Indholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2025 i Family Handyman

Goodbye Oven, Hello Air Fryer When I first started researching air fryers, I was a skeptic. What could an air fryer do that my normal oven couldn’t? Then I tried the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro—and became a true believer. I’ve used it nearly every day for years now, and apart from Christmas baking, it’s practically replaced my oven. The Smart Oven stands out among competitors for its size and shape. It’s larger than most air fryers (a bit bigger than a microwave) and uses a flat mesh basket, so more food fits across the roomy surface. It’s also incredibly versatile, boasting 13 cooking methods from air-frying to dehydrating and proofing bread. The powerful heating elements cook foods faster and more thoroughly than traditional appliances, which is perfect for…

1 DETERMINE THE BAR PLACEMENT Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in your bathroom. If they line up with your desired install location, you can anchor the towel bar directly to them. If not, plan to use the provided anchors or buy your own. Choose anchors rated for the appropriate weight; wet towels can be heavy! Most towel bars come with a template showing the placement of the holes for the mounting brackets. If needed, you can make your own template with paper and pencil—just line up the towel bar and brackets and mark the holes. You can also simply hold the towel bar to the wall and mark the location of the mounts, but using a template may be more manageable if you are working by…

If you’re looking to refresh your floors without the cost or installation challenges of hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a smart, budget-friendly alternative with easy DIY appeal. It mimics the look of natural wood with the benefit of added durability and water resistance, making it a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, entryways and more. LVP is widely available at home centers, with prices starting around a couple of dollars per square foot. Premium options cost more but typically include longer warranties and added wear layers to handle heavier foot traffic. Most styles feature interlocking planks that float over the subfloor, so there’s no need for nails, glue or grout. That’s the method I’ll walk you through here. Some styles do require adhesive, so be sure to check…

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you notice a transition strip, something has probably gone wrong. The best ones blend into the surrounding flooring without drawing attention or creating a tripping hazard. For the best match, buy your strip from the same manufacturer as your flooring. And before you install, check for height differences between surfaces. Are you transitioning between floors of the same height? From flooring to carpet? From flooring to concrete? Each scenario calls for a different profile. In the steps ahead, I’ll show you how to choose the right strip for your project—and install it like a pro. 1 CHOOSE YOUR TRANSITION STRIP Flooring transition strips come in a range of materials—suchas wood, metal and plastic—and installation types, including selfadhesive, glue-down and nail-down. Most fall into…

With a background in decorative finishes and textures, I’ve always been drawn to projects that feel like sleight of hand—using affordable materials and simple techniques to create dramatic, professional-looking results. These textured wall art panels fit the bill perfectly. They may look carved and weighty, but they’re made with lightweight fiberglass window screen, plaster bandages and a little creativity. So gather your tools and materials and make a bit of wall magic. 1 CUT THE SCREEN Measure the 1/-in. plywood backing board, then cut the fiber-glass window screen 8 in. larger in both directions (to allow for a 4-in. overhang on all sides). You can trim it later if needed, but it’s best to start with extra material. 2 STAPLE THE SCREEN TO THE BACK OF THE BOARD Working from the…

Size and Style Tall freestanding patio heaters are ideal for open patios, decks and other large well-ventilated outdoor spaces. Most run on a standard 20-lb. grill-size propane tank, though some electric models are available. Look for a heater with a large metal reflector on top to direct heat downward toward your seating area. If you’ll be moving the unit around the yard, wheels make repositioning a lot easier—especially when the tank is full. Shorter tabletop heaters are perfect for warming up smaller areas, such as picnic tables and truck tailgates. These typically run on 1-lb. (green) propane tanks, though electric versions are also available. They’re lightweight, compact and great for taking on the go. Installation For a more permanent heating setup, ceiling- or wallmounted units can be hardwired into an…

Leaning your skateboard or longboard by the door might be convenient, but it’s a recipe for scuffed walls, stubbed toes and cluttered floors. This DIY wall mount solves all that—and you can knock it out in a weekend. I designed this mount to hold two boards. If you only need space for one, simply shorten the wall mount boards and use two arm supports instead of four. I also chose to splurge on rosewood for an inlay that adds a custom touch, but you can keep costs down by skipping the inlay and/or using another sturdy wood, such as Baltic birch plywood, instead of cherry for the base. 1 CUT THE ARM SUPPORTS Sketch the arm support dimensions (see Figure B) on a 1×6 cherry board using a pencil and a…

Fuel Type Wood invokes classic campfire nostalgia, complete with crackling flames and the comforting smell of burning logs. It also produces more radiant heat than other fuel sources, making it ideal for chilly nights. But before investing in a wood-burning fire pit, check local regulations and seasonal burn bans. Wood burning is restricted in some cities and wildfire-prone regions. Also keep in mind that wood smoke can be irritating for some, and you’ll need to put in a bit of extra work—such as splitting logs and cleaning up ash. Propane fire pits are a low-maintenance cleanburning alternative. They’re easy to light, give off consistent heat, and come in many sleek designs. For an extra boost, opt for a model with lava or fire-glass rocks, which help retain and radiate heat…

Q: What’s the difference between mold and mildew? Mold is a type of fungus that thrives where moisture and oxygen are present. Outdoors, it plays a natural role in breaking down organic matter such as dead leaves and plants. Indoors, it can grow on surfaces such as wood, carpet, paper, foods and insulation. Mold growth is often raised, with a fuzzy or slimy texture, and is most commonly green, red, blue or black. Experts believe up to 70% of U.S. households may have some kind of mold. While not all molds are harmful, some can cause asthma, allergies and upper respiratory infections, so eliminating it is more important for your health than you may think. Mildew is a type of early-stage mold that generally grows on flat, moist surfaces. It tends…

1. Warm Things Up Savor a hot shower a little longer with a towel warmer that keeps your linens toasty and fresh. The Zadro Large Towel Warmer Bucket fits two oversized bath sheets (or your favorite robe or throw), and the timed heat settings allow you to set it and forget it. If you prefer a wall-mounted option, a heated rack such as those from Amba can add a sleek hotel-style touch without taking up floor space. 2. Focus on Materials Not ready for a complete remodel? Swap everyday accessories for ones in luxe materials to instantly refresh your space. The Italian Carrara Marble and Metal Bath Accessories from RH (Restoration Hardware), featuring polished brass and white stone, add a substantial feel and cohesive look. Sets in onyx, wood, glass,…

1. Scrub Porcelain with Lemon Juice and Salt The citric acid in lemon juice cuts through rust while remaining safe for most surfaces. Add salt as an abrasive for an all-natural rust remover. Squeeze lemon juice over stained tiles, tubs or sinks, then sprinkle with salt. Let the mixture sit for about an hour, then scrub with a sponge or soft brush. Skip this method for metal fixtures, as salt can corrode them. 2. Clean Stainless Steel with Aluminum Foil Because the charged oxygen atoms in rust (iron oxide) are more attracted to aluminum than iron, aluminum foil strips away oxygen and leaves behind iron that is easier to remove. Crumple a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball, dip it in water, and gently scrub the rust in circular…

Hanging wallpaper takes planning and patience, but the payoff is well worth it. Pay attention to the details and use the right tools, and you’ll be well on your way to a standout design feature. Before purchasing wallpaper, I recommend using an online calculator (available on most wallpaper websites) to determine how much you’ll need—this can save you some heartache down the line. Be sure to add about 10% to your walls’ total square footage to account for corners and proper pattern alignment. 1 PREPARE THE WALLS Wipe down the walls to remove any residue or dust, then seal any holes and uneven spots with spackle or joint compound. Scrape back raised bumps with a trowel, or sand down rough spots. Finally, fill any seams between the baseboards or crown molding…

1. Cozy Up with an Outdoor Blanket When a frigid breeze rolls through, there’s no need to take the party inside. Wool throws such as Pendleton’s Yakima Camp Throw offer heritage style and warmth, inspired by Pacific Northwest shepherds. For a modern take, try Voited’s multipurpose CloudTouch blanket, which snaps together to be worn as a cape or turned into a sleeping bag. It is water- and stain-resistant, lined with cozy fleece and machine washable for easy care after your hangout. 2. Choose All-Weather Furniture If your patio stays in use through colder months, select furniture built to withstand harsh conditions. Polywood’s tables, chairs and accessories are made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a tough, weatherproof plastic. Bonus: The vibrant colors won’t fade, keeping your patio cheerful all season long.…