Your DIY Home Improvements - Post'em up!

[Chick_Maggot]

Hey guys, since buying our fixer-upper a few years ago, I find that I'm really getting into sprucing it up, making some décor, wood working, etc. I never really had an inclination for doing this in my last home, so I have no idea where it came from now, but I'm into it.

I'd be interested in seeing the level of DIY talent here on the board. Let's see what you'd like to brag about!
Here's my latest project - a ceiling treatment. I felt one of the seating areas in the home needed something that would help offer a bit more of the Hawaiian/Tahitian vibe we’re going for, so I took advantage of the ceiling area around a fan (electrical for the fan was done by a pro). I built a simple 8' x 6' wooden coffered box, stained it, added some trim and highlighted it with some Lauhala matting, and inlayed some green tortoise shell bamboo and burlap into the faux beam componants.

I cheated a little on the leafy insert around the base of the fan. I did produce the design, but I had a company put it into a CAD program, then laser cut it from some birch plywood. All I had to do was stain and install it. I also did some very minor electrical work so the design can be back-lit at night via the fan remote. I think it really helped pump up the space and I only have about $400 into it.


http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_1445%203_zpsmp6scgma.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_1445%203_zpsmp6scgma.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_1445%202_zpskgjk7cev.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_1445%202_zpskgjk7cev.jpg.html)

[Chick_Maggot]

The foyer needed a lot more appeal, so I decided a large piece of art was in order. I found a sizable image I thought the boss might like (luckily I was right) and felt it would make a good focal point in this small area.


Before: Started by laying out the image location and marking the hang points. Then, covered the wall with bamboo flooring trimmed with a dark border similar to the art's frame.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/001_zpsz5zt0b4t.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/001_zpsz5zt0b4t.jpg.html)


After: Not a bad return for a few hours of work. It seems to give the vibe we're looking for.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/017_zpsg789hl0x.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/017_zpsg789hl0x.jpg.html)


View from inside the foyer. The carpeting will be leaving soon (too much traffic in this area). The balusters and stair railing will also be replaced with something much more appealing.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/009_zpsoe7ovzli.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/009_zpsoe7ovzli.jpg.html)

[x77-69z28]

Awesome work. I like the ceiling treatment

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: x77-69z28</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Awesome work. I like the ceiling treatment </div></div>

<span style="font-size: 14pt">Thanks. I think it helped the space.</span>

[68l30]

Just swaped out the rollers on my garage doors with ones that have nylon wheels &amp; roller bearings. The noise drove me insane. Lubed up all the hinges with never seize also. The only noise I hear now is the opener running. Silence is golden!

Small job, but well worth it!

BIG

[Lynn]

That is the same fan we put in our game room.

[scuncio]

Nice work, big improvement. We bought a 1924 Georgian Colonial a few years ago and it's become more of a time commitment than my cars!

[markinnaples]

We're in the last stretch of a major backyard redo. Sure wish we would have ran into Yard Crashers or hit the lottery or something before doing this project, ugh. We dug the hill out and built the wall (my wife, my father in law, 15 yo step son, and me) by hand, each block at a time, not to mention putting up a couple hundred feet of privacy and aluminum fencing, and the pics don't show the entire wall, the sod, the sprinkler system we installed ourselves, etc., etc. It was a lot of work.
Here is the start:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41764-01_house.jpg

And at the same time as this, we had a pool installed but this is what it looked like a couple weeks ago (will need to update this next week when we're done):
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41765-02_h.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41766-03_h.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41767-04_h.jpg

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Mark, that's going to be a pretty impressive outdoor space when completed. The short retaining walls were a great idea.</span>

[Chick_Maggot]

Did some work at the front of the house. As you can see, the place had ZERO curb appeal when we bought it. There are 200 homes in our neighborhood and ours was definitely in the bottom five.

Yeah, that's me muggin' for the camera. Sorry I'm not better looking.

My two kids and my wife and I tore everything out to get a clean slate. I replanted everything here with the exception of the huge quad-trunk palm. I also built the multi-level bamboo back-drop for the raised planters along the garage. I came up with the design for the retaining wall, pavers, new stone steps and greenery layout. Pros painted the house, built the rock retaining wall and laid the turf.

Before #1
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/front%2002_zpsxxm6xps1.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/front%2002_zpsxxm6xps1.jpg.html)

Before #2
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/front%2001_zpshv4hkgbo.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/front%2001_zpshv4hkgbo.jpg.html)

After #1
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/004_zpszi2j8lxq.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/004_zpszi2j8lxq.jpg.html)

After #2
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/004a_zpspowhkolq.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/004a_zpspowhkolq.jpg.html)

[markinnaples]

Beautiful work, Steve. Looks great, inside and out.
Thanks, it's coming along. It's all my wife's idea as she's extraordinarily creative and artistic when it comes to design. We had a nightmare clearing some trees in the back. I hired a company to &quot;remove 22 trees&quot; including grinding the stumps, however, he subbed it out to a guy who grinded the trees leaving very large tree pieces (was supposed to be usable mulch) as well as 20 stumps that needed to be ground down as they were 2-3 inches above ground and it took us weeks to clear them. I called the company I contracted with when I saw what was done and it didn't match our contract at all, so he said keep the other half of the payment that was due, which I did as I didn't have much other choice. So then I get a call from the sub who asks me for payment, lololol. I explained the situation and that they would get no more money from me. So now the sub is suing the contracted company for payment and they want me to potentially show up in court. What a fiasco. I'll post some pics of the ridiculous mess they left.

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Beautiful work, Steve. Looks great, inside and out.
Thanks, it's coming along. It's all my wife's idea as she's extraordinarily creative and artistic when it comes to design. We had a nightmare clearing some trees in the back. I hired a company to &quot;remove 22 trees&quot; including grinding the stumps, however, he subbed it out to a guy who grinded the trees leaving very large tree pieces (was supposed to be usable mulch) as well as 20 stumps that needed to be ground down as they were 2-3 inches above ground and it took us weeks to clear them. I called the company I contracted with when I saw what was done and it didn't match our contract at all, so he said keep the other half of the payment that was due, which I did as I didn't have much other choice. So then I get a call from the sub who asks me for payment, lololol. I explained the situation and that they would get no more money from me. So now the sub is suing the contracted company for payment and they want me to potentially show up in court. What a fiasco. I'll post some pics of the ridiculous mess they left. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Sounds like I'm not the only one who has problems with contractors. I'd just as soon beat the hell out of most of the guys who have done work in my house. No wonder they call them &quot;con&quot;tractors.

We're getting ready to totally redo the kitchen soon. I should start going back to the gym as I know there are bound to be some fist fights during that job.</span>

[markinnaples]

No question. Almost every one we've deal with just didn't do what they said they would, period.
Here are some pics of the mess that the guy left us with (these don't show nearly how bad it really was), and another pic of the wall not shown already.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41787-3_w.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41788-1_wood.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41789-2_wood.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41790-05_h.jpg

[markinnaples]

Oh, and before my wife kicks my rear, here's little better pic of her, eek:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41791-011.jpg

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh, and before my wife kicks my rear, here's little better pic of her, eek:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-3000-41791-011.jpg
</div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">You have one of those wives too? lol.</span></span>

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">My wife and daughter wouldn't even go in the backyard because of all the spiders, geckos, rats, ants and various other wildlife, so we had to do a little work back there, as well.

I paid to have the hardscape laid, but all greenery, design and material selection was done by me. I also planted everything. All the manual labor was a PITA at the time, but it seems to have paid off.

We also got together with some of the neighbors and replaced the 18-year-old rickety, broken down, water soaked, ant infested, rotting, good for nothing but toothpicks, booger nose, original wood POS fence. </span>



<span style="font-weight: bold">Before (north corner)</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/before%2003_zpsvij56l3n.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/before%2003_zpsvij56l3n.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">After (north corner)
I dug so many holes in this backyard that I feel like a gopher.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/005%202_zpseew16wfg.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/005%202_zpseew16wfg.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">The Chill Zone - The wife and I just hang out here for hours with the fire blazing and the water feature going. Well worth the money spent. During parties, the guests seem to appreciate it, too. When the water feature is on, the Tiki spits water into the river.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/077_zpsq9o5vbpb.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/077_zpsq9o5vbpb.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">Before (south corner)
That old jacuzzi was nothing more than a ghetto for rats.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/before%2002_zpsrzyddm6c.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/before%2002_zpsrzyddm6c.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">After (south corner)
After tearing down the pergola, I used the wood to make a smaller pergola over the BBQ island.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/079_zps1zwexcqo.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/079_zps1zwexcqo.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">I had to build some gates to hide the crappy side of the house where all my junk is stored. I happened to acquire the handles and iron work from a store that was being torn down. Also added some bamboo to keep the vibe going.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/016_zps1hp2wtzl.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/016_zps1hp2wtzl.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">Before (side walkway)
I needed a nicer pathway from the frontyard to the main party area.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/side%20yard%2001%20before_zpsmgnq3caz.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/side%20yard%2001%20before_zpsmgnq3caz.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">After (side walkway)</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/098_zpsmlfv2qt7.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/098_zpsmlfv2qt7.jpg.html)

[markinnaples]

Looks amazing sir.

[Billohio]

Very nice work guys.
I had my kitchen redone about 6 years ago. The boss was here sporadically. He had a huge thermos and was always getting ice out of my fridge. I asked one of the other guys if he had tea in there or what. He laughed and said scotch! About a week later, the guy I asked, he was the perfectionist too, he showed up and apologized. He said I am drunk, this was at 8 am. He said he woke up and was out of it and thought it was 6 pm not am so he had a drink.. or few. Now I know why he always rode with another guy.

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Billohio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very nice work guys.
I had my kitchen redone about 6 years ago. The boss was here sporadically. He had a huge thermos and was always getting ice out of my fridge. I asked one of the other guys if he had tea in there or what. He laughed and said scotch! About a week later, the guy I asked, he was the perfectionist too, he showed up and apologized. He said I am drunk, this was at 8 am. He said he woke up and was out of it and thought it was 6 pm not am so he had a drink.. or few. Now I know why he always rode with another guy. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Too drunk to know what time it is = you're fired.

Wow.</span>

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Because I can never leave well enough alone, I decided to add a little more to the backyard. This project involved a little visual interest via installing a piece of art. I spotted this at a business in San Diego about two years ago. When I went back about a month ago, it was still there. The owner of the business was supposed to take it to his vacation home in Hawaii, but never did. One of the sales guys offered me a deal I couldn't refuse, so I took it.</span>


<span style="font-weight: bold">I knew where I wanted it, but I wasn't initially sure how to display it. I first had to dig a hole so I could get rid of a length of pipe which came off the water bib, but served no purpose.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/069_zpstk3unkjc.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/069_zpstk3unkjc.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">I whipped up with this pergola idea as a display vehicle.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/029_zps2nujfyww.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/029_zps2nujfyww.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">Testing an uplighting option (before I got the tiki torches in place). I'll probably roll with it.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/082_zpsx6svsdt1.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/082_zpsx6svsdt1.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">Here's the &quot;Director of Family Operations&quot; enjoying the fruits of my labor.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/077_zpsk0hzwwho.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/077_zpsk0hzwwho.jpg.html)
520

[TimG]

Wow, those improvements are amazing. I bet your neighbors love having you there. It looks beautiful.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Thank you.

I chuckle when my two next-door neighbors thank me for helping raise their property values. lol</span>

[markinnaples]

Again, killer work.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Here I wanted to utilize a large niche in the foyer. The tri-panel art I bought was a little small, so I built some framework to go over the niche to try and give the art a little more presence. Yes, my wife likes sea turtles.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_0824_zps4jyt9p2k.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_0824_zps4jyt9p2k.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">I covered the framework with Lauhala matting and trimmed it with some stained wood. Still a lot of work to do in this area, window cornices, wood flooring &amp; baseboards, new stair railing, big corbels for the beam, new front door, etc. </span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/066_zpsvfzjdmsf.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/066_zpsvfzjdmsf.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">Hung the art on the framework with a little orange paint inside the niche to add a some dimension. Finished it off by hanging some greenery near the ceiling and I was done. The British Colonial vibe works for me.

Hanging this monster by myself was tough. It's 5ft wide and 7ft tall and about 9ft off the ground.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/018_zpsrqpt5ldl.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/018_zpsrqpt5ldl.jpg.html)
717

[TimG]

OK, Steve, we have a big blank wall in our dining room and we don't know what to do with it. When can you be here? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Chick_Maggot]

We'll need to negotiate hotel accommodations (5-star only), meal allowance, initial consultation fees, car rental, design fee, reimbursement for airfare, fee collection fees, and off-hours entertainment allowance (dollar bills for strippers). Actual building and installation will be on a time and materials basis. Call me with your schedule.

[TimG]

I need to run that by my wife, I mean my CFO.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">I guess there's very few people on the board who do anything to their homes.</span></span>

[Jonesy]

All my money goes to my cars <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif

You certainly have a knack for transforming walls and landscaping!!

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jonesy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All my money goes to my cars <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif</div></div>

Ok you're excused lol.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Here’s a project that was completed not long ago. When my daughter moved out on her own, I decided to turn her room into the main guest quarters, as it was larger than the existing guest room. I still stayed with the tropical vibe, but went with a more beachfront feel.

This was also my first try at constructing a wainscoting wall treatment. It was a PITA, but the wife likes it, so that’s all that matters I guess. I cheated a little here too by bringing in a pro painter who sprayed the color because I didn’t want any brush/roller marks on the wood. I painted the walls.

Also made the window cornice and bought some Mexican Parota for the table tops (still need to sand/poly them). I also made the collage over the headboard from 3 pictures, backed by some rough cork tiles framed by some stained and distressed pine. What you can’t see is a faux beam at the peak of the ceiling which has a dark bamboo inlay. The Oahu sign (the wife and I were married there) was made from scrap wood lying on the garage floor.

Still trying to talk the wife into a TV over the closet w/home theater system.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/001_zpsnhork47c.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/001_zpsnhork47c.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/003_zpsiawwe9hw.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/003_zpsiawwe9hw.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/017_zpskwrhtzbt.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/017_zpskwrhtzbt.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/003_zpsdc96is5f.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/003_zpsdc96is5f.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/004_zpsipbatp4h.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/004_zpsipbatp4h.jpg.html)

[x77-69z28]

I'm just not smart enough to be able to post pics!
Buddy

[TMagda]

Hardwood on basement floor and some crown and tile.


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-421-42216-basement_1.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-421-42218-basement2.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-421-42219-img_3360_6.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-421-42220-img_3595.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/04/full-421-42221-img_3361_7.jpg

[markinnaples]

Nice work guys. Hoping to have the pavers set around the pool this week so I can post up a &quot;Done&quot; picture, ugh. Do contractors ever do what they say, when they say they would? I think not many at all.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">That crown molding looks a lot better than I can do. I tried some in the downstairs bathroom, but I'm thinking about a do-over.

Good job. </span>

[67 Nova Boy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chick_Maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


<span style="font-weight: bold">That crown molding looks a lot better than I can do. I tried some in the downstairs bathroom, but I'm thinking about a do-over.

Good job. </span> </div></div>

Caulk works wonders to fill the gaps but yes...nice job there!!

Dave
67 Nova Boy

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do contractors ever do what they say, when they say they would? I think not many at all. </div></div>

My opinion is that the percentage is extremely low.

[m22mike]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 67 Nova Boy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chick_Maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


<span style="font-weight: bold">That crown molding looks a lot better than I can do. I tried some in the downstairs bathroom, but I'm thinking about a do-over.

Good job. </span> </div></div>

Caulk works wonders to fill the gaps but yes...nice job there!!

Dave
67 Nova Boy </div></div>

You may already know this , crown molding goes upside down in the mitre box.

Crown molding 101 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QpnWgGNtOk)

[TMagda]

Thanks guys. First try at crown. I have a DeWalt compound miter saw and the crown is MDF. I ripped some 2x4's on an angle first and installed them around the intersection of the wall and ceiling to give me a good nailing surface wherever I might need it. Put the moulding upside down in the saw with one side on the base and one side on the backstop and cut away. Basically 2 cuts each, one to get it close, then mark with a pencil and another cut to get it exact. No caulk, but a bit of wood putty! Also used a Porter Cable air nailer.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Since the family room is where we spend 99% of our time, it also needed to start representin'. There was definitely no tropical vibe in here - nasty ten-year-old outdated furniture, funky coffee table, ugly rug, busted Ikea media cabinet and a pitiful school house red brick fireplace with a tiny mantel.

In this pic, I'm already trying something with the window cornices and rope wall hanging. I also used the vases on the hearth as color inspiration for the room.</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Old and busted</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/008_zpsrqjl0hdj.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/008_zpsrqjl0hdj.jpg.html)

<span style="font-weight: bold">New and improved</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/006_zpstwqdx5nr.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/006_zpstwqdx5nr.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">The shelves on the wall were made from some scrap wood I kept tripping over in the garage. The wife likes when I distress the wood for a more rustic vibe. My garage floor now has less junk on it and I have new shelves - a win win for me.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/010_zpsikvoorim.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/010_zpsikvoorim.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">The rope wall hanging seemed kind of boring, so I turned it into a clock. The &quot;numbers&quot; are made from cut and polished coconut shells. I've always been a big fan of a large time piece in a room.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/002_zpscdfcu6ab.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/002_zpscdfcu6ab.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">I also replaced a light fixture with a ceiling fan and used some Lauhala matting in the medallion.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/011_zpskkbyucfz.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/011_zpskkbyucfz.jpg.html)



<span style="font-weight: bold">Also made my own media cabinet to hide all the AV stuff and to blend in more with the room. </span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/006_zpsfda87xhm.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/006_zpsfda87xhm.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">The fireplace was my first attempt at any kind of tile work. I'm not 100% happy with it, but it's a good 10ft job. The LED lighting looks totally cool when the room is dark.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/photo%202a_zpswltelvti.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/photo%202a_zpswltelvti.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">I bought some cool iron stock and had my welder fabricate a surround to hide the area around the fire box where there was no tile.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_0808_zps82b7tie4.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_0808_zps82b7tie4.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">The hearth was raised and meant to mimic a box filled with rocks and sand. Not seen in this pic are some decorative nail heads I later added to the mantel. I spent about 90mins trying to make the seams between the pebble tiles completely disappear (probably not a detail most people will notice but me). Horizontal wood accents on each side of the fire box are some Mexican Cocobolo I had left over from another project. Believe it or not, that's the wood's natural color. No stain needed.</span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_0807_zpsje8ya74z.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_0807_zpsje8ya74z.jpg.html)
1731

[m22mike]

Great looking place, and nice work <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[markinnaples]

yeah, looks great

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Decided to do a little work to spruce up the master bedroom ceiling. So, I made some faux beams/rafters.

The TV wall is backed with a cork tile product I found from a company in San Diego.

I also plan on making a sliding door to replace the curtains over the master bath doorway.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/012_zpswy30k9v9.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/012_zpswy30k9v9.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/025_zps4akqsmkk.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/025_zps4akqsmkk.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/023_zpsnlqmhxuf.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/023_zpsnlqmhxuf.jpg.html)
2126

[Paul_S]

Neat. Looks like Nicole is over helping. Maybe via satellite.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Built a palm leaf design for the front of the house yesterday. Still reaching for more of that Hawaiian Tropic vibe.

Someday I'll paint those window frames on the garage doors.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Palm%20Appliques%2001_zpstuinjogy.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Palm%20Appliques%2001_zpstuinjogy.jpg.html)
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_2045_zpssuj88cfb.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_2045_zpssuj88cfb.jpg.html)</span>
2490

[markinnaples]

Well, we finished the wall and the pool, now we have to wait until next winter when my Father in law comes back down so we can build the roof over the lanai (patio), but here are some pics of the pool:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-3000-43143-pool_1.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-3000-43144-pool_2.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-3000-43145-pool_3.jpg

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">It's gonna be a rock star backyard.</span></span>

[markinnaples]

Thank you sir! Now all I have to do I pay for it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

[bergy]

Looks great Mark!

[markinnaples]

Thank you sir.

[HawkX66]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, we finished the wall and the pool, now we have to wait until next winter when my Father in law comes back down so we can build the roof over the lanai (patio), but here are some pics of the pool:
</div></div>
Beautiful space Mark!

[markinnaples]

Thanks Dave, and thanks for your service.

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chick_Maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/066_zpsvfzjdmsf.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/066_zpsvfzjdmsf.jpg.html)</div></div>

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">I decided to add a bit more to the foyer area by embellishing the trio of wood carvings.

A quick weekend project involving some wood framework covered in pebble tiles. I also tried to add a little visual interest by imbedding some fossilized shark teeth in the stone.</span></span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/foyer%2001_zpszv2cgcjg.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/foyer%2001_zpszv2cgcjg.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/foyer%2002_zps5qrud1mo.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/foyer%2002_zps5qrud1mo.jpg.html)
3222

[markinnaples]

You've got quite a creative streak, and the talent to go along with it. Very nice.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">You're too kind.

We'll be expecting more pics of the rock star playground you're building as they become available.</span>

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">My project over the last couple days - Decided to display the house numbers with a little more &quot;tropical&quot; flair. A little scrap wood, some left over paint, new numbers, a pineapple...done. </span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_2311%20small_zpsa066aotj.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_2311%20small_zpsa066aotj.jpg.html)</span>
4060

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">Got bored last weekend and decided to make a small water feature between two Bird of Paradise plants in the backyard. I also added a small bird bath for all the hummingbirds that dive bomb us when we're outside. I'm hoping it will be a peace maker.

The first pic is &quot;before&quot;, of course.

The link below the pic is a short video I shot after it was done.


http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_2399_zpspbjdl2rt.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_2399_zpspbjdl2rt.jpg.html)




The finished product: http://vid1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_2463_zpsacgzg2wd.mp4</span></span>
5071

[markinnaples]

Looks good. Did you put a pan or tub under the fountain and rocks to recycle the water?

[Chick_Maggot]

Yes. I bought all the components from Home Depot and they gave me a free bucket which is what I used.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt">
<span style="font-weight: bold">Had to do a little more work in the backyard because of an impulse buy at the local nursery. This stump was too cool to pass up. Still need to finish it with some greenery and flowers. I also tried to give is a little Tiki flair (to go with the rest of the yard) with my first attempt and carving with a Dremel. </span></span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Stump%2001_zpspt2ofqwh.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Stump%2001_zpspt2ofqwh.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_3004%201_zpsujnymbd3.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_3004%201_zpsujnymbd3.jpg.html)
7350

[earntaz]

Excellent!!

[Chick_Maggot]

Thanks. Still lots more to do in the backyard.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">I can't leave well enough alone I guess. I decided to make the frame a little more substantial for a wall hanging in the foyer. Some stained 1x6, a little distressing of the wood, a jute rope inlay, done. The hardest part was hauling that monster up and down the ladder by myself.</span></span>

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Before - </span></span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/018_zpsrqpt5ldl.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/018_zpsrqpt5ldl.jpg.html)


<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">After - </span></span>
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Niche%2003_zpsgeioa9rj.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Niche%2003_zpsgeioa9rj.jpg.html)
7705

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt">A little more work needed to be done outside. We decided the current foliage looked a little disorderly and the space needed to be cleaned up. Those plants can get about 25ft high and I didn't want to be trimming something so tall in my twilight years.

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_3655b_zpskgecw7cu.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_3655b_zpskgecw7cu.jpg.html)


<span style="font-weight: bold">
The answer was a little more hardscape and less greenery. Still have some additional work to do on the deck and pergola, but it's essentially finished. Also need to remove the large stump left over after chopping down the old foliage. We're hoping the colorful hibiscus blooms make the space pop.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_3655a_zpsl0vmm23f.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_3655a_zpsl0vmm23f.jpg.html)




<span style="font-weight: bold">After the sticker shock of pricing three large and colorful ceramic pots, we decided to take another route and have some fun making these planter boxes for the hibiscus. The palm tree ornaments are some trivets I got from eBay for practically nothing.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/IMG_3655c_zpsrx1h7yke.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/IMG_3655c_zpsrx1h7yke.jpg.html)</span>[/size]

[markinnaples]

Love the boxes, nice job.

[mockingbird812]

That is some handy work Steve!

[ne70ss]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-12140-53229-img_4303.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/11/full-12140-53230-img_4302.jpg
Built the kids a clubhouse.

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Worked on the front entryway today. Finally hung the array of pendant lights after spending a couple days making them. Have yet to get my electrician here to give them power. Soon.</span></span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Pendants%20lights%2003_zpsf477jkig.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Pendants%20lights%2003_zpsf477jkig.jpg.html)

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Pendants%20lights%2002_zpsshnequn9.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Pendants%20lights%2002_zpsshnequn9.jpg.html)

[ne70ss]

Very cool

[Chick_Maggot]

A clubhouse on the water. Lucky kids. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Had some time on my hands yesterday, so I decided to make some hanging décor
for the front entryway.</span>

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Palm%20Tree%20Art%2001_zpsqihspinl.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Palm%20Tree%20Art%2001_zpsqihspinl.jpg.html)

[markinnaples]

That looks pretty cool, nice job. How far are you from the beach?

[Chick_Maggot]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That looks pretty cool, nice job. How far are you from the beach? </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">I can leave the house and be checking out the bikinis within 12 minutes.</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Chick_Maggot]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Blew my back out a couple weeks ago, so the wife has me on light duty. Still managed to arrange some flowers and make a couple down-n-dirty plant stands to help add a little tropical color to either side of the fireplace.

My wife was impressed, so I was able to side-step any reprimand for being in the garage while she's at work and not following orders to sit and watch TV all day.</span>


http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/plant%20stand%2002_zpslawxn7yq.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/plant%20stand%2002_zpslawxn7yq.jpg.html)
12317

[earntaz]

Aaaaah -- got your hand slapped you did ... LOL TAZ

PS -- you do good work ...

[Chick_Maggot]

OK, after many many many months of waiting, and three contractors later, we're again ramping up for our 3rd attempt at a kitchen remodel. We're tired of 1993 and want to vault ourselves into 2017 with a little tropical flair.

Most of the effort to this point has been working with our cabinet guy in formulating the design, picking out finishes, tile, flooring, etc., so there are no real changes as of yet.

I was able to snag this sweet piece of South American Parota from an exotic wood joint up the street. I'm hoping the contrast of brand new dark maple cabinets against the live-edge rustic vibe of the slab will look ok.




Test driving the bar top and planning my cuts. I felt lucky to get this slab as it looks like it was grown specifically for my job.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Parota%20bar%20top%2003_zpsyeoivo4a.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Parota%20bar%20top%2003_zpsyeoivo4a.jpg.html)


Backside first. About 3 coats of polyurethane done. Still more to go, as well as sanding.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Parota%20bar%20top%2002_zpsmfz3cnsp.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Parota%20bar%20top%2002_zpsmfz3cnsp.jpg.html)


The poly is still a little wet here. Boy, I love the grain of this wood. The sapwood also has cool character to it. The wood is not stained, that's it's natural color.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Parota%20bar%20top%2001_zpsapr37ake.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Parota%20bar%20top%2001_zpsapr37ake.jpg.html)
15,104

[markinnaples]

Looks great CM, looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[m22mike]

That is a beautiful piece of wood.

Mike

[Chick_Maggot]

Time to do some work on the top side. There was an epoxy repair done to the slab, which didn't look anywhere near how I was told it would. I love the slab, but there's no way I wanted to look at the nasty repair for the rest of my life, so here's how I got rid of it. Like mom always said...when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.


Here's the lemon. There was hairline crack there when I gave him the slab. While it was being worked on, it somehow turned into a cavern. I have my own thoughts on how this happened.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/bar%20top%2001_zpsloledh8t.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/bar%20top%2001_zpsloledh8t.jpg.html)

In the process of making lemonade. I free-handed a design which encompassed the area I wanted to get ride of, and also appeared to allow the grain to flow around it (as much as it could anyway). Here, I'm trying to remove as much wood as possible, so my router didn't need to work hard to finish the job.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/bar%20top%2002_zpsd52szocc.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/bar%20top%2002_zpsd52szocc.jpg.html)


Lemonade is done, mom. I had a piece of glass cut using the template I made. Now it's a feature, instead of a frickin' eyesore. The wife can decorate inside with anything she wants.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/bar%20top%2003_zps6vxkhgdw.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/bar%20top%2003_zps6vxkhgdw.jpg.html)
15274

[markinnaples]

Excellent save, and thinking outside the box.

[Chick_Maggot]

Making a little more progress on the backyard. Major clean up, installed more landscape lighting and one small water feature (still one more large water/fire feature to install and one to disassemble and repair). Still looking for a sound system to pipe in some Hawaiian music to round out the vibe.

This footage is a little dark since it was a late night decision to shoot it. Please bear in mind that I make no claims to cinematic expertise on any level what so ever.


https://youtu.be/ZU_Apywb-Ps

15565

[BJCHEV396]

Looks really good Chi Mag!Could almost hear Don Ho singing "Tiny Bubbles".

[Chick_Maggot]

Looks really good Chi Mag!Could almost hear Don Ho singing "Tiny Bubbles".

Thank you, sir. It's still a work in progress, but it's coming along.

[Chick_Maggot]

Finally got a sliding door project finished for the master bedroom. We had curtains serving
the purpose for a while before I decided to put forth a little effort. My wife loves our California
sunsets over the ocean, so I decided to give her a miniature version complete with a beach,
seagulls and a wind-blown palm tree.

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2001_zpsd7pvlhaw.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2001_zpsd7pvlhaw.jpg.html)


Here's a little detail of the design. I'll never claim to be an artist, but she likes it.

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2002a_zpsfcgbo0fd.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2002a_zpsfcgbo0fd.jpg.html )

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2002b_zpsvb49vosh.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2002b_zpsvb49vosh.jpg.html )



The wife likes seahorses. When I spotted this door handle on eBay, she directed
me to buy it with a very spirited tone. Her command is my wish.

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2003_zpsac9ir1qh.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2003_zpsac9ir1qh.jpg.html)



My version of distressed "live edge" wood used as a detail behind the door track.

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/Aaxmym/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2004_zpsnkey12wx.jpg (http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/Aaxmym/media/Home%20Projects/Master%20sliding%20door%2004_zpsnkey12wx.jpg.html)

15806

[x77-69z28]

Wow! Very impressive. I can't show my wife any of this, because I can't seem to get anything done! I start a lot of stuff, but not good at finishing. Beautiful work. Let me know if you make it to the east coast.
Buddy