The White Cottage doesn’t come with windows, doors, HVAC, or plumbing.

Gable Roof Barndominium – $37,015

The Gable Roof Barndominium is a 24′ x 30′ kit featuring steel framing. It has two 30′ covered lean-to porches and a 15′ x 24′ second-story mezzanine floor. The floor plan is open, so you can customize it to suit your needs.

The Gable Roof Barndominium contains engineering plans, materials, and video instructions. At about 1,000 usable square feet, this model could be suitable for a family home.

Westbrook – $40,002

The Westbrook is a two-story barndominium kit with an attached two-car garage. It comes in four sizes: 1,200, 1,500, 1,600, and 2,000 square feet. Prices for the smallest size start at $40,002 and increase based on customizations.

The Westbrook has options for a 10 x 40 wrap-around porch and a 24 x 24 attached carport. The soffit pictured is also an add-on. The kit doesn’t contain doors or windows.

The Olive Kit – $66,090

The Olive is a 1,215-square-foot barndominium kit with two bedrooms on the ground floor and a primary bedroom loft. It has space for two bathrooms and features a wrap-around porch. The house measures about 50′ wide by 40′ deep.

The Olive Kit from Barndominium Co contains the exterior framing metal kit, porch framing kit, doors, windows, brackets, hurricane clips, house wrap, sheathing, and trusses.

30’ x 81’ Barndominium Kit

The 30’ x 81’ barndominium kit from Boss Buildings includes everything you need to complete the shell of your home. It comes in 18 color choices. With an open floor plan, you can customize the layout and finishes of your home.

Boss Buildings also offers an online metal building customizer to design your barndominium.

The Magnolia – $101,432

The Magnolia is a rustic barn home that comes in six sizes ranging from 1,200 square to 2,160 square feet. The 1,200-square-foot model starts at $101,432, and prices increase to $165,036 for the largest size. Each size features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a versatile floor plan.

Depending on your plan, the kit can contain everything for exterior and interior framing, siding, sheathing, trim, fascia, exterior doors, and windows.

The Maple Kit – $102,825

The Maple is a 60’ x 40’ barndominium kit featuring 2,400 square feet of living space. The home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large wrap-around porch. 

The kit comes with exterior framing metal, porch framing, sheathing, trusses, house wrap, exterior doors, windows, hurricane clips, and brackets.

The Cypress – $138,697

The Cypress has an elegant, old-world look and is a monitor barn style. It comes in six sizes ranging from 24′ x 48′ to 36′ x 72′. The smallest size starts at $138,697, and the largest begins at $251,441.

You can purchase the shell kit or a complete home kit. The house features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open kitchen, living room, and dining room area. You can contact the company for customizations.

The Dogwood – $309,939

The Dogwood is a large barndominium kit clocking in at 6,860 square feet. It’s a complete house kit with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen area. 

Since the Dogwood is a complete house kit, you receive the materials to build the shell of the building and interior finishes such as sheetrock, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and more.

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Freshening your front door curb appeal is one of the easiest things you can do to brighten the appearance of your home. It is helpful to increase your front door curb appeal because it will improve the appearance of your home, make your home more attractive to potential buyers, and make your home more welcoming to guests.

Adding unique touches to your front entrance area is also a way to show off your distinctive personality.

Ideas to Heighten Front Door Curb Appeal

Many methods of improving your curb appeal are easy, inexpensive, and can be completed with just a few hours of work. Yet some of these strategies may require professional assistance in order to complete the job correctly.

Clean the Clutter

Not much can turn off potential buyers or make your home look worse than the clutter that has built up near your front entrance. For many people, this is not the sign of a house that is well-ordered or in good repair.

Clear everything away and just put back the items that you need or want. Cleaning away the unneeded items near the front door creates the ideal opportunity to try out some new decor items. This is one of the easiest and least inexpensive ways to make your home look better.

Complete Visible Repairs

Just like clutter, needed repairs like a broken front door screen or a loose door handle are not the best look for your home. Spend some time assessing your entrance for needed small repairs. This might include tasks like pressure washing, door hardware maintenance, light bulb replacement, and weather stripping renewal. Fixing broken items doesn’t just boost your curb appeal, it is a way to create and maintain good feng shui.

Paint Your Front Door

One strategy that has a high visual impact is painting your front door. Take time to clean and prep the door. Paint a new coat of the original color or try something new. Consider the classic door colors like black, red, green, or navy.

These colors are a good place to begin your considerations if you are having a hard time deciding on a new color. Make sure to keep in mind the undertones of your home’s exterior to choose a paint color that works with your home’s color scheme.

Add New Door Hardware

New hardware can make even an old door shine. Use distinctive and unique hardware to show off your personality. Or, just choose solid door hardware that feels sturdy to the touch. Make sure that the finish and color of your new hardware complement the color and style of the door. Modern flush doors are a fitting foundation for simple and sleek hardware designs. Paneled doors have a classic or traditional look and may benefit from more sturdy and ornate hardware.

Considering color, gold or brass hardware stands out well against dark door colors like black, navy, and deep green. Silver is another good option for dark-colored doors, but it looks equally well with light-colored doors like white, sky blue, or sage green. Black hardware needs a light-colored door to stand out from the background.

Replace Outdated House Numbers

Just like new hardware can make your door look new, updated house numbers give your door or entrance a fresh look. Choose distinctive number designs that complement your home’s architectural style. House numbers work best when you pair them with your door hardware choice.

Update or Clean the Lighting

Dark entrances are not practical or welcoming. Invest in new lighting to brighten the area near your front door. You can increase the number of fixtures and/or buy new fixtures to replace the builder’s grade lighting. This will completely update the look of your front door. Be sure to hire an electrician if this is outside your skill or knowledge area.

You can also just clean the fixtures you have and replace the light bulbs for higher wattage options if you don’t have the budget to spend on new fixtures.

Add Floor Planters

Floor containers with vibrant flowers and foliage are an excellent way to add color and texture to the area near your front door. Choose a symmetrical look by framing the front door with identical planters, or use different sizes on each side or just on one side for something more asymmetric. Either style is effective.

Consider the style of your planters carefully as these can support the overall style you want to create throughout your home. The planters must also support the type of plants you want to have near your front door. Drainage holes are vital in maintaining healthy plants.

Choose front door plants that will thrive near your front door. This will depend on the light and humidity conditions of the area. Position taller plants in the rear of the planter and smaller plants toward the front. Make sure to water and fertilize to keep the plants thriving.

Invest in Door Decor

Door decor is an effective way to heighten the style of your front entrance because it is easy to add and change as needed. Front door decor options include wreaths, swags, plaques, or baskets. The style of your front door is a useful guide when considering the right door decor. Consider door decorations of natural or ornate materials for traditional or classic-style homes. Modern homeowners may opt for a more minimalist door aesthetic with streamlined door decor.

Install Window Boxes

Some front door areas lack the space for floor planters. You can still brighten your front entrance area with plants if you can add a window box near the front door.

Build window boxes in a style that complements the house, and paint them in a color that works well with the trim or door color. Make sure to install drainage holes in the boxes so the plants do not become waterlogged.

Carefully consider the plants that will work in the light and humidity conditions of the area. Like with floor planters, place taller plants in the back of the planter. Plants that spill over the edge are particularly effective in the front of window boxes. Be careful not to choose plants that are so tall that they block the window.

Enhance the Seating

Accentuate your front door area with seating. Some front door spaces may have just enough room for one piece of seating furniture and in others, you may be able to add a collection of benches and chairs. Whatever your space, you can make the seating look more welcoming with comfortable cushions that invite lounging. Add a throw blanket for those chilly evenings and a small table to rest a glass or book. Candles and plants can also help to fill out this space.

Pay Attention to the Path

The path leading toward your front door can be just as influential in affecting the look of your home as the front door itself. Be sure to maintain your front path by sweeping, weeding, and pressure washing it. Fix any small cracks in the pavement so that the path does not develop larger structural issues.

You might also choose to enhance the path leading toward the front door if you want to create a more striking visual impact. Add new eye-catching plants and flowers along the walkway. You can also add walkway lights. These improve pathway visibility at night and make it more welcoming. Choose solar-powered or low-wattage landscape lighting for the easiest maintenance.

The post 11 Easy Ways to Increase Your Front Door Curb Appeal appeared first on Homedit.

A kit home provides a quick and, sometimes, less expensive way to build a house. You can order these do-it-yourself home-building packages, and the kit company will deliver them to your site with pieces labeled for assembly.

Small kit homes are ideal for those with some DIY or construction experience, while large builds may require a contractor. Since they come in many sizes and styles, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best kit homes available today.

What is a Kit Home?

A basic house kit contains material to build the shell of a home, including exterior walls and roof trusses. You can find many kits equipped with framing material, siding, a complete roof system, interior walls, staircases, flooring, porches, and decks. 

Since there’s a wide variety in kit contents’ from company to company, it’s essential to understand what you’re getting before you make a purchase.

Kit homes don’t include interior finishes such as cabinetry, plumbing, countertops, or drywall. (Although some contain interior wood walls.) You’ll also need a site with a proper foundation to get started. After constructing the home, you’ll need a professional to hook up the electrical and plumbing work.

20 Kit Homes You Can Build Yourself

1. Sonoma from Summerwood – $8,396

The Sonoma is a small home kit available in sizes ranging from 4′ x 4′ to a more spacious 24′ x 44′. The 11′ x 12′ cabin kit is $8,396. The Sonoma features three floor layouts, including one large room or a room and bathroom. Summerwood offers an online home kit customizer so you can experiment with the floor plan before buying.

Other features of the Sonoma include a hip roof, arched windows, french doors, cedar shingles, and storm shutters.

2. Writer’s Haven from Jamaica Cottage Shop – $21,276

The Writer’s Haven is a 12′ x 18′ precut kit with a whimsical design. It includes the floor system, walls, siding, porch, and roof system. You can choose from a 3 or 4 seasons package, but if you plan on living in the home or using it as a guest house, opt for the insulated 4-season package. 

You can make many customizations, including the wood on the porch, roof color, and siding.

3. The Tiny from Might Small Homes – $25,213

The Tiny is a 192 sq. ft. small house kit with a customizable floor plan. The sample floor plan makes space for a Murphy bed, bathroom, washer and dryer combo, seating, and table. 

The kit comes with exterior walls, roof panels, house wrap, roofing felt, wiring chase, and interior walls. There are many upgrades available.

4. Getaway from Conestoga Log Cabins

The Getaway is a two-room cabin kit with space for a full bathroom and living space. The cabin is 195 square feet, appropriate for use as a tiny house, hunting cabin, or backyard guest house.

The Getaway cabin kit comes with all precut materials to build the home, a roof system, doors, windows, and electrical wiring. It’s one of the most complete house kits on the market.

5. Solo+ 75 by Avarme – $33,550

The Solo+ 75 is an A-frame house kit that boasts 1.5 stories and 365 square feet. The floor plan features one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room area, and space for a small kitchen. The second floor is a loft area.

The kit includes all precut materials to build the exterior of the home as well as interior and exterior doors, windows, painted interior cladding, and ladder stairs for the loft.

6. The Cottage from Mighty Small Homes – $37,000

The Cottage from Mighty Small Homes comes in three sizes, including 480 sq. ft., 600 sq ft., and 864 sq. ft. The smallest size clocks in at $37,000 for the base kit price but offers many customizations that increase the cost. The main floor provides space for a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and living room. There’s an optional loft addition on the second floor.

The base kit contains exterior walls, roof panels, ridge beams, house wrap, roof underlayment, plate lumber, and wire chase. You can upgrade to include windows, doors, metal roofing, and more.

7. Meadow View from PMHI- $41,163

Meadow View is a panelized home kit that’s 616 square feet with space for one bedroom and one bathroom. The living room and dining room feature a vaulted ceiling. There’s also space for a kitchen, washer, and dryer. 

The home kit comes with roof trusses, panelized walls, and materials to build the frame of the house. 

8. The Morgan from Shelter Kit – $44,300

The Morgan is a 14′ x 24′ kit boasting 330 square feet, a porch, a deck, and a small loft area. Because of the shed roof and simple layout, Shelter Kits claim this is one of the easier-to-build house kits. 

The kit contains the precut and labeled pieces to build the home and a detailed construction manual. The kit does not include windows and doors, but the Morgan comes with ten rough openings.

9. Classic G70 from Avarme – $53,889

The Classic G70 is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom family house kit. It features a large open living/dining/kitchen combo and a utility room. Avarme has designed this home for warmth and energy efficiency. 

The price we’ve quoted includes the structural kit, exterior kit, and interior kit, although you don’t have to purchase all three.

10. The Contemporary from Mighty Small Homes – $55,533

The Contemporary is a modern kit home that comes in sizes ranging from 900 sq. ft. to 1,500 sq. ft. Each kit comes with a customized floor plan so you can determine the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and the size of common rooms.

The base price for this DIY house kit contains materials to complete the exterior framing. There are many upgrades, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and metal roofing.

11. Mountain Brook from Summerwood – $58,726

The Mountain Brook is a cabin-style cottage kit in sizes that range from 12′ x 12′ to 24′ x 36′. The house’s framing is spruce, while the siding, trim, and porch are Western Red Cedar. You can customize the floor plan of this home to fit your liking. There are many upgrades, including dormer windows, pine floors, double cedar doors, and an enhanced siding package.

You can purchase Mountain Brook as a kit or as a pre-assembled prefab cabin. The prefab modular cabin option is more expensive than the kit.

12. The Emily from Shelter Kit – $67,700

The Emily is a 24′ x 24′ house with rows of windows and a dormer on the second floor to maximize natural light. The two-story home features many layout options and is well-suited to work as a full-time home or vacation dwelling.

The kit comes with everything to build the home’s frame but doesn’t come with windows or doors. You can contact Shelter Kit for customizations.

13. Santa Fe from PMHI – $74,058

The Sante Fe is a family home kit with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The home is one story and 1,148 square feet. The home design is narrow – perfect for small tracts of land. 

The kit contains the wall panels and roof trusses. It also includes instructions for the foundation design.

14. The Patrick from Shelter Kit – $81,900

The Patrick is a two-story home with an option for a full or partial loft. The design features a full loft and includes two bedrooms and one bathroom on the main floor, with a bedroom, bathroom, and office space on the second floor. The Patrick is the most popular house kit from Shelter Kits, with homeowners building it in several states.

You can use this kit as a family residence, lakeside home, or vacation rental.

15. Classic G118 from Avarme – $85,760

The Classic G118 is a two-story kit home that you can separate into two apartments or use as one large family home, depending on your needs. The layout is customizable, with each unit being a small two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment if you wish.

The kit includes everything to complete the home’s exterior, including the framing, roofing system, windows, and doors. The interior kit includes mdf doors, a staircase, and finished interior cladding.

16. Vermont Cabin from Jamaica Cottage Shop – $106,448

The Vermont Cabin is the most popular DIY home kit from Jamaica Cottage Shop. It’s a 24′ x 40′ four-season kit, ideal for use as a full-time home. The kit includes thermally insulated windows and doors, a corrugated metal roof, and a full loft. 

The kit home boasts 960 square feet. They recommend a compacted 12” crushed gravel foundation.

17. Susquehanna from Conestoga Log Cabins – $112,717

The Susquehanna is a DIY log home kit that contains 1,143 square feet. The floor plan features two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen area. The second floor includes a loft that you can use as a sleeping room or for storage.

The Susquehanna home kit contains everything you need to build the exterior, a roof system, windows, doors, an electrical package, and many optional upgrades.

18. Bozeman from ZipKit Homes – $112,850

The Bozeman is a modern DIY house kit that can be one large unit, two units, or split into four spaces. If you choose to build this model as a family home, it can contain four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a washer and dryer space, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, and two car garage.

The Bozeman is a panelized kit that includes all materials to complete the shell of the home. They also offer a window package to go with the house.

19. Rainier from Conestoga Log Cabins – $136,586

The Rainier is an ideal DIY kit home for the outdoor enthusiast. The home boasts 1,448 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has a covered front porch and wraparound deck, adding 400 square feet of outdoor living space.

Rainier comes with all materials to complete the framing and exterior of the home, including windows, doors, a roof system, and an electrical package.

20. Rockport from PMHI – $245,774

The Rockport is a large house kit at 3,025 square feet. The floor plan features four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a half bath. The Rockport is a modern farmhouse-style house kit with a covered front porch and attached two-car garage.

The kit contains the wall panels, roof trusses, and instructions for the foundation design.

The post 20 Best Kit Homes with Prices  appeared first on Homedit.

Roofs are one of the most critical parts of a house but also the most expensive. While maximizing your roof’s lifespan is important, you shouldn’t ignore the signs that you need a new roof. Not taking action can lead to wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage to your home.

How to Tell If You Need a New Roof

If you’re experiencing any of the issues below, it’s time to consider a roof replacement.

1. There’s Water Damage in Your Home

Significant water damage on your ceilings or walls is one of the most important reasons to replace a roof.

A roof has many vulnerable points, especially around vents, chimneys, skylights, and dormer walls. And while some of these roof repairs are easy DIY fixes, noticing water spots in several areas of your home indicates a problem with your roof material, underlayment, and maybe even your roof decking.

Water spots can signal that the wooden parts of your roofing system are rotting, leading to dangerous mold in your home. Waiting to repair the roof will only result in more damage. Contact a roofing contractor as soon as you’re able.

2. Your Roof is Sagging

A sagging roof indicates the roof decking is damaged or that there are larger problems with your rafters or trusses. 

The roof decking contains pieces of plywood that sit on top of the roof frame, acting as a base for your underlayment and roofing material. If the decking is sagging, you must remove your shingles and underlayment to replace the damaged boards. 

If the roof’s frame (rafters or trusses) is damaged, it calls for an even more extensive repair.

3. Many Shingles are Curled or Cracked

Replacing a damaged shingle or two is an easy and inexpensive repair. But, if your roof is past its warranty and there are multiple sections of curling or cracking, it’s time for a replacement.

Replace your roof before the warped shingles lead to water damage. 

4. Your Roof is Old

Should you replace your roof if it’s not leaking? If you want to stay proactive and prevent damage, replace your old roof before it starts to fail. The best way to determine the lifespan of your roof is to locate the original manufacturer’s warranty. 

If you can’t find that information, here’s a general estimate of the lifespan of different roofing materials. Remember, these are averages, and your roof may last longer depending on the brand and quality.

• Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
• Metal Standing Seam: 40-70 years
• Metal Shingles: 40 years
• Wood Shingle/Shake: 30 years
• Clay Tile: 100 years
• Slate: 100 years
• Synthetic Slate: 50-100 years

5. There’s Excessive Plant Life on the Roof

A little algae or moss on your roof is not a cause for alarm. Instead of replacing it, you can clean it off. But if your roof is covered in so much plant life that removing it would lead to damage and leaks, it’s time for a new roof.

When replacing the roof, take the necessary steps to prevent plants from overtaking it again. Consider a metal roof or asphalt shingles with a built-in algicide. Then, clean the roof as needed to avoid plant spores from taking over.

6. Your Shingles Break Apart During Rainstorms

Old brittle shingles can’t handle storms and may break down. Look in your gutters. If there are pieces of asphalt shingles in them, your roofing material no longer offers protection during harsh weather.

7. All the Flashing is Rusted and Warped

The flashing is the thin metal piece that surrounds vents, chimneys, sidewalls, and other protrusions. It prevents water from entering around these obstacles.

If you’ve inspected your roof and noticed all the flashing is deteriorating, it’s probably a good time to call in a roofing contractor. They can advise on whether to replace only the flashing or if an entirely new roof is in order. Whatever you do, don’t ignore bad flashing – it can lead to major leaks in your home.

8. Daylight Shines Through the Attic Ceiling

If you walk into the attic and see daylight through the ceiling, replace your roof ASAP. You have holes in your roof’s decking, which is the base of your roof and one of the most integral parts.

The post Don’t Ignore These 8 Signs You Need a New Roof appeared first on Homedit.

Log cabin kits provide a less expensive home-building solution for those with construction experience. They come in sizes ranging from 200 square feet to 3,000 square feet, and prices start at around $18,000.

If you’re ready to build your dream home, add a guest house to your property, or construct a vacation rental, we’ve rounded up 15 log cabin kits with prices that you can buy and build yourself.

What is a Log Cabin Kit?

A log cabin kit contains the log system, lumber, fasteners, windows, exterior doors, blueprint, and building materials to construct a log cabin. Some kits come with shingles or metal roofing systems, while others only include rafters or trusses. 

Most cabin kits contain no interior finishes besides log or wooden shiplap ceilings and wood flooring. Log cabin kits don’t include foundations, electrical work, plumbing, and interior finishes such as cabinets, countertops, and light fixtures.

If you have building experience, a small log cabin kit provides a beginner-friendly way to construct your own home. For those who lack building experience, a prefab cabin may be a better fit.

Before you buy a kit, consult with the company, examine the material list, and calculate other services and materials you need for a complete build. A general rule of thumb is to double the cost of the log cabin kit for a rough estimate of how much a complete build will cost.

Log Cabin Kits with Pricing

Hunting Cabin Kit from Schutt Log Homes – $18,950

The Hunting Cabin Kit from Schutt Log Homes features 400 square feet, with one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, and space for a small kitchen. There’s also a 10 x 10′ loft space in the cabin that you can use for storage or a second bedroom. The structure is 16′ x 25′ and has an eight-foot front porch.

All wood in this hunting cabin kit is oak. It comes with a step-by-step manual for instruction and the necessary components to build the cabin.

Wasatch from Bear River Country – $39,664

The Wasatch Cabin has a total of 786 liveable square feet, with 542 square feet on the main level and 244 square feet on the second floor. It contains one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, and kitchen space. The cabin boasts a covered front entry and a deck that wraps from one side to the back of the home.

The kit from Bear River includes log walls, stairs, a second-floor system, a roof system, fasteners, log stain, a porch, a deck, and blueprints. It doesn’t contain interior finishes.

Ayers Pond from Merrimac Log Homes – $40,480

The Ayers Pond Cabin Kit is a small, two-story log cabin clocking in at 1,026 square feet. The first floor contains a living room, kitchen area, dining room, bathroom, and bedroom. The second floor is a loft area with storage space. The home also comes with material for a porch and deck.

Merrimac log cabin kits contain milled Eastern White Pine logs and the necessary fasteners to complete the build.

Boulder Lodge from Conestoga Cabins – $43,356

The Boulder Lodge is a small log cabin kit with 292 square feet, one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, and kitchen space. The cabin also boasts a loft, which can double as storage. There’s also a second layout option which includes one large room with an area for a small kitchenette.

The cabin also features a 6’ x 20’ covered front porch.

Woodland Cabin Kit from Schutt Log Homes – $48,500

The Woodland Oak Cabin Kit features one and a half stories and 1,100 square feet. The main floor contains a primary bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and dining area. The second floor includes a bedroom, bathroom, and loft area.

The cabin has a covered front porch and a side porch that residents can use as a carport or relaxation spot. The second floor features a dormer window over the covered front porch.

Mountaineer from Coventry Log Homes – $52,050

The Mountaineer is a 16’ x 24’ log cabin with 564 square feet. The first floor contains two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen/dining area, and a bathroom. The second floor features a loft area. The cabin also has a covered front porch.

Prices for the shell only start at $42,080 and go up depending on the log package. 

Heritage from Conestoga Cabins – $62,805

The Heritage Log Cabin Kit features two stories and 580 square feet. The first floor contains two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen space. The second floor is a loft area owners can use for storage or a third bedroom.

Conestoga offers some of the most complete log cabin kit packages, including log walls, flooring, windows, a full roof system, an electrical package, and more.

Black Bear by Battle Creek Log Homes – $64,567

The Black Bear is a quaint log cabin clocking in at 578 square feet. The main floor layout includes a living room, bathroom, and kitchen. The second floor features a sleeping loft with storage. 

The home kits from Black Bear include all materials to complete the shell of the home, including the log system, second-floor system, windows, doors, and more.

Bridger from Bear River Country – $66,888

The Bridger is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin from Bear River Country. The home is 1,040 square feet with two stories. The main floor contains one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a dining area. The second floor features one bedroom, one bathroom, and a loft area.

The kit from Bear River Country features log walls, stairs, a second-floor system, a roof system, fasteners, log stain, a porch, a deck, and blueprints. The logs are western wood – pine, fir, or spruce.

Sunapee from Merrimac Log Homes – $73,025

The Sunapee is a large log home kit at 1,648 square feet. The home is one story with a 20’ foot ceiling in the great room. The floor plan includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a great room. The cabin also features two large decks.

The kits from Sunapee include eastern white pine logs, necessary fasteners, windows, exterior doors, three-tab shingles, and more.

Chalet from Schutt Log Homes – $79,900

The Chalet Cabin from Schutt Log Homes is 2,000 square feet and two stories. Buyers can customize the layout, which has space for three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The home is suitable for a slab foundation, crawl space, or basement. 

The home features several windows on the front, allowing plenty of natural light inside the cabin. Residents can also enjoy a 16’ covered front porch.

Seasons Charm by Battle Creek Log Cabins – $97,188

The Seasons Charm features 860 square feet, three bedrooms, and one bathroom. The first floor contains two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, and kitchen space. The upper floor features the third bedroom.

Package from Battle Creek log cabins contains the log system, fasteners, a roof system, porch/deck, windows, and doors.

Mountain King from Conestoga Cabins – $101,218

The Mountain King is a 1,080-square-foot log cabin kit with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It also features a kitchen space, a living room area, and a loft that you could convert into a third bedroom.

Conestoga offers complete kits with log systems, windows, doors, roofing, and more. They also offer customizable upgrades such as kitchenettes, log furniture, trapezoid windows, and supplemental heat/ac units.

Alpine from Coventry Log Homes – $134,050

The Alpine is a large cabin kit with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,352 square feet. The first floor boasts an open layout with a kitchen, dining room, and living room combo. There are also two bedrooms and a bathroom on the main floor. The second floor includes the primary bedroom and bathroom.

The home also features an 8’ x 26’ foot deck and comes in several package options ranging from $76,700 – $144,800+.

Lancaster from Coventry Log Homes – $245,750

The Lancaster is the biggest kit on our list, clocking in at 2,160 square feet. The cabin features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a wall of windows for natural light. The house also includes a wrap-around deck and a covered front porch.

Cabin packages for Lancaster start at $120,050 and exceed $265,450, depending on log choice and customizations.

The post 15 Log Cabin Kits with Prices – Buy and Build Yourself appeared first on Homedit.

Use these A-Frame house interior design ideas to find your style and maximize every square inch of your space.

The steeply pitched roofs of A-Frames create interior walls like no other. While the unique shape is a selling point, it also makes for a smaller second-floor and awkward furniture placement. 

Creative Interior Design Ideas for A-Frame Homes

If you’re having a hard time decorating your cabin, try these A-Frame house interior design tips.

Add Drama to Your A-Frame Powder Room

Don’t let small A-frame powder rooms prevent you from packing a big design punch. Break up the space with different colors and textures. The designers of this bathroom added painted paneling to the wall, painted the ceiling black, and used wallpaper that ties all the colors together.

A benefit of A-frame bathrooms is that because they’re so small, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a high-end look.

Keep the Interior Light and Airy

For a small A-frame interior, keep colors light and furniture minimal to avoid a cluttered look. In this house, a light wood floor grounds the space, giving it a Scandinavian style. The designer avoided wall decor, allowing the windows to take center stage.

If you’re after a simple but modern look, stick with a less-is-more approach.

Create Extra Sleeping Space in an A-Frame with Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a space-saving solution for A-frame interiors. Whether you have kids or want to provide sleeping space for guests, you can build bunk beds into the wall. If you’re not great with DIY, purchase a premade set.

To create a cohesive space, use a material that complements your cabin’s design or paint the beds to match your color scheme.

Modern Rustic A-Frame Living Room

If you love modern and rustic, combine them, like the designers of this modern a-frame house interior. The metal kiva fireplace draws your eye towards the windows, complementing the focal point. The rest of the room is cozy without being cluttered. 

If you want to make windows the star of your room, consider arranging your furniture to face the outdoor views.

Mix Wood Tones for Visual Interest

Multiple wood tones and lush greenery create an earthy atmosphere in this loft a-frame house interior. If you’re thinking of redoing your walls, consider a mix of materials. The rustic wood on the front wall complements the pine, adding texture.

Use soft neutrals and layer in your favorite houseplants to carry on an earthy look.

Take Advantage of Awkward Nooks

The owners of this simple A-frame took advantage of this awkward nook, maximizing every square inch. The bottom bunk beds offer extra storage with three pull-out drawers, a side table, and a shelf above. The loft area provides an additional place for guests to sleep.

Custom builds are the best options to make the most of angled nooks.

A-Frame Bedroom with Focal Wall

Whether your A-frame bedroom is large or small, you can create a focal point where the wall comes to an “A.” In this big A-frame bedroom, there was enough space for two beds with a dresser between. The designer chose a modern nature-inspired look with black, wood, and neutral accents.

For a focal wall, consider using paint, wallpaper, or a custom wall treatment.

Keep Furniture Sparse for an Uncluttered Look

Even though the furniture and decor are traditional, the homeowners kept accessories sparse for an uncluttered look. A setup like this allows you to focus on the view and people in the house, rather than dealing with constant upkeep.

Excess decor becomes a distraction when you have an A-frame with beautiful views and wood ceilings.

Hang Curtains for Privacy in the Loft

A-frame loft interiors can pose a privacy challenge. An easy and inexpensive way to add a partition is to hang a set of curtains. Loft users can pull the curtain shut at night or whenever privacy is needed.

Other loft privacy ideas include folding doors, screens, or drywall to close off the area.

Save Space with a Narrow Staircase

Choosing the right staircase for an A-frame is difficult – you want it to look good but not eat up all your ground-floor space. A narrow staircase like this solves that problem. It provides a sturdy way to reach the second floor with a small footrpint. It even features extra shelves and drawers for storage.

You could also use a spiral staircase or custom ladder as a space-saving solution.

The post 10 A-Frame House Interior Design Ideas to Maximize Your Space appeared first on Homedit.

Cream kitchen cabinets offer a variety of qualities that make them a popular choice for both designers and homeowners alike. Cream colored kitchen cabinets are bright like their popular relative, white cabinets, but much less stark.

Cream cabinets are warm and inviting and add subtle depth and character to any room. Cream also pairs beautifully with an array of natural materials like wood, stone, and brick to produce a sophisticated yet simple style.

Cream is a neutral that is similar to white but softer and warmer and is among the wide variety of shades known as off-white. Cream leans toward the yellow side of off-white, similar to the color of dairy cream.

Cream tones range in how much yellow is present in the mix. In some cream paint combinations, yellow has a strong presence. In others, the yellow is subdued by the addition of cooling colors like gray or blue.

Popular Paint Colors for Cream Kitchen Cabinets

The trick when choosing the right cream is to consider the undertones of the color, the surrounding colors, the lighting sources in the room and the way these impact the color, and your personal preferences.

Creamy (7012) from Sherwin Williams

Creamy from Sherwin Williams is a popular cream for cabinetry of all kinds. It is a bright off-white with pale yellow undertones. It works best with warm tones, but its mild undertones can also pair well with cool colors.

Winterborne White (No. 239) from Farrow & Ball

Winterborne White is the ideal cream color for someone looking for a shade that is just a step away from white. This color is off-white with just a hint of yellow to warm it. This color pairs well with warm hues but looks equally gorgeous with gray or black.

White Down (CC-50) from Benjamin Moore

White Down is a cream with just a hint of gray and beige. These undertones create a color that pairs well with cooler shades.

Alabaster (7008) from Sherwin Williams

Alabaster is a warm off-white/light cream that is gorgeous on kitchen cabinets. It is light enough that it will look white in a dark-colored kitchen, but it looks cream compared with white. The undertones of this color are warm, but it is well-balanced enough that it works with a variety of color tones.

Pointing (No. 2003) from Farrow & Ball

Pointing takes its name from the lime pointing between traditional brickwork. True to its name, it has a delicate red undertone, which means that it works best with warm colors. This color takes on more body next to white but looks pale compared to stronger colors.

Natural Cream (OC-14) from Benjamin Moore

Natural Cream is a light and neutral cream. It is a balanced color with gray undertones. This color is so well balanced that though it has cool undertones, it works well with both cool and warm color schemes.

Shadow White (No. 282) from Farrow & Ball

Shadow White is off-white with just a hint of gray that looks like a white that is in a shady spot. This is a versatile color that takes on a stronger presence in darker rooms. This color works best with other colors that have a cool undertone.

Navajo White (6126) from Sherwin Williams

Navajo White from Sherwin Williams is a definite cream color with strong yellow undertones. Yet, it is light enough that it functions as an off-white rather than a yellow. Don’t confuse the Sherwin Williams’ Navajo White with the Benjamin Moore hue of the same name.

Tips for Choosing a Color for Cream Colored Cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a huge undertaking. Consider these six tips as you decide on the best color for your kitchen cabinets.

1. Coordinate with other elements in the room – Before you choose a cream color for your cabinets, you need to consider all the other color elements in the room if you are not planning on changing them. Take into account the wall color, the appliances, the hardware finish, and other decorative materials such as countertops, backsplash, and lighting. For general purposes, if the colors of your materials lean warm, you should choose a cream color with pink or red undertones. For cool-colored accents, choose a cream color with gray, blue, or green undertones.
2. Consider the lighting – Lights will dramatically change the perceived color of a space. A room with more natural light will make the color appear brighter and less saturated than in a dark room. Also, the color of your light bulbs will give your room a warmer or a cooler cast that will affect the way the cream color appears.
3. Choose your kitchen materials before you select the cabinet color – This tip is for homeowners who are designing a kitchen from scratch. There are many gorgeous variations of cream that will work for your kitchen cabinets, but not as many countertop materials, floor colors, or backsplash options to consider. Before you choose a cream paint color for your cabinets, choose these kitchen accents. Once you have selected options for your countertops, backsplash, and floor, you can choose an appropriate cream paint color.
4. Consider the depth of color – Cream paint colors range in the amount of color and depth they have. Some creams have just a hint of color while in others, the color is distinct. Choose the depth of color carefully and test a sample in your kitchen. Colors with yellow undertones will appear more yellow in dark rooms and under warm light. Rooms with large windows may wash out the color of pale creams and not provide enough body to give you the distinct cream look that you want.
5. Think about your personal style – Your personal preferences should play a role in the cream color you choose. Cream paints with more intense yellow shading will work better in more traditional or classic room styles. Subtle cream colors work better with contemporary styles.
6. Choose complementing colors – Cream works with a variety of other color tones but works best with natural colors. Consider pairing cream with other neutrals like black, brown, gray, and white. Cream also looks stunning with distinct colors like a wide variety of blues and green, blush pink, burnt sienna, and metallic tones.

Lookbook of Cream Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

A kitchen with cream cabinets works well in a variety of styles and contexts. We have gathered some kitchens that have cream colored cabinets so that you can see all the ways they can complement a kitchen space.

Modern Cream Kitchen Cabinets

Cream cabinets are as effective in a modern kitchen as they are in kitchens with a traditional style. You can use a simple cabinet style like a Shaker style for a modern classic look or a flat panel cabinet style for something more contemporary. Either way, cream gives a modern kitchen a welcoming but bright appearance and provides a slight but noticeable contrast with modern white walls.

Cream Cabinets with Black

Cream cabinets with black accents give your kitchen a look that is contemporary and luxurious. Consider adding dark accents to a kitchen with cream cabinets including dark countertops, flooring, or black hardware. This creates a style that is dramatic yet simple.

Cream Cabinets and Mixed Materials

Cream cabinets have a soft look that pairs well with a variety of materials and other colors. Consider pairing cream-painted cabinet units with sections of cabinets painted in complementing colors like deep green, blue, gray, and black. Add in wood elements like beam ceilings and countertops to give your kitchen depth and texture.

Cream Kitchen Cabinets and Metal Highlights

Cream, like other neutrals, works well with a variety of metal finishes. Cool creams work well with silver and chrome finishes, while warmer-toned creams look stunning with gold and brushed brass. Brass or gold hardware can bring out the glowing undertones of cream and give it a lush style.

White with Cream Colored Cabinets

Creating a light neutral kitchen with depth and texture requires planning. Layering white with cream-colored tones keeps the kitchen from appearing too cold and sterile. Mix in other light neutrals like taupe, beige, tan, and almond to create even more contrast and interest.

The post Cream Kitchen Cabinets: Style and Paint Color Options appeared first on Homedit.

Mobile home movers can transport your home from one location to another, whether a couple of miles down the road or across state lines.

Some mobile home movers offer a full range of services, which include breaking down the home for transport, hauling, site prep, and installation at the new location. But, services vary, making it essential to receive a detailed list in writing before working with a company.

The Cost of Moving a Mobile Home

The cost of mobile home moving depends on location, distance, gas prices, and the size of the house, with prices ranging from $1,000 – $20,000. Mobile homes of less than 42′ x 8.3′ x 13.5′ and 16,000 pounds are considered a “legal load” and are easier to transport. Mobile homes bigger than this are considered “oversized loads” and will require a special permit and higher moving fees.

Best Mobile Home Movers Overview

We’ve rounded up ten companies that move mobile homes throughout the United States.

• Heavy Haulers
• Nationwide United Auto Transport
• Bennett Truck Transport
• Nexus Auto Transport
• BB’s Mobile Home Transport
• D&D Mobile Home Repairs & Moving Inc.
• A-1 Auto Transport
• Ship a Car, Inc.
• We Will Transport It
• A1 Mobile Home Transport

Heavy Haulers

• Website: Heavy Haulers
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Area: Nationwide

Heavy Haulers offer mobile home transport across the United States. They have over a decade of experience transporting manufactured homes and can provide you with a quote via their website or by phone. 

Heavy Haulers is licensed, insured, and bonded to move mobile homes. They can transport single-wide and double-wide trailers.

Nationwide United Auto Transport

• Website: Nationwide United Auto Transport
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Area: Nationwide

Nationwide United Auto Transport is based in Los Angeles, California, and offers local and nationwide mobile home moving services. They have more than 15 years of experience with mobile home transport and can ship single-wide homes, double-wide homes, and oversized homes with the necessary permitting.

You can call Nationwide Auto Transport for a quote or visit their website to learn more about their manufactured home transport services.

Bennett Truck Transport

• Website: Bennett Truck Transport
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Area: 48 U.S. States and 11 Canadian Provinces

Bennett Truck Transport offers mobile home delivery and moving in the 48 U.S. continental states and 11 Canadian provinces. They’re one of the leading mobile and manufactured home delivery companies in the United States and have been in business since 1994.

You can request a quote by filling out a form on their website.

Nexus Auto Transport

• Website: Nexus Auto Transport
• BBB Rating: B
• Coverage Areas: Nationwide

Nexus Auto Transport specializes in auto shipping but also offers trailer moving services. They can deliver your manufactured home to a mobile home park or a piece of land. They operate nationwide and have an online form to get a quote. To fill out the form, you’ll need to know the height, length, width, and approximate weight of your home.

BB’s Mobile Home Transport

• Website: BB’s Mobile Home Transport
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Areas: Louisiana – local and long haul services

BB’s Mobile Home Transport is a one-stop shop for manufactured and modular home transport and setup. BB’s can set up everything from the foundation to your mobile home skirting. They are fully licensed and insured and have been in business for over 40 years.

You can call or fill out their online form to request a quote.

D&D Mobile Home Repairs & Moving, Inc.

• Website: D&D Mobile Home Repairs & Moving, Inc.
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Areas: North Carolina – local and long-distance services

D&D Mobile Home Repairs & Moving is based in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and offers local and long-distance services. They can repair, move, and set up new and existing mobile homes. Some of their services include lot prep, land cleaning, mobile home skirting installation, and mobile home parts.

You can call,  email, or fill out a form on their website to receive a quote. You’ll need basic information such as the size of the home and whether it has axles or wheels.

A-1 Auto Transport

• Website: A-1 Auto Transport
• BBB Rating: A-
• Coverage Areas: Nationwide

A-1 Auto Transport is one of the largest auto shippers in the United States but also offers nationwide mobile home transport services. You can fill out their online form to get a free shipping estimate.

Ship a Car, Inc.

• Website: Ship a Car
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Areas: Nationwide

Ship a Car is another auto transport company offering mobile home or trailer shipping. They provide free quotes via their website and are fully insured and bonded. The cost of shipping a mobile home through Ship a Car will depend on several factors, such as distance, size of the house, and current fuel prices.

We Will Transport It

• Website: We Will Transport It
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Areas: Nationwide

We Will Transport It has over 25 years of experience transporting mobile and manufactured homes across the United States. You can request a quote via their website or by phone. You’ll need to know the size and type of your mobile home, relocation address, and if you need setup and breakdown services.

A1 Mobile Home Transport

• Website: A1 Mobile Home Transport
• BBB Rating: A+
• Coverage Areas: Midwest

A1 Mobile Home Transport is based in Illinois and offers services throughout the midwestern United States. They provide a full-service mobile home moving experience, including site prep work, relocation, concrete work, releveling, and installation.

You can request a quote from A1 Mobile Home Transport via phone or email.

How We Compiled Our List

The post 10 Best Mobile Home Movers appeared first on Homedit.

Hardboard siding is an engineered wood product and a cheaper alternative to traditional wood siding. It comprises wood fibers, resin, and wax bound together under high pressure and heat. Hardboard siding is easy to install, durable, and has various design options.

Hardboard Siding Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Aesthetic appeal: Hardboard siding mimics the appearance of wood siding, making it suitable for various architectural styles. Its natural wood grain texture adds depth and character to your home’s exterior.
• Cheaper than wood siding: The siding option offers similar aesthetics as traditional wood siding for a lower price.
• Available in various textures and finishes: Hardboard siding comes in various finishes, from smooth surfaces to wood grain patterns. It’s customizable to suit different design styles and preferences.
• Durability: With proper installation and maintenance, hardboard siding can last several decades. In contrast to natural wood siding, it’s more resistant to cracking, splitting, and warping.

Cons:

• Prone to moisture damage: Failing to seal your hardboard siding leads to water damage and issues such as mold, mildew, and rot.
• Potential for swelling or deterioration: Due to moisture damage, hardboard siding tends to swell, warp, or deteriorate over time.

Main Types of Hardboard Siding

Standard Hardboard

Standard hardboard siding is the most basic alternative. It features a smooth surface on one side and a rough texture on the other. Standard hardboard siding can be painted or stained to suit your design preferences.

It suits residential and commercial properties that need cheaper, more durable, customizable siding. The siding option is ideal for exterior walls, garages, and sheds.

Tempered Hardboard

Tempered hardboard has extra resins and treatments to increase its hardiness, strength, and moisture resistance. Unlike standard hardboards, this type is less prone to warming and swelling.

The hardboard type has smooth sides, resulting in a more refined appearance. Tempered hardboard siding is ideal for areas with higher humidity or extreme weather.

Pre-Finished Hardboard

Pre-finished hardboard siding comes with a factory-applied finish, such as paint or stain. The siding eliminates extra costs after installation. It offers a consistent and professional-looking finish that’s often more durable than an on-site finish.

Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, ready-to-install option should consider pre-finished hardboard siding.

How to Install Hardboard Siding

Tools and Materials Required

• Hardboard siding panels
• Galvanized nails or screws
• Hammer or nail gun
• Power drill (if using screws)
• Circular saw or jigsaw (for cutting the siding)
• Chalk line
• Level
• House wrap or building paper (moisture barrier)
• Starter strip
• Furring strips (optional for uneven surfaces)
• Flashing and trim (for edges, corners, and around windows/doors)
• Caulk
• Paint primer
• Paint/ stain

Hardboard Siding Installation Instructions

1. Prepare the surface: The surface should be clean and flat. Remove any existing siding and check for any protrusions or rough spots that need to be sanded down.
2. Install the moisture barrier: Install house wrap over the surface to prevent water damage. Use a breathable barrier to allow air circulation.
3. Install trim: Lay the trim flat on the corners and around all windows and doors.
4. Cut the siding panels: Measure the surface length where you will install the siding, and cut the siding panels to fit. Subtract ¼-inch from the actual length to leave a gap of ⅛-inch between the siding and each corner trim. This allows for expansion.
5. Prime and paint the panels: Apply primer on the front and back sides of the siding panels. Leave to dry, then cover with two coats of paint on the front, back and edges.
6. Install the first row: Allow a 6-inch space between the siding and the ground to prevent water from seeping through. Install a starter strip on the sill plate, and nail down the bottom edge of the siding through the starter strip.
7. Install the remaining rows: Install the pieces of siding up the house. Each course of siding should have a 1-inch overlap with the previous course. Nail through both courses into the wall studs, using two or three nails every 32 inches.
8. Inspect and finish the installation: Apply caulking to gaps between the siding, trim, and around windows and doors.

Cost of Installing Hardboard Siding

Hardboard siding material costs between $3 to $7 per square foot. Labor charges range from $3 to $14 per square foot, depending on the complexity of installation. Materials such as paint, caulk, and fasteners increase the final cost.

Factors Affecting the Overall Cost

1. Cost of materials: Different types of siding have varying costs. While prefinished hardboard is more expensive than standard options, it eliminates extra installation costs.
2. Installation costs: Labor charges vary due to variations in the home design, location and seasonal wage rates.
3. Surface preparation: Removing and disposing of existing siding, trimming, and repairing damaged walls increase costs.
4. Sealing, painting, or staining: Materials and labor costs for caulking, painting, or staining contribute to the final cost.

Hardboard Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

Hardboard siding is made from compressed wood fibers, while vinyl siding is made from PVC plastic. While hardboard has a wood-like appearance, vinyl siding is smooth and uniform. Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance option since it’s not prone to water damage like hardboard wood siding.

Hardboard Siding vs. HardiePlank

HardiePlank or fiber cement siding is a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. While it’s more expensive than hardboard siding, HardiePlank is more durable in harsh weather conditions. Both siding types come in pre-finished options, which reduces maintenance costs.

Hardboard Siding Maintenance

• Regular inspection: Check the siding for water streaks, black marks, bulging or flaking paint. These are signs of water seeping through seams, joints, and holes.
• Proper sealing and painting: Repainting is necessary every 5-10 years to maintain the siding appearance. It also prevents moisture damage.
• Repairing damaged boards: Repair any damaged sections by scrapping off loose paint and debris, repainting, and caulking. Replacing hardboard siding sections is also feasible.
• Preventing moisture-related issues: Sealing exterior hardboard siding prevents moisture damage. If you notice any leaks around windows or doors, address the issue immediately.

The post Hardboard Siding: A Guide to Design Options, Installation, and Cost appeared first on Homedit.

Examining the pros and cons of mobile homes can help you make an informed decision before signing the dotted line.

Mobile homes, sometimes called manufactured or modular homes, are prefabricated and can be delivered to your site move-in ready. In a tough economy, buying a mobile home, whether new or existing, is one of the quickest ways to assume homeownership. But before you do, take a good look at the pros and cons.

The Pros of Mobile Homes

Mobile homes come in many sizes and layout options, suitable for a single person or a family.

Mobile Homes are Cheaper than Traditional Homes

The average price of a new manufactured home in 2021 was $125,200. The study from the US Census Bureau reports the cost of new single-wide mobile homes at $88,000 and doublewide mobile homes at $155,200.

Compare this to the average traditional home price of $507,800 from the first quarter of 2022.

The low entry price of a mobile home can help you secure housing, especially in cities with high living costs and unattainable home prices.

Quick and Easy Setup

You can purchase an existing mobile home on a lot or buy a new one. If you purchase new, you’ll need your own land or will need to rent space in a mobile home park. Since mobile homes are prefabricated, the home company can schedule a quick delivery in as little as a week.

Custom Builds

Mobile homes contain all amenities as regular homes, and you can even secure a custom build. If shopping for a new home, you can view base models with available upgrades for layouts and finishes.

(Possible) Lower Taxes

While laws vary by state, some localities don’t consider mobile homes as “real property” and have lower or no property taxes. Your tax situation will depend on whether the home is on land you own and has a permanent foundation – in these cases, mobile homes are usually taxed the same as traditional homes. But if your mobile home isn’t permanently affixed, you may benefit from lower property taxes.

Works as Transition Space

While there’s nothing wrong with buying a mobile home as a “forever house,” they also work as great transition homes, especially in places with high rental rates.

A mobile home can serve as temporary housing while you save for something else.

The Ability to Relocate

While not an easy process, you can relocate a mobile home. If you’re in the market to purchase land, you can live at a mobile park home until you’ve saved enough money and then move your home to its new location when ready.

The ability to relocate also means you can sell your mobile home if you desire to move somewhere else.

Cons of Mobile Homes

While mobile homes have some serious perks, there are also drawbacks. Here’s what to consider.

Hard to Finance

Obtaining a traditional loan for a mobile home is difficult unless you already own the land you’ll be parking it on. The most typical type of mobile home financing is a retail installment payment plan made through the mobile home dealer.

Possible Depreciation

While stick-built homes tend to appreciate over time, mobile homes depreciate. It’s possible that once you buy your mobile home, it will start to lose value.

There are exceptions, though – especially if you own the land. A study by Lending Tree found that in our recent housing crisis, mobile home prices went up nearly as much as traditional homes.

Still, if you’re concerned about selling your mobile home in the future, keep depreciation in mind.

Less Durable Construction

In hurricane or storm-prone environments, mobile homes won’t offer the same durability as traditional homes. Without a strong foundation, mobile homes may shift during high wind storms, lose siding, or suffer roof damage.

The inside finishes of mobile homes are generally of lower quality than stick-built homes, featuring thinner walls that are more susceptible to damage.

Possible Lot Rent

Mobile home parks provide space for residents to park their homes but also come with lot rent. Unless you own your land, expect to abide by the rules of the mobile home park and pay a monthly rent.

The post 10 Pros and Cons of Mobile Homes  appeared first on Homedit.

A mobile home park is a business that rents out small tracts of land with electric and plumbing hookups for mobile homes. Residents pay a monthly fee to lease the land and access the public utilities.

Some mobile home parks contain hundreds of homes and provide amenities like gated security, recreational centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, and garden areas, while others offer no extra amenities.

Trailer Park vs. Mobile Home Park: Is There a Difference?

A trailer park is the same thing as a mobile home park. A trailer is another word for a mobile home, although it’s most often used to describe single-wide mobile homes. 

Types of Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks range from rough and tumble to luxurious, depending on the location. Individuals or real estate investing companies own most mobile home parks, but there are some government-run options. 

Here are the main types of mobile home parks.

• Senior/Age Restricted Mobile Home Parks – These only allow residents 55 years or older and often contain recreation centers and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
• Family Mobile Home Parks – There are no age restrictions, and these parks are appropriate for families of all sizes. 
• Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks – In resident-owned mobile home parks, residents own their mobile home and the piece of land it sits on. These parks often feature a governing HOA, but overall, residents have control over what they do with their land.

The Benefits of Living in a Mobile Home Park

Mobile home park living has an unfair stigma. The truth is, as long as you find a secure area, there are many perks.

Low Cost of Rent

The average cost to rent a lot in a mobile home park is about $300. But, of course, this number varies by location and will be higher in more desirable areas.

If you’re considering living in a mobile home park, check on lot prices and if utilities are included. A low lot rent, mobile home cost, and no property taxes can lead to significant savings. 

Community

With many close neighbors, you can develop a sense of community in a mobile home park. Since homes are in close proximity, you’ll have many opportunities to meet new people.

Amenities

Many mobile home parks offer valuable amenities like laundry areas, swimming pools, garden areas, recreation centers, and playgrounds. 

Low Maintenance

Maintenance will differ from park to park. Some will cut your grass while others will leave each tenet to care for their lot. Still, all you have to worry about is your tract of land, and the park owner will take care of common areas.

The Cons of Living in a Mobile Home Park

If you find a good mobile home park, the pros and aplenty, but there are some cons to watch out for too.

Lack of Privacy

If you’re a private person, you may find mobile home park living difficult. Since homes are close, there’s a high chance of running into the same people over and over. You may also lack outdoor privacy in your own yard, with neighbors able to see what you’re doing.

Regulations

Each mobile home park will have its own set of regulations. These regulations can limit or prohibit pets, set standards for the looks of your mobile home, prohibit particular lawn decor, and dictate noise levels. 

Limited Space

If you’re used to having a large garden or outdoor play area for your kid, the limited space of a mobile home park lot is a definite con. Most lots have enough room for an outdoor grill and table, but you may have to do some deeper searching and pay a higher rate for a large lot.

The post What is a Mobile Home Park? appeared first on Homedit.

While A-Frame cabins have long been popular as vacation retreats, they’re making an uprising as residential homes. Loved for their unique shape and durability, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of A-Frame homes before committing to one.

The Pros of A-Frame Homes

Less Expensive to Build than Traditional Homes

The average cost to build a 1,000-square-foot A-Frame home, including materials and labor, is $100,000 – $200,000. But, if you use a prefab A-Frame kit, you can pay even less. 

A-Frame kits come in a range of design styles and sizes. You can order them with an unfinished interior and choose materials yourself or order a complete interior/exterior package. The company will prefabricate the pieces and ship them to you.

Purchasing an existing A-Frame may also be less expensive than a traditional home since these houses often have a smaller footprint.

Architectural Interest

The clean geometric lines of A-frame cabins help them stand out from neighboring homes. Their steeply sloped roofs create the shape of an “A,” which is where these cabins get their name. 

While all A-frame homes have the same shape, the design options for the interior and exterior are endless. You can clad A-Frames in logs for a rustic cabin look or opt for black siding to create a dramatic and modern aesthetic.

The inside features unique angled walls, thanks to the roof’s pitch. The interior can feature log walls or drywall, depending on your preferences.

Ideal in Snowy Climates

The popularity of A-Frames in snowy rural areas is due to the steep roof that sheds snow and ice buildup. While flat roofs and low-pitched roofs allow snow to accumulate, leading to leaks and damage, A-Frames promote water and snow run-off.

Large Windows Lead to Abundant Natural Light

The front of most A-Frame cabins features a full panel of windows, allowing abundant natural light to enter the home. In a scenic setting, A-Frame windows allow occupants to connect with nature from inside the house.

The Cons of A-Frame Homes

Difficult to Heat and Cool

A-Frames feature an open and multi-story layout. Since heat rises, A-Frame homes experience hot upper floors and cooler ground levels. A-Frame homes without drywall are even harder to heat and cool since there are limited insulation options.

Lack of Upper Floor Space

The steep angle of A-frames leads to a small upper floor with angled walls. Because of the lack of upper floor space, it can be hard to create bedroom space for multiple people on the upper floor of small builds. 

Awkward Furniture Layouts

The angles in A-Frames make furniture layout difficult. On the upper floors, there may only be a single wall you can push a bed up against. 

On lower floors, you must pay attention to the height of your furniture so that it can sit flush against the wall before it starts angling inward. The smaller the home, the more difficult furniture placement will be.

Large Windows Lead to Privacy Concerns

While large windows lead to abundant natural light, they also pose privacy concerns. If your cabin isn’t in a remote spot, you’ll need to come up with creative solutions to protect yourself from onlookers.

While you can buy blinds or shades to cover your A-frame windows, it’s expensive, especially if you need custom window coverings.

Lack of a Gutter System

When considering the pros and cons of A-frame houses, take water run-off into account. Most A-Frame homes don’t have gutter systems since the roof naturally sheds water. Gutters direct water away from a home so it can’t seep into the foundation or pool around the siding.

Since A-Frame homes don’t have gutters, it’s crucial to stay on top of drainage concerns and ensure the site is sloped to discourage water from penetrating the foundation.

The post The Pros and Cons of A-Frame Homes: Are They Worth It? appeared first on Homedit.

Add a new layer of luxury and style to your bedroom with a marble top dresser. This style was not just popular in the past; there are gorgeous options for marble top dressers in such a wide variety of styles that you are sure to find one to fit your taste.

A dresser with a marble top is more durable and aesthetic than standard wooden tops. They also display decorative and practical items to their best advantage.

Modern marble top dressers usually feature a white marble top like Carrara. This is a stunning but adaptable marble that works well with a variety of tastes and blends with any style. Antique marble topped dressers feature a wider variety of marble options from smokey black with white veining to rich green and red marble topped dressers.

Stores That Have Marble Top Dresser Options

Marble topped dressers have been popular throughout time because of their practical and aesthetic qualities. Many stores claim to offer marble top dressers, but it is important to read the fine print as some of these options include faux marble tops rather than authentic marble. We have curated a list of stores that carry authentic marble topped dressers to make it easier to find good-quality options.

Joss & Main

Joss & Main is a large online retail store that is owned by Wayfair. This company features good quality products, but it is always a good idea to review each individual product and the reviews to make sure that the specific product you like is good quality. Joss & Main features both contemporary and traditional products. It features a couple of different marble top dresser options.

The Adeline is a marble top dresser with a contemporary but slightly rustic style. You can get it in both dark brown and black finishes. Both finishes feature a white marble top and inset gold pulls. This dresser is a good price compared to other marble top dressers.

All Modern

All Modern is another online retail furniture outlet owned by the Wayfair group. This company specializes in modern furniture with a reasonable price point.

All Modern features several dressers with solid surfaces including marble and ceramic. One such option is the Dondi. The Dondi dresser features mid-century styling with a Carrara marble top. There are two color options, including natural ash and walnut. There are a variety of other Dondi pieces to complement the dresser including a nightstand and bathroom vanity.

One Kings Lane

One Kings Lane is an online luxury furniture retailer owned by the Bed, Bath & Beyond group. This store offers distinctive furniture that can set your style apart. Many of their products feature a stylish design and unique features.

The Tessa Marble Top Double Dresser features a two-inch thick Carrara marble top. The light gray color will blend with many color schemes. The unique gold hardware and base give this dresser a luxe style.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn is a trusted furniture store that is a member of the Williams Sonoma group. This store has become an icon of traditional-style furniture.

Pottery Barn features two marble top dresser options, the Geary and the Hearst. Both feature contemporary styling with sleek and minimalist lines. The Geary comes in a tall dresser as well as a wide double option. The Hearst features a five-drawer vertical design. Both have white marble tops.

West Elm

West Elm is an online as well as physical retail store with modern and contemporary furniture. Like Pottery Barn, West Elm is owned by the Williams Sonoma group. West Elm carries moderately to high-priced furniture.

West Elm has a couple of different marble top dresser choices. The Penelope 6-Drawer Dresser has a distinctive shape and style. It has a mid-century modern style with an elegant rounded shape. It features sustainably sourced wood with a white marble top.

Etsy

Etsy is an American-based online e-commerce site where individuals post furniture and decor they want to sell. This is the ideal place if you are looking for an antique marble top dresser. Etsy has such a wide variety of dresser styles and prices, that you can get lost for hours hunting for the perfect dresser.

Check out options like this late Victorian marble topped washstand from the Schear Brothers. You can find simple dressers like this to options with inlaid wood and exotic marble tops.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is a retail store that is available both online and in person. This store offers clothing, home goods, and furniture with brilliant colors and romantic styling.

Anthropologie features the Fern Six-Drawer Dresser. This is a sleek and simple dresser with rounded ball legs and a stunning white Carrara marble top. It comes in three colors: black, warm white, and grey. The small gold hardware knobs are all the more stunning for their simplicity.

CB2

CB2 is a spin-off company of the much-loved Crate and Barrel. While Crate and Barrel furniture has a contemporary, restrained vibe, CB2 is a bit more edgy and whimsical. It features furniture with a wide variety of styles, all of which feature an artistic style.

CB2 offers several options for marble topped dressers. One unique option is the Kingsbury Curved Marble Low Dresser. This dresser features solid oak construction with a red Levanto marble top. The silhouette has four drawers that curve inward with long gleaming gold drawer pulls.

1stDibs

1stDibs is an online antique furniture platform with a reputation for catering to clients who are looking for distinctive and authentic pieces. Unlike other antique furniture e-commerce sites, 1stDibs offers guarantees for authenticity and provenance.

While there are multiple listings for gorgeous (and expensive) pieces, there is also a reasonable selection of marble topped dressers that are reasonably priced.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Marble Top Dresser?

Marble topped dressers have been in existence for hundreds of years and they are still being produced by some of the most popular furniture brands in existence. There are many reasons why these types of dressers have been beloved over time, but there are also reasons why they may not work for your particular space.

Some of the benefits of a marble top vanity or dresser are its aesthetic value. Marble is one of the most striking natural materials, so using it inside your bedroom gives it a luxury appeal. Marble is a durable material. Even though marble is prone to some scratching and staining, it is more durable than wood surfaces. Marble will help protect the wood from dents and scratches. A marble top is also easy to maintain. You can wipe down marble easily and it will hide dust better than dark wood dresser tops.

Marble does have its downsides that make dressers with marble tops prohibitive for some people. Marble is an expensive and valued material, so this makes these dressers more expensive than dressers without marble tops or dressers with faux marble tops. Marble is a softer stone than granite, so it can scratch or stain if exposed to sharp objects or liquid. Marble is also harder than wood or other solid surfaces. This means that if you drop something that is even slightly breakable on the surface, it will likely shatter.

The post Familiar Stores With Gorgeous Marble Top Dresser Styles appeared first on Homedit.

The best wood sealers protect wood from moisture damage, prevent stain from wearing off, and leave you with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

While many wood sealers are available, not every type works in every scenario. For example, if you’re sealing a deck, you need a product that withstands moisture, temperature fluctuations, and regular wear. If you’re sealing an indoor piece, you need something that won’t yellow or emit toxic fumes.

We’ve rounded up the seven best wood sealers that fit each category.

Best Wood Sealers for Every Job

• Best Multiuse: Helmsman Spar Urethane
• Best for Pressure-Treated Decks: Seal-Once Marine
• Best for Indoor Furniture: Minwax Polycrylic
• Best for Outdoor Use: Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multipurpose
• Best Non-Toxic: Lumber-Seal Clear Wood Sealant
• Best Exterior Sealer + Stain Combo: KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain
• Best All-Natural: Pure-Tung-Oil

Best Wood Sealer Reviews

We’ve reviewed over 30 wood sealers, checking user reviews, complaints, prices, and comparing features. Here are the top seven products.

Best Multiuse: Helmsman Spar Urethane

Available on Amazon, Walmart.

Helmsman Spar Urethane is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It features a water-based formula that offers UV protection and can withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture. 

Use this urethane product on indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, doors, shutters, and trim. Apply at least 24 hours after staining your wood. You can also use it on unstained lumber, protecting it from graying or developing moisture damage. It dries crystal clear and comes in various finishes, such as gloss, semi-gloss, and satin.

Helmsman Spar Urethane has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from more than 7,770 reviewers. Most reviewers claim that it works as intended and is easy to clean and apply. There are a couple of unsatisfactory reviews about white-painted signs turning yellow and that applying more than one coat was difficult.

Best for Pressure-Treated Decks: Seal-Once Marine

Available on Amazon, Homedepot.

The best wood sealer for pressure-treated decks is Seal-Once Marine. It’s a wood stain and sealer in one, but you can also purchase it in “clear” if you don’t want to stain your deck. 

Seal-Once Marine provides superior moisture and UV resistance for decks. Its formula coats the wood fibers, creating a breathable and flexible barrier. It’s also non-toxic, low VOC, and safe for plant life. You’ll need to apply two coats for maximum protection. You purchase this product in nine colors or in clear.

Seal-Once Marine has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 1,000 reviewers. While most users claim the product is easy to apply and an excellent water repellant, a few people had trouble with the second coat, claiming it was tacky in some spots and wouldn’t dry.

Best for Indoor Furniture: Minwax Polycrylic

Available on Amazon, Walmart.

If you need to seal indoor wood furniture, go with Minwax Polycrylic. It’s easy to apply, is low odor, and thanks to its water-based formula, dries clear. 

Polycrylic comes in five finishes, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte, and ultra-flat. For application, wait at least 24 hours after finishing your wood with stain. Then apply a thin coat using a synthetic bristle brush. Wait two hours and lightly sand until smooth. Add additional coats if necessary. 

Minwax Polycrylic has more than 23,000 reviews and a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. Positive reviews are abundant and claim the product is excellent for many home projects. One of the most common negative reviews is difficulty using the spray can version.

Best for Outdoor Use: Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multipurpose

Available on Amazon, Lowes.

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multipurpose is thin enough to put in a sprayer and works on wood, concrete, brick, and masonry. You can use it on everything from mailbox fence posts to brick walls. It comes in clear, transparent, semi-transparent, or solid stain colors.

To use this product, start by washing and drying the area you’ll be waterproofing. Then apply one coat of Thompson’s WaterSeal with a brush, roller, or sprayer and wait 24 hours for it to dry. You can clean up overspray or drips with soap and water while still wet. 

Thompson’s WaterSeal is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by over 400 reviewers. Many top reviewers state the product works well and love that it’s thin enough to go in a sprayer. One negative review reports a stained block wall after using the product.

Best Non-Toxic: Lumber-Seal Clear Wood Sealant

Available on Amazon.

Lumber-Seal Wood Sealant is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and contains no VOCs. If you have concerns about toxicity around people, pets, or plants, it’s an excellent choice.

You can use this product on indoor and outdoor surfaces and paint or stain after applying the sealer. If you use Lumber-Seal on a deck, you must stain it afterward. It will accept water-based paints and stains. It protects against moisture, UV rays, and freezing temperatures.

Lumber Seal has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 100 users. Users state that it’s easy to apply and works well. The few negative reviews have to do with the shipping rather than the quality of the product.

Best Exterior Sealer + Stain Combo: KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain

Available on Amazon, Walmart.

KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain combines a stain and sealer in one for less work. It’s ideal for decks, fences, and siding but may also work on concrete and masonry. It contains a 100% Acrylic formula for UV and moisture protection.

The Waterproofing Wood Stain from KILZ is semi-transparent, adding color while allowing the wood grain to show through. Apply it with a high-quality brush or roller. After two hours, you can add a second coat. The wood will fully cure in 72 hours.

Almost 800 users have reviewed KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain, giving it a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. Many reviewers state that it’s an easy-to-use product with long-lasting results. Some negative reviewers had issues with the amount of prep work required before staining.

Best All-Natural: Pure Tung Oilx

Available on Amazon, Walmart.

Pure Tung Oil is the top choice for an all-natural wood sealer. While we don’t recommend you use it on large outdoor surfaces like decks or fencing, it’s an excellent option for indoor furniture, butcher block, cutting boards, ax handles, and other wooden pieces.

Use Tung Oil on unfinished wood. Apply to your surface and wait one hour for the oil to penetrate. Then, absorb the excess oil with a cloth. Add a second coat 12 hours later, buffing it with an abrasive sponge between coats. When the Tung Oil dries, it will create a barrier resistant to alcohol, water, and oil.

Pure Tung Oil has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon from over 2,500 reviewers. Most users claim it works great for indoor furniture, cutting boards, and wooden cooking utensils. Many negative reviews complained of a strong odor.

Why Trust Homedit Reviews

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Filling holes in a wood surface or piece of unfinished furniture will require wood putty or wood filler. So, which one is better?

If you’ve never worked with wood, you may wonder about the difference between wood putty and filler. Woody putty is oil-based and ideal for finished wood pieces in moisture-prone areas. Wood filler is water-based and ideal for filling small holes, cracks, and gouges, in wood you’d like to paint or stain.

What Is The Difference Between Wood Putty And Wood Filler? 

Even though they’re often mistaken for one another, wood putty and filler are different.

Sandability 

You can sand wood filler but not wood putty. Wood putty doesn’t fully harden, and unless you’re using a two-step product, you won’t be able to sand it. Wood filler hardens, creating a sandable surface. 

Finished Or Unfinished Wood

Wood putty is for finished wood, while wood filler works for finished and unfinished wood. You can find wood putty in several shades to match existing finishes. But because it doesn’t accept stain or paint, avoid using it on unfinished wood.

Outdoor Application 

With exterior woodwork, filler won’t last like putty. Wood putty is oil-based, so it will work better on an outdoor surface. 

Painting

When painting, wood filler is better. Putty doesn’t take to paint like filler.

Material

Wood putty is an adhesive made with plastic. Wood filler contains sawdust or wood fibers, and blends well with unfinished wood. You can stain or paint your wood filler to match your piece of wood if desired.

How to Fill Holes In Wood: Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler

You can use wood putty and wood filler to fill gaps in wood. Here are the steps.

How To Use Wood Filler

Wood filler is ideal for small projects like covering nail holes. You can apply it to holes and cracks in unfinished and finished wood. For this project, we applied it to imperfections in a handrail.

We applied a generous amount of wood filler to the hole and allowed it to dry. Then, we sanded it. Finally, we used a stain and sealer to finish the piece.

We did the same thing with this retro rainbow dresser. For imperfections and knots, we used filler. In this case, we smoothed it down and painted over it.

How To Use Wood Putty

You can apply wood putty by pressing it in the hole you need to cover. It will dry within 2-8 hours. Make sure it looks good within those first couple of hours because as it dries, you won’t be able to reshape it.

Since wood putty is oil-based, it’s moisture resistant and won’t expand and contract the same way wood filler does. Use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places with high humidity. But because you can’t paint or stain wood putty, you’ll need to find a putty that matches the finish of the wood you’re fixing. 

The post Wood Putty Vs. Wood Filler: Which One For Your Project appeared first on Homedit.

Bamboo countertops are increasingly popular with homeowners as an alternative to traditional materials because of their durability, sustainability, and warmth. Countertops made from treelike grass bamboo offer a similar look and texture to wood countertops but are harder and longer lasting.

Unlike marble and granite countertops, bamboo offers stunning beauty at a fraction of the cost. Bamboo is also a fast-growing material, so you can feel good about using this renewable resource as part of your eco-friendly kitchen design.

Types of Bamboo Countertops

There are four main types of bamboo countertops that present different surface appearances: vertical grain, end grain, flat grain, and strand woven.

• Vertical Grain – Vertical grain bamboo countertops are the most common style for bamboo countertops. Manufacturers create this style when they join together strips of bamboo to create a vertical pattern. You can recognize this style because of the striped pattern and the vertical orientation of the lines.
• End Grain – End grain bamboo countertops are also known as parquet butcher block and can feature the same pattern. Manufacturers make these countertops by gluing short blocks of bamboo together in distinct patterns. Because of the tight grain and pattern of this type of countertop, it is the best bamboo surface for resisting scratches.
• Flat Grain – Flat grain countertops are also called face grain because they are created by opening the bamboo and joining the pieces face-up.
• Strand Woven – Strand woven countertops do not have the stark lines that grain countertops do. Instead, manufacturers create these countertops by weaving strands together with adhesive and then pressing them under high pressure. Strand woven bamboo countertops have an appearance that is more similar to solid wood.

Construction of Bamboo Countertops

All bamboo countertops require adhesive and pressure to bind the pieces together as there is no piece of bamboo large enough to create a truly solid surface. That said, there are solid bamboo countertops and plywood bamboo countertops and they differ in the raw materials used to create the end product. Both of these construction methods produce countertops that are durable, hard, and suitable for kitchen use.

• Solid Bamboo Countertops – Solid bamboo countertops come in different thicknesses and internal structures. Manufacturers create them by gluing solid bamboo pieces together in various patterns.
• Plywood Bamboo Countertops – Fabricators make plywood bamboo countertops by gluing sheets of bamboo together under high pressure. After fabricators create the boards or panels, they can cut them apart to display different grain patterns.

Cost of Bamboo Countertops

Bamboo countertops cost between $25-$100 per square foot for just the materials. For a 50-square-foot section, expect to pay between $2,000-$3,000 on average for the countertops. Labor costs tend to run between $5-$15 per square foot. The price will be more or less depending on the type of bamboo used in creating the countertop as well as the quality and durability of the adhesives.

The most expensive type of bamboo countertops is created from Moso bamboo, which is well known for its strength and durability. Adhesives that don’t use formaldehyde and are environmentally friendly increase the price but are better for creating a healthy kitchen environment. You can save money on your bamboo countertops by comparing prices between manufacturers, waiting for sales, purchasing a less expensive style and finish known as builder’s grade, and installing the bamboo countertops yourself.

Everyday Care for Bamboo Countertops

The everyday care of bamboo countertops is straightforward and simple but should be maintained if you want to preserve the quality of your bamboo countertops.

• Clean Spills Promptly – Like wood countertops, bamboo can stain if left exposed to standing water. Clean up liquid spills as they occur.
• Avoid Abrasive Products – Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm water or mild soap to clean the surface as needed. Do not use abrasive cleaners or pads, as these can scratch the surface.
• Use Cutting Boards – Rather than cut directly on the surface of your bamboo countertops, use cutting boards to prepare food. This will prevent scratches and dents from marring the surface.
• Use Trivets and Hot Pads – Bamboo countertops cannot withstand heat and can burn if exposed to hot surfaces. Use trivets for hot pans and pots to avoid marking the surface.

Long-Term Maintenance for Bamboo Countertops

You should expect some long-term care of bamboo countertops to keep them looking gorgeous.

• Avoid Damage – Practice proactive maintenance of your countertops and avoid actions that will create damage. Use cutting boards for food prep. Do not leave any standing water or other liquid on the countertop, which creates stains. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which destroy the finish on the countertops. Also, do not place hot pots and pans directly on the surface of the bamboo without a trivet or hot plate. Doing this can create burn marks that need to be removed with sanding.
• Oil the Surface Regularly – It is vital that you apply a coat of oil to your bamboo countertops every couple of months in order to avoid a dry and brittle surface. Use a food-safe oil like linseed, tung, or mineral oil. Apply the oil with a soft cloth. Allow the oil to penetrate the surface before wiping off the excess with a clean cloth.
• Consider a Sealer – Some people use linseed, tung, or mineral oil to seal the surface of their bamboo countertops. Others prefer a more long-lasting option like polyurethane or varnish. A long-term sealant is not a necessary step and should be considered in light of family allergens and food exposure preferences.
• Sand Out Scratches – When scratches or dents occur, you need to sand them out with fine-grit sandpaper. Use sandpaper that has a grit of 120-180. Carefully sand in the direction of the grain until you have removed the mark and the surface is smooth again. Use a higher grain to finish if you want the surface smoother.
• Address Damage Quickly – Always address any problems with your countertops quickly as leaving them can create larger problems as time passes.

Pros and Cons of Bamboo Countertops

Bamboo countertops have distinct qualities that create unique positives and negatives that you should consider before an initial investment.

Pros:

• Eco-Friendly – Bamboo is a renewable resource because it is a fast-growing resource that can be harvested without harming the environment. The bamboo plant requires very little water to grow and can thrive without pesticides and fertilizers making it a more eco-friendly countertop than other wood options.
• Affordability – Bamboo countertops are less expensive than natural stone countertops like granite and marble. Compared to wood countertops, they are similar to many mid-range choices but less than high-priced woods like teak and exotic woods like zebrawood.
• Easy Care – Bamboo countertops are easy to clean and maintain, as you can wipe them down with a soft cloth and water. They naturally resist the growth of bacteria and mold.
• Appearance – Bamboo has the same warmth and textured look as wood countertops. You can vary the look of bamboo countertops according to the style of the surface.
• Durability – Bamboo is a hard and durable material. It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio making bamboo kitchen countertops an ideal surface for countertops.

Cons:

• Prone to Scratches – Even though bamboo is durable, it is prone to scratches from knives, pots, and pans. It is important to note that you can easily sand out the scratches when needed.
• Regular Maintenance – The maintenance of bamboo is easy but it does need to be constantly maintained in order for the countertops to look their best. This includes regular cleaning and oiling of the surface.
• Water Resistance – Bamboo countertops are not water resistant. You must clean up spills from water and other liquids quickly and not allow them to sit as they can cause staining.
• Heat Resistance – Bamboo kitchen countertops cannot withstand heat and can burn if exposed to scalding surfaces.
• Limited Color and Designs – Bamboo is available in just one color, though in a variety of configurations. It is possible to change the color of the bamboo countertop with either stain or dark oils, but one must apply the stain carefully as bamboo takes stain differently than many softwoods.

The post How to Choose and Care for Bamboo Countertops appeared first on Homedit.

The average price to build an A-Frame house is $150,000, with labor and material costs of  $100 – $200 per square foot. For a standard 1,000-square-foot A-Frame home, expect to pay $100,000 – $200,000.

A-Frame Home Cost Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of costs associated with building a new A-Frame house.

• Lot Preparation: $2,000 – $6,000
• Foundation: $4 per square foot
• Building Materials and Labor: $50 – $150 square foot
• A-Frame Plans: $200 – $2,000
• New Electrical: $4-$9 per square foot
• Rough-In Plumbing: $4-$5 per square foot
• Septic Tank: $10,000 – $25,000 (varies by location)
• General Contractor: up to 10-20% of total project cost

Factors that Affect the Cost of Building an A-Frame House

Many factors influence the price of an A-Frame house. While it’s helpful to look at national averages, the cost of your A-Frame could be much less or much more, depending on your choices.

A-Frame Plans vs. A-Frame Kit

A significant factor in the cost of your new build is whether you use an A-Frame plan or purchase a prefab A-Frame kit.

You can find small A-Frame kits for as little as $29,000, with larger family-sized options costing $70,000+. These kits are prefabricated and shipped to the site. You can assemble them yourself or hire a contractor. You can purchase the kits as the shell only or purchase complete interior and exterior packages.

While A-Frame kits are less expensive than a from-scratch build, you’ll still need to pay for electrical work, a foundation, plumbing, and a septic system, depending on location.

You can purchase an existing A-Frame plan for $100 – $2,000. Architect-drawn plans are more expensive, ranging from a few thousand dollars to $30,000.

These plans will walk you through building an A-Frame house, step by step, complete with a material list. The benefit of using A-Frame plans is the ability to customize the materials and layout of your home. Rather than being sent materials as you would in a kit, you purchase all supplies yourself. Unless you have previous construction experience, you’ll need a general contractor to oversee the completion of the home.

Because A-Frame kits come prefabricated, they’re a much faster build than using A-Frame plans.

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

The average cost of general contractors for a home build is 10-20% of the total project cost. So, for a $100,000 home build, you’re looking at a minimum of a $10,000 fee. 

While building an A-Frame home is no easy feat, those with construction experience will benefit from significant savings.

Location and Cost of Lot

According to LandSearch, the average cost of a one-acre lot in the United States is $17,542. Your location will dictate the price. For example, you can find an acre of land for about $7,546 in Kansas, while an acre in Massachusetts is $46,148.

The land you choose will also determine how much work it will take to prep the site and the difficulty of utility hookups.

Septic System

Most A-Frame homes in rural areas won’t have access to public sewer and will need a septic system. The average price for a new septic tank is $7,015, while a complete septic system (including a new tank) ranges from $10,000 – $25,000, depending on the location and complexity of the job.

Permits

Depending on where you live, you may need multiple building permits to construct your A-Frame. Consult with your local building office or hire a contractor to manage permits on your behalf.

The Finishes You Choose

A contributing cost to any house build is the type of finishes. To save money, opt for materials like laminate countertops, vinyl flooring, and basic bathroom fixtures. If you’re looking for high-end finishes, your A-Frame build will be on the higher end of the spectrum.

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