The editors here at Popular Mechanics would like you to know that we’re not perfect. Whether tackling home improvements or making automotive repairs, we’ve all made our fair share of mistakes. Here are some of the worst. If you’ve got some that you’d like to share, send them to pmwebmaster@hearst.com, along with any lessons that might have been gleaned from the experience.

Viance. Ecolife is a nonmetallic preservative plus wood stabilizer system that offers long-term protection against decay and termites and provides weathering protection to reduce cracking, warping, and splitting in above-ground applications. The manufacturer says Ecolife is no more corrosive to fasteners and metal fittings than untreated wood, so it can be used in direct contact with aluminum. The product can be used on a wide range of treatable species, can be painted or stained, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

While building an extension for an existing deck, I was asked to install a new synthetic handrail product around the perimeter of the new and improved deck. The original deck had treated wood deck boards, which had already been replaced prior to the installation of a hot tub.

This synthetic PVC handrail system uses post sleeves that slide over an ordinary 4×4 treated post. The steps shown in this article should also apply to any handrail method that employs 4×4 posts to support railings or guards.

An outdoor fountain makes a lovely addition to a yard, patio, deck, or garden. The gentle sound of the continually flowing water is calming, and it provides a great deal of pleasure to anyone who wants to sit back and unwind while taking in the beauty of nature. When embellished with beautiful polished stones, colorful beach glass, shells, flowers, and foliage, an outdoor fountain is an extraordinary way to add considerable beauty and significance to any outdoor area.

Those flimsy bamboo and coconut ­torches of luau-themed summer shindigs and Gilligan’s Island reruns now come in dur­able materials such as copper, iron, and steel. They illuminate all manner of outdoor living—not just in warm climes, but also points north, even after the temperature drops.

“You wouldn’t believe how many we ship to the Northeast in November,” says John Manning of ­BuyTikiTorches.com, whose most ­popular model is the Maui, a hammered-copper torch that’s sturdy enough to hold up well in any weather.

So when you install pressure treated, flat sawn, wood decking, do you face the bark side up (left in photo) or bark side down (right in photo)?  Ask ten people and half will likely say ‘bark-side-up,’ a few will say ‘bark-side-down’ and the rest will shrug their shoulders.   For some direction, we can turn to wood scientists – they actually study stuff like this.

But who cares and what do we hope to gain by orienting deck boards a particular way?  The objectives for orienting the decking bark side up or down are to minimize cupping (which leaves raised edges for feet to catch on), reduce splitting (AKA ‘checking’), diminish the chance for rot and have fewer splinters.

Cottage Life handyman Wayne Lennox talks about materials, design features, and building tips for your very own outdoor shower.

There’s a reason so many builders are leaning green these days.
After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s healthier, keeps energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in check, and doesn’tsquander water and other natural resources? But you don’thave to buildfrom scratch to turn your not-so-newhouse into a dwelling that’s eco-friendly and more economical to run.

Whether you own or rent, the following 45 simple ideas can help you save money (and the planet) today.  

Everything always comes back into fashion. Whether its retro clothing, vintage cars, or designer antiques, people love it when the past catches up to the present again. But bringing a little history into the home isn’t just limited to decorative knick-knacks and old-fashioned furniture. It can extend to the actual construction of the house as well. Reclaimed wood has become a popular way to recycle pre-existing wooden structures by incorporating them into newer homes.

Read this article.