Menards®

  Older homes are inherently unique. From original hardwood floors to elegant crown molding, there’s something special about well-loved homes. But that doesn’t mean modern DIY upgrades to improve function or style, like installing stainless steel kitchen sinks or painting the walls, have to sacrifice your home's charm.  Here are three tips to help you breathe new life into your home while keeping its core character intact.   Mix in Modern Touches  One of the biggest concerns when updating older homes is preserving as many original details as possible while still focusing on necessary upgrades. Start by taking inventory of your functional needs, then blend contemporary fixtures with beloved elements.  For example, if you’re taking care to preserve the vintage tile in your bathroom but desperately need more storage space, consider installing double sink bathroom vanities or floating shelves. You can maximize the room’s storage potential without a major ren...

Do you want to make your backyard cozier and more relaxing as the weather warms up? If you aren’t spending as much time outside as you’d like, it’s time to make some changes. From adding a small gas fire pit to a patio table to installing new outdoor lighting, here are a few ideas to make your backyard feel cozier. Try a Gas Fire Pit A gas fire pit can instantly add coziness to your backyard. A propane fire pits table combination means you can use it as a table but also as a fire pit. It’s perfect for keeping warm, providing some light, and making s’mores in the backyard on warm summer evenings. Or, just sit around and bask in the firelight as you watch the sunset. You can also use this as a central, defining feature of your full backyard refresh.  Set Up a Table and Chairs Next, a new patio garden table and chairs can make a major difference. Cushioned chairs can make the space even cozier, as can a rug under the table. You can enjoy meals under the stars while the weathe...

You are building a patio table set and outdoor furniture using a battery-powered screwdriver, drill, or impact driver. The battery dies. But when you try to move a corded drill to where you need it, the cord is too short. There are pros and cons to both corded and cordless tools, but which are right for your needs? Here’s a closer look. Portability Cordless power tools are very portable. With that high mobility, you can work anywhere you need around your house. For example, a cordless tool is easier to maneuver in tighter spaces, which can help when cutting your countertop for a new farmhouse kitchen sink . Because there is no cord, there’s also no tripping hazard, and you won’t have to search for nearby outlets or run extension cords everywhere. If you work exclusively in your workshop, these might not be concerns, but on a worksite, you might need battery power.  Torque and Power Even with high-quality modern batteries, a corded tool often offers higher performance. They ...

In a world of easy convenience, where you can get a few contractors to give you a quote for a project within a few days, it’s still worth doing home improvement projects yourself. Whether you’re installing double bowl stainless steel kitchen sinks or just creating a cozy patio area, here are a few reasons you should still tackle DIY projects. Cost vs. Convenience It can be convenient to have a contractor build your patio area, choose the tables, chairs, propane gas fire pits , hammocks, and other cozy items, and put it all together for you. However, much of this can be done yourself, and with a little research beforehand, the project might be easier than you initially think. You can save a lot of money on labor by simply doing these projects yourself. If you want to save money in the long run, DIYing is the way to go. Learn New Skills You can’t build new skills without attempting a few projects and making mistakes along the way. If you hire a contractor for everything, you’re ...

Thinking about upgrading your bathroom? Depending on your time, budget, and skills, you have a range of options. From small cosmetic fixes to full renovations, here are three choices to consider when DIYing your space. No matter how big or small the project, all of these ideas are sure to make a difference. Quick Updates Only have a few hours to spruce up your space? Don’t forget, small projects can make a big difference! These budget-friendly, visually focused projects are perfect for adding instant aesthetic appeal and functionality without a complete overhaul. Plus, they only require a few simple tools and a quick trip to your local home improvement store. Project Ideas : • Replace hardware like drawer pulls and cabinet handles. • Swap out dated lighting fixtures for modern ones. • Install storage solutions such as an over-the-toilet cabinet or floating shelves. Moderate Refresh The following weekend projects take your space to the next level. Think high-impact upgra...

You’ve closed on a house, received the keys, and now it’s time to upgrade it and make it truly yours. The previous owners took their fire pit and outdoor furniture, plus the kitchen could use a refresh. It’s time to head to Menards® to find a patio table and chairs, look at stainless steel single bowl kitchen sinks, and get everything up to your personal standards. Find everything you need for DIY home improvements at https://www.menards.com/main/home.html Create a Cozy Backyard A cozy backyard can completely transform your home and make the outdoor area more usable. You can build a deck, plant a garden, or just pick up a new patio table and chairs . Backyard projects can be as easy or intensive as you’d like, but since they don’t disrupt daily life too much, it’s a good first step towards making a house feel more like it’s really yours. Upgrade the Kitchen Next is upgrading your kitchen, and Menards® has everything you need, from materials to tools. Depending on the age of the...

As the weather warms up, you’ll likely be spending more time outside. But before organizing cookouts (or simply relaxing in the sun), a few housekeeping tasks can help refresh your space. From clearing away debris to buying a new patio table set and outdoor furniture , here are three projects to prepare your backyard for the spring season. Clear Debris From Common Areas It has probably been a while since you last spent more than a few minutes in your backyard. The warmer weather coming up is a perfect time to spruce up your outdoor space with a quick cleanup.  Rake up leaves, branches, and twigs that have gathered on the lawn and bushes. Lay out tarps for easy trash transport. If you have a garden, remove dead foliage from flower beds to allow new seeds or perennials to bloom. Sweep or power wash walkways, patios, and driveways. Deep Clean or Repair Your Fence If Needed Wood fence updates focus on cleaning, protecting, and repairing winter damage.  First, use a pow...

Home improvement projects aren’t only about transforming adult areas; sometimes creativity and curiosity come together for the kiddos. Whether you’re a parent with little ones or a grandparent redesigning a space fit for babysitting, creating a kid-friendly backyard not only inspires play but also brings the whole family together. From structures to activities, here are four project ideas that double as functional yet play-ready spaces.  Create a Paved Path Adults will appreciate this simple-to-install and low-maintenance landscaping feature! A thoughtfully designed walkway not only boosts curb appeal but also offers a safe, stable surface for children and seniors. With versatile designs and materials, it's easy to build paths connecting your deck to your garden or other high-traffic areas. Build a Pergola A pergola’s open-air structure provides plenty of shade for both children and adults to unwind after fun in the sun. It also serves as a central gathering spot ideal for hos...

If you’re a new homeowner and starting to feel more confident in your abilities, you might be thinking of taking on some DIY projects. It helps to have a few tools to get started. Whether it’s an impact driver for driving screws and lag bolts, woodworking tools to build new chairs around your propane gas fire pits , or a laser level for installing wall décor, the right tools can make a difference. Drill and Impact Driver Set Drills and impact drivers look similar, but have very different purposes. Drills are best for, as the name suggests, drilling holes and some light-duty driving. But if you need to drive heavy lag bolts into a stud, it’s nice to have an impact driver. Having the right bit set for each is essential, and it pays to invest in quality bits that will last longer and provide better results. Whether you’re building a deck or hanging heavy art or fixtures, both of these tools come in handy.   A Saw Whether it’s a miter saw, table saw, circular saw, or jigsaw...