54 How-Tos From Derek Stearns

1. 31. How to Build a Stone Fire Pit

   

   88 Thumbs

   Heat up your backyard with the addition of a stone fire pit.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

2. 32. How to Lay a Flagstone Patio

   

   17 Thumbs

   To create a rustic looking patio and walkway, there is no better material than natural flagstone.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Easy to Moderate

3. 33. How to Add Acid Stain to a Concrete Floor

   

   26 Thumbs

   Applying acid stain to a concrete floor can add dramatic marbling and give a depth of color not available in any other type of floor. T...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $250 to $500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

4. 34. How to Remove Tile Flooring

   

   9 Thumbs

   Often the first step to installing a new floor, removing an old tile floor takes time and a bit of elbow grease.

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $1 to $50

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

5. 35. How to Install a Skim Coat for a Concrete Floor

   

   5 Thumbs

   Adding a skim coat is important because it will strengthen the floor, and when colored, acts as a primer coat for the second hand-trowe...

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $500 to $1000

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

6. 36. How to Install a Base for a Concrete Floor

   

   1 Thumbs

   Concrete can be an interesting design statement for kitchen floors. New concrete-based products allow DIYers to create custom looks to ...

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Hard

7. 37. How to Build a Dry-Stack Stone Retaining Wall

   

   4 Thumbs

   A dry-stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth, it adds beauty to a landscape.

   Time:

   Two Days

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

8. 38. Fireplace Makeover: Demolition and Veneer Preparation

   0 Thumbs

   Before refacing the fireplace can begin, the existing hearth must be removed. Also, the fireplace must have a rough, porous surface for...

   Time:

   Day

   Cost:

   $250 to $500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate

9. 39. Fireplace Makeover: Measuring and Choosing Stone

   

   0 Thumbs

   Use these step-by-step instructions to measure a fireplace and choose stone for this refacing project.

   Time:

   Several Weekends

   Cost:

   $1000 to $2500

   Difficulty:

   Moderate to Hard

10. 40. How to De-Form, Polish and Install a Customized Concrete Vanity Top

    

    3 Thumbs

    DIY pros show how to finish a concrete countertop for a bathroom vanity, including de-forming, polishing and installation.

    Time:

    Day

    Cost:

    $50 to $100

    Difficulty:

    Moderate to Hard