Menards®

There’s no off-season when it comes to home improvement. While you might not be able to do landscaping or some exterior projects in winter, there are plenty of other options to breathe some new life into your home. However, winter brings its fair share of challenges, so it’s crucial you’re ready to face them. Whether you’re replacing stair treads inside or siding outside, here are four questions to ask before you start any winter home improvement project.  Do You Have All the Supplies You Need? The last thing you want to do is make multiple trips to the home improvement store in snowy road conditions. Even worse, you don’t want to delay your project mid-way because you forgot to pick up all the necessary supplies. That’s why it’s extra important to check all the supplies off your list before you start a project in winter. If you’re finishing your basement, do you have enough batt insulation to keep it warm in the cold weather? If you’re installing shelves in the gara...

Wear and tear is a natural part of any home. The longer you live in it, the more noticeable it will become. You’ll typically notice wear and tear on floors, doors, windows, and even your walls. But how do you know it’s time to finally do something? Here are four signs that indicate it’s time to replace an interior door , redo your flooring, or put a fresh coat of paint on the walls.  When Color or Shape Changes Are Noticeable When something wears down, it’ll naturally change. Whether it’s your living room’s paint starting to dull or notches appearing on your bedroom door, this is one of the most evident signs of wear and tear. So, look at the shape and color of every part of your home and ask yourself if that’s the right shape and color. If the answer is “no,” then it might be time to consider repairing or replacing. When Something Doesn’t Work Like it Should When something in your home doesn’t work, you notice right away. And if it’s something you use consistently,...

The new year is almost here, and with it will come all the latest trends in interior design. But, if you get ahead of the curve, you’ll be blazing the trail instead of following the pack.  2024 will feature plenty of different styles, but these five will be some of the most popular. If you get a head start and install your stone veneer panel for a natural look or put up some signature wallpaper, you’ll have the interior décor everyone wants to copy. Gold Meets Minimalism While gold has always come in and out of style, it’s usually considered a “flashier” choice. This is the year that changes. Instead of being an in-your-face statement, gold will be used as more of an accent material. Look for ways to incorporate gold into an otherwise minimalist interior décor style. Replace cabinet handles with gold options. Get stools with gold legs. Choose light fixtures with gold elements. Put pictures in gold frames. These are all tasteful ways to incorporate gold into your int...

We all know someone who loves taking on home improvement projects, repairing things themselves, and spending their weekends with a hammer in their hands. If you have a DIYer on your holiday shopping list, there are plenty of gift ideas they’ll love. From Flex Paste for all their repair needs to power tools they’ll use again and again, here are five gift ideas for the DIYer in your life.  Paint and Painting Supplies If there’s one thing DIY enthusiasts do time and time again, it’s paint. They’re painting their bedroom. They’re restaining the deck. They’re painting a birdhouse they just made. This is the perfect opportunity to get them a gift they’ll use almost immediately. Everyone could always use more paint supplies. Brushes, rollers, trays, tape, step stools, primers, sprayers, and anything else that will help their painting experience go smoother make for great gifts. Upgraded Power Tools Whether they’re making repairs or building something brand new, power tool...

Winter is cold and harsh. But, if you create a warm and cozy atmosphere inside your home, you can come in from the wind and snow to relax and wind down away from the weather. After a few home-improvement projects, you can build a space perfect for hot chocolate and a good book. From natural wood stair treads to warm lighting, here’s how to make your home look and feel a bit cozier. Use Cushioned Runners Over Hardwood Building a cozy atmosphere starts from the ground up. A cold floor underneath bare feet can have you running for your slippers. Instead, lay down cushioned runners throughout high-traffic areas. It can be in the kitchen, leading in from the front door, or in the hallway leading to your room. Wherever they are, these rugs help your entire home feel more comfortable and warm. Pick Warm Lighting in Living Areas The visual aesthetics of your home contribute to the coziness just as much as the physical feeling. Lighting plays a big part in this. If you use soft, warm, ye...

Whether you host family game nights, holiday dinners, or bring friends around once a month, you love to entertain. Your home is a critical part of your entertaining ability. From creating a space that flows with an open floor plan and new stair treads to an updated kitchen, there are plenty of ways you can maximize your party hosting space. Follow these tips for a home that’s get-together central. Seating Is King First and foremost, you want to ensure you have enough seating for everyone coming over. Nobody wants to be standing all night or sitting on the floor. Start with the classic couch and loveseat combo, then add additional seating options elsewhere. This can be barstools in the kitchen, a dining table with plenty of chairs, and rolling office chairs for those extra big get-togethers. Or you can use unconventional options like floor cushions and beanbags. If everyone has a place to sit, it’s a comfortable party for everyone. Entertainment Areas Should Flow Just like a good ...

When it comes to winter home upgrades, there are a lot of different projects you can choose from. But one of the best ways to give your house an instant facelift, inside or outside, is with a stone veneer panel . Here are all the reasons stone paneling is the perfect choice for winter. Stone Veneer Panel Give Your Home a Fresh Look Before the Dark Days of Winter After years of wear and tear, your current siding might look worn down and tired. And when winter comes, it’ll only get worse. Instead, adding stone veneer panels can revamp the entire exterior of your home. Now, you’ll have beautiful stone textures that stand out against the snow drifts and look fresh and clean. Whether you choose a thin, multi-colored stone design or bigger individual stones, you’ll refresh your home and have an exterior that feels brand new, just in time to carry you through the dark days of winter. Stone Veneer Paneling Is Easy to Install Between short days and cold weather, winter isn’t exactly home-im...

Winter is almost here, and with it, a lot of problems you might face as a homeowner. But you can save yourself some time and trouble by preparing your home right now. By doing the work today, you can save yourself tons of headaches, work, and money in the future. From using Flex Paste to cover up cracks to pruning your trees, here’s how to stop common winter problems in their tracks. Porch Posts Stop Pipes From Bursting Temperatures are starting to graze freezing at night, but when they hit single digits or even drop into the negatives, you’re at risk for a burst pipe. The result can be a disaster for your home and your wallet with the holidays right around the corner. To prepare now, grab a few rolls of insulation from your favorite home improvement store. Then, in vulnerable areas like basements and attics, find exposed pipes and make sure they’re insulated. This is a quick and easy afternoon job that could save you thousands and help you avoid disaster. Seal Off and Repair Crack...

With fall in full swing and winter right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing your DIY habits for winter. Out with the lawnmowers and outdoor fire pits. In with the holiday lights and leaf rakes. Cold weather brings a unique set of challenges for every project, no matter if you’re a general contractor or a weekend warrior. You’ll have to deal with a new set of circumstances. From preparing your home with high-quality batt insulation to planning projects according to the weather, here are five things to keep in mind when taking on a project in winter. Take Extra Safety Precautions Safety should always be at the top of your priority list, especially when the weather gets cold. There are a whole range of steps you can take to ensure you stay safe while working. Including: • Double-checking that every ladder is secure. • Testing every surface for ice or moisture. • Reviewing weather forecasts before starting outdoor projects. • Wearing warm, layered clothing. • Not rushi...

Whether your fireplace is the source of heat in your home or it’s been out of use for a few years, it’s still an integral part of your interior décor. Instead of covering it up, there are ways you can incorporate it into your style. These projects—ranging from redecorating the mantlepiece to replacing an interior door —can help you make the most out of your fireplace. Give the Room a Minimal, Vintage Feel What do fireplaces remind you of? Cabins. Cottages. Old stone houses. Leaning into a vintage aesthetic turns your fireplace into a standout centerpiece of your home. To do this, take time to transform the entire room. A sliding barn interior door instantly gives off a farmhouse feel. Then, take other steps to give the room a more old-fashioned look. Exposed ceiling beams. Wooden furniture. Ornate, gold picture frames. Warm lighting with metal fixtures and vintage-style bulbs. A fireplace brings all these design choices together to create a time-capsule room. Fill the Mantlepiece ...