The guides
How-tos that do the math with you
Plain-English answers to the questions that decide how much you buy — each one linked to the calculator that finishes the job.
4 articles
Mulch guides
How Deep Should Mulch Be?
How deep should mulch be? The right mulch depth is 2-3 inches for most beds and 3 inches over bare soil. Here's how to get it close the first time.
ReadMulchMulch vs. Rock: Which Should You Use?
Mulch vs. rock for landscaping: organic mulch feeds soil but breaks down, while rock lasts forever but radiates heat. Here's how to choose the right one.
ReadMulchTypes of Mulch Compared
Types of mulch compared: shredded bark, wood chips, straw, pine needles, and rock. Learn which mulch type fits your beds, budget, and maintenance level.
ReadMulchWhen to Apply Mulch (and When Not To)
When to apply mulch: mid-to-late spring once soil warms is the best time, with a lighter fall layer to insulate roots. Here's the right timing and what to avoid.
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Paint guides
Do You Need Primer? A Practical Guide
Do you need primer? Prime bare drywall, patches, stains, glossy surfaces, and big color changes. Learn when to skip it and when paint-and-primer works.
ReadPaintHow Many Coats of Paint Do You Need?
How many coats of paint do you need? Two coats is the standard for an even, durable finish. Learn when one coat works and when you need three.
ReadPaintHow to Calculate Wall Square Footage
How to calculate wall square footage: multiply perimeter by ceiling height, then subtract doors and windows. Step-by-step with a worked example.
ReadPaintPaint Coverage Per Gallon, Explained
Paint coverage per gallon is about 350-400 sq ft per coat. Learn what affects coverage, how to estimate gallons, and when a quart is enough.
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Concrete guides
Concrete Bags vs. Ready-Mix: Which Is Cheaper?
Concrete bags vs. ready-mix: which is cheaper? Under half a cubic yard, bags win. Above one yard, ready-mix delivery costs less per yard and saves hours of labor.
ReadConcreteFooting Depth by Frost Line
Footing depth by frost line: footings must extend below your local frost line to stop frost heave, from about 12 inches in warm climates to 48+ inches in cold ones.
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Deck boards guides
How Many Deck Screws Per Board?
How many deck screws per board? Plan on two screws at every joist crossing, about 350 deck screws per 100 square feet. Here is the full count and method.
ReadDeck boardsHow to Space Deck Boards
Learn how to space deck boards correctly with a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap for drainage and expansion, plus practical tips for pressure-treated and composite decking.
ReadDeck boardsPressure-Treated vs. Composite Decking Cost
Pressure-treated vs composite decking cost compared head to head, including upfront price, maintenance, and 20-year total cost so you can choose wisely.
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Fence guides
Fence Post Spacing Guide
Fence post spacing guide: set posts 6 to 8 feet on center. Six feet is sturdier for tall or windy runs; eight feet uses fewer posts and less concrete.
ReadFenceHow Many Pickets Per Section?
How many pickets per section? Divide the section width in inches by picket width plus gap. A 5-1/2 inch picket with no gap is about 2.2 per foot.
ReadFenceWood vs. Vinyl Fencing
Wood vs. vinyl fencing compared: wood is cheaper upfront but needs staining and can rot; vinyl costs more but is near-zero maintenance and won't warp.
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Roofing guides
Architectural vs. 3-Tab Shingles
Architectural vs. 3-tab shingles compared: lifespan, cost, wind ratings, and looks. Learn which asphalt shingle is right for your roof and budget.
ReadRoofingHow Many Bundles of Shingles Per Square?
Most shingles take 3 bundles per square (100 sq ft). Learn how many bundles of shingles per square you need, plus waste factors and a full ordering checklist.
ReadRoofingHow to Measure Roof Pitch
Learn how to measure roof pitch with a level and tape in minutes, convert rise over run, and use the slope factor to size your roofing materials.
ReadRoofingWhen to Replace Your Roof
Curling shingles, granule loss, leaks, and age past 20-25 years all signal a roof replacement. Learn when to replace your roof and how to plan the job.
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Drywall guides
4×8 vs. 4×12 Drywall: Which to Buy
4×8 vs. 4×12 drywall compared on weight, seams, cost, and handling to help you pick the right sheet size for your room and skill level.
ReadDrywallDrywall Thickness Guide
A drywall thickness guide covering 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 inch board so you pick the right panel for walls, ceilings, fire ratings, and baths.
ReadDrywallHow Much Joint Compound Do You Need?
How much joint compound you need for a drywall job, with a simple per-square-foot rule for mud and tape across all three finishing coats.
ReadDrywallHow to Estimate Drywall for a Room
How to estimate drywall for a room step by step: measure wall area, subtract openings, add the ceiling, divide by sheet size, and add waste.
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Tile guides
How to Calculate Grout Coverage
How to calculate grout coverage: it depends on tile size, tile thickness, and joint width. Large tiles use less grout per square foot; small mosaics use the most.
ReadTileTile Layout Patterns, Compared
Tile layout patterns compared: grid, diagonal, running bond, and herringbone. See how each looks, how hard it is to set, and how much extra tile to buy.
ReadTileTile Size Guide by Room
Tile size guide by room: large-format makes small rooms feel bigger, mosaics grip on shower floors, and classic 3x6 subway is the wall staple. Pick the right size.
ReadTileTile Waste Factor Guide
Tile waste factor explained: add 10% for a grid layout, 15% for diagonal or running bond, and up to 20% for herringbone. Buy close to the right amount.
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Flooring guides
Do You Need Underlayment?
Do you need underlayment for flooring? Floating floors usually do, for sound, cushion, and moisture, unless the plank has an attached pad. Over concrete, add a moisture barrier.
ReadFlooringFlooring Waste Factor: How Much Extra to Buy
How much extra flooring to buy? The flooring waste factor is 7-10% for straight layouts and up to 15% for diagonal, herringbone, or rooms with lots of jogs.
ReadFlooringHardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl
Hardwood vs. laminate vs. vinyl flooring compared on cost, durability, and water resistance, so you can pick the right floor for each room in your home.
ReadFlooringHow to Measure a Room for Flooring
Learn how to measure a room for flooring the right way. Calculate square footage, account for closets and doorways, and estimate how many boxes to buy.
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Insulation guides
Insulation by Climate Zone
Insulation by climate zone: warm zones (1-3) need about R-30 to R-49 in the attic, cold zones (6-8) need R-49 to R-60. Find your zone and target here.
ReadInsulationR-Value Explained
R-value explained in plain English: it measures resistance to heat flow, and higher is better. Here's what the numbers mean and how much you actually need.
ReadInsulationTypes of Insulation Compared
Types of insulation compared: fiberglass batts, blown fiberglass, blown cellulose, and spray foam. See R-value per inch, cost, and best use for each.
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