Before you get started, plan the job carefully, as running cable through walls covered with drywall or plaster can be difficult. Remodel boxes (also called cut-in or old-work boxes) clamp to the drywall or plaster rather than attach to a framing member, making the work easier. However, they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped. If the drywall or plaster is damaged, cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist....

A subpanel has separate bus bars for neutral and ground wires and typically has no main breaker. It may not be labeled “subpanel.” Instead, it might be labeled “lugs only.” Additionally, it might be a different brand than the main panel. Have the inspector approve the subpanel, the feeder cable, and the feeder breaker before you start installing a subpanel. Safety is most important when installing anything with wires or electrical work....

Cement-fiber panels are somewhat more water-repellent than plywood, but should be installed with the same care as plywood. Hardboard panels are often the least expensive option, but if they’re not kept well covered and with paint at all points, they’re easily damaged and soak up moisture like a proverbial sponge. Panels are typically available in eight- and 12-foot lengths. Longer panels may enable you to minimize the number of horizontal joints between panels....

Is there a difference between landscaping rock and stone? You might think of stone and rock as interchangeable words, but the two are actually very different things, says Barbara Pleasant, author of Garden Stone. “Technically a stone has been exposed to weather or water near the Earth’s surface for a long period of time, while rocks come freshly broken from a larger mass below ground, most typically by blasting them out at a quarry....

To make a French cleat, you’ll need access to a table saw. If you don’t already own this tool, look into renting one from a local home improvement center. The saw’s angled teeth are what makes it possible to align the cleats for effortless hanging. This easy-to-follow tutorial shows you exactly how to make your own French cleat. We use our cleat to hang a headboard, but you can also use a French cleat to mount shelves, artwork, mirrors, and more....

How to Make a Smoothie Step-by-Step Calling all creative types! There are very few rules when it comes to DIY smoothies. Just about any fruit works, so choose based on your favorite flavors, seasonality, and any food intolerances or preferences. Just remember this simple formula: Fruit + Juice + Dairy/Dairy Substitute + Ice = Easy Smoothie Recipe Win. Follow our Test Kitchen pro tips below to design your own smoothie recipe, then learn how to transform it into a smoothie bowl and how to give it an über-rich and creamy consistency....

Don’t skimp on the preparation before painting concrete. Getting the surface as clean and smooth as possible will give you the best results. And when shopping for products, look for cleaners and sealers that are specially formulated for concrete. Happy painting! Editor’s tip: If you’re working with an interior concrete floor or walls and signs of water damage are already there, painting over it won’t fix the underlying problem. If you’re unsure, have a professional check it out....

Where to Plant Periwinkle It seems like every garden has a tricky dark corner where no grass will grow and perennials fizzle out. Enter periwinkle. This tough-as-nails shade lover seems to look increasingly lush year after year without needing much care. With its vigorous sprawling habit, periwinkle can easily colonize any area. As periwinkle plants grow, they have a knack for laying down roots wherever their stems come in contact with soil....

For most window and door screens, the process of replacing the entire screen is surprisingly simple. All you need are a few simple tools, a large work surface, and this step-by-step guide. While we’ll also offer quick solutions for repairing and patching torn screens, once you see how easy it can be, you’ll probably opt to replace the screen over repairing it. Consider the Current Screens and Windows or Doors There are three questions you should ask yourself before repairing or replacing your damaged screens....

Before we dive into how to sauté chicken, let’s talk about pans. You can use nonstick or regular, but be sure to choose a heavy skillet ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond) that’s an appropriate size to cook the chicken you have. If the skillet is too large, pan juices can burn. If it’s too small, the poultry will steam instead of brown. Regardless of which pieces of chicken you’re preparing, the principles of how to sauté chicken are the same....

So we’ve pulled together a guide for how to test meat for doneness, whether you’re cooking chicken, turkey, ground meat, steak, or pork. No meat thermometer? No sweat. While a thermometer is our preferred method for how to tell if chicken is done (or any of those other proteins, for that matter!), we have three other methods for how to test meat for doneness. How to Test Meat for Doneness 4 Ways Determining “doneness” in terms of texture, appearance, and juiciness is often a matter of personal preference....

To avoid damaging drywall or the objects you’re trying to hang, invest in drywall anchors. Use expansion, hollow-wall, or toggle anchors by pre-drilling a hole, inserting the anchor, then securing the object to the drywall by driving a screw into the anchor. You can also find self-drilling anchors that don’t require a pre-drilled hole. Check out this guide to learn more about the various types of drywall anchors and how to use drywall anchors to hang mirrors, framed art, and other favorite accessories....

“My life is instant. I’m always on the go, and I travel a lot,” says the dancer and singer turned actor, whose high-energy moves and heartfelt judging on ABC’s reality dance competition have made her a household name. “So to balance it all, I’ve created a safe, special place where I feel like my true self.” Natural textures, raw wood, and leafy garden views make her dining room—where she loves gathering friends for dinner parties—a snapshot of her decorating style....

Iris Care Must-Knows Bearded and bulb-type irises need well-drained soil to thrive because they will rot easily in soggy conditions. Many of these species are native to rocky mountainsides where there is sharp drainage. If you are looking for a species to grow in moist soil, look for a Louisiana iris, Japanese iris, or a yellow flag iris. Because different irises need such different growing conditions, make sure to do a little research before planting so you can provide your particular iris with what it needs....