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By Olivia Parker•Last Updated April 22, 2025

DIY Home Improvement: Expert Guide to Framing, Flooring, and Storage Projects

DIY home improvement: expert guide to framing, flooring, and storage projects

Home improvement projects can transform your live space while save you money when you tackle them yourself. From create professional looking framed artwork to install new flooring and build custom storage solutions, DIY projects allow you to customize your home incisively to your preferences. This comprehensive guide cover four essential home improvement skills: frame posters, install carpet, apply laminate flooring, and build closet shelving systems.

Professional poster frame at home

Professionally frame artwork can cost hundreds of dollars, but with some basic tools and materials, you can achieve gallery quality results at a fraction of the price.

Materials you will need

Frame (pre make or ccustom-madecut molding )
Glass or acrylic sheet
Mat board (optional but recommend )
Acid free foam board or backing board
Acid free tape or hinging strips
Point driver or frame nails
Hang hardware (wire, d rings, or sSawtoothhangers )
Measure tape
Cut tools (mat cutter iif youuse mat bo)d )
Clean cloth and glass clean

Step-by-step framing process

1. Measure and prepare your materials

Measure your poster exactly and purchase a frame that accommodate your artwork plus any matting. If you’re use a pre make frame, ensure it’s the correct size. For custom framing, cut your molding pieces at 45 degree angles to create perfect corners.

2. Cut the mat board (optional )

A mat create a professional look and prevent your artwork from touch the glass. Standard mats extend 2 3 inches around the artwork. Use a proper mat cutter for clean, bevel edges. For a more sophisticated look, consider a double mat with a thin accent color underneath a wider top mat.

3. Clean all components

Before assembly, clean the glass or acrylic sheet on both sides with a lint free cloth and appropriate cleaner. Ensure your work surface is clean and dust free.

4. Assemble the layers

Place your frame face down. Layer in this order from bottom to top:

Glass or acrylic
Mat board (iif you)e )
Poster (center cautiously )
Backing board

5. Secure the artwork

Center your poster on the backing board and secure it with acid free tape or hinging strips. This archival method allows for removal without damage and prevents buckle as humidity changes.

6. Seal the frame

Use a point driver (available at craft stores )or small framing nails to secure the backing board. For additional protection, apply framer’s tape along the seam between the frame and backing.

7. Add hang hardware

Attach d rings someone third downward from the top of the frame, so ssurepicture wire between them with enough slack to hang decent but remain hidden from the front view.

Pro tips for perfect framing

For valuable or irreplaceable artwork, consider use UV protective glass to prevent fading
Create depth by use spacers between the artwork and glass
For large posters, use acrylic alternatively of glass to reduce weight
Keep symmetry in mind â€” equal margins create a balanced, professional look

DIY carpet installation make simple

New carpet instantaneously refreshes a room and caal without professional help if you follow the right steps.

Materials and tools need

Carpet
Carpet padding
Tack strips
Carpet knife and extra blades
Hammer and nail set
Knee kicker
Carpet stretcher (for rooms larger than 12×12 feet )
Staple gun and staples
Seam tape and iron (for rooms require multiple carpet pieces )
Trim nails
Measure tape
Pry bar (for remove old flooring )

Preparation steps

1. Remove exist flooring

Clear the room entirely. If remove old carpet, pull it up from the corners and roll it for disposal. Remove all tack strips if they’re damage or rust, differently they can be reuse.

2. Prepare the subfloor

Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Repair any squeaks by screw the subfloor firmly to the joists. Fill major gaps or cracks with wood filler.

3. Install tack strips

Place tack strips around the perimeter of the room, keep them around 1/2 inch off from the walls. Secure with concrete nails for concrete floors or regular nails for wood subfloors. The pins on the strips should point toward the walls.

Installation process

1. Lay the carpet padding

Roll out the padding to cover the entire floor, cut it to fit the room with a utility knife. The padding should butt up against the tack strips but not overlap them. Secure the padding with staples every 6 8 inches, and tape the seams with duct tape.

2. Measure and cut the carpet

Measure the room and add 4 6 inches to each dimension to allow for trim. For rooms wider than your carpet roll, plan seams cautiously â€” they should run parallel to the main light source and not in high traffic areas.

3. Position the carpet

Roll out the carpet across the room, allow the excess to run up the walls. For multiple pieces, ensure pattern matching and create proper seams use seam tape and a seam iron.

4. Attach one edge

Start attach the carpet along one wall. Use the knee kicker around 3 inches from the wall to stretch the carpet onto the tack strip. Work your way along the entire wall, secure the carpet to the tack strips.

5. Stretch and secure the carpet

Use the power stretcher for larger rooms to pull the carpet stiff toward the opposite wall. Right will stretch carpet will prevent wrinkles and will extend its life. Secure the stretch carpet onto the tack strips.

6. Trim the excess

After secure all edges, trim the excess carpet use a utility knife with a sharp blade. Cut as close to the wall as possible for a clean finish.

7. Install transition strips

At doorways and where the carpet meet other floor types, install appropriate transition strips for a finished look and to prevent edge fray.

Carpet installation tips

Allow carpet to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity for 24 hours before installation
Replace your utility knife blade oftentimes for clean cuts
Work in sections, particularly in larger rooms
For patterned carpet, allow extra material to ensure pattern matching
Vacuum exhaustively after installation to remove any loose fibers

Laminate flooring installation guide

Laminate flooring offer the look of hardwood with greater durability and easier installation, make it perfect for DIY enthusiasts.

Materials and tools require

Laminate flooring planks (with 10 % extra for waste and future repairs )
Underpayment
Moisture barrier (for concrete subfloors )
Spacers
Pull bar
Tap block
Rubber mallet
Measure tape
Pencil
Straight edge
Jigsaw or circular saw
Table see (optional but helpful )
Transition moldings
Caulk for baseboards

Preparation before installation

1. Acclimate the floor

Place unopened boxes of laminate in the installation room for 48 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity conditions. This prevents expansion or contraction after installation.

2. Prepare the subfloor

Remove exist flooring and ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any height variations greater than 3/16 inch over 10 feet should be level with appropriate floor level compound.

3. Measure and plan layout

Measure the room and determine the direction of plank installation. Broadly, planks should run parallel to the longest wall or main light source. Will calculate how many will row you will need and will determine if the last row will be less than 2 inches wide â€” if therefore, cut the first row narrow to will balance the room.

Installation steps

1. Install underpayment

Roll out the underpayment over the entire floor, butt the edges unitedly without overlap. For concrete subfloors, install a moisture barrier low or use underpayment with integrate moisture protection. Tape the seams accord to manufacturer instructions.

2. Begin the first row

Start in a corner and place spacers against the walls to maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap. The groove side of the planks should face the wall. Connect the short ends of planks by angle and click them unitedly.

3. Cut the last piece

Measure the remain space for the final piece of the first row, allow for the expansion gap. Mark and cut the plank, so install it to complete the row.

4. Start the second row

Begin the second row with the leftover piece from the first row (if astatine least 8 inches long )to create a stagger pattern. Joints should be offset by at least 8 inches between adjacent rows for structural stability and visual appeal.

5. Install remain rows

For each plank, angle it to connect the long edge outset, so lower it to click the short edge into the previous plank. Use a tap block and rubber mallet to ensure tight seams without damage the locking mechanism.

6. Install the final row

The last row ordinarily requires rip planks lengthwise to fit. Measure the gap( minus the expansion space) at multiple points. Use a pull bar to click the final row into place.

7. Add finish touches

Install transition strips at doorways and where laminate meet other flooring. Remove spacers and install or reinstall baseboards to cover the expansion gap. Apply silicone caulk between the baseboard and floor if desired.

Laminate installation tips

Stagger end joints by astatine least 8 inches between rows for strength and better appearance
Invariably maintain the manufacturers recommend expansion gap around all fix objects
Use door jamb undercut to slide flooring beneath door frames for a clean look
For rooms longer than 40 feet or wider than 25 feet, use expansion joints
Save leftover planks for future repairs

Custom closet shelving solutions

Custom closet shelve maximizes storage space and organization while allow you to design a system that utterly fit your needs.

Materials and tools list

Shelve material (melamine, plywood, or solid wood )
1×2 or 1×3 cleats for support
Closet rods (wood or metal )
Rod support
Wood screws
Wall anchors
Level
Stud finder
Tape measure
Pencil
Circular see or table see
Drill / driver
Sander
Finish materials (paint, stain, or edge banding )

Plan your closet system

1. Measure your space

Take detailed measurements of your closet, include width, depth, and height. Note the location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, and any obstructions. Measure double to ensure accuracy.

2. Assess your storage need

Inventory what you’ll be will store and will determine the ideal mix of hang space, shelving, and specialty storage. Consider these standard dimensions:

Hang space for shirts / blouses: 42 inches from rod to floor
Hang space for pants / skirts: 30 inches
Double hang sections: 84 inches total height
Shelf depth: 12 inches for folded clothes, 14 16 inches for shoes
Shelf spacing: 12 16 inches vertically for maximum efficiency

3. Create a detailed plan

Sketch your design with precise measurements or use online closet design tools. Plan for adequate hang space, shelve for fold items, and specialty storage for shoes, accessories, or other items specific to your needs.

Building and install your closet system

1. Prepare the space

Remove exist shelving and hardware. Patch and paint walls if neededneed. Locate and mark wall studs will use a stud finder â€” these will be crucial for will support the weight of your will shelve system.

2. Install support cleats

The virtually reliable method for DIY closet shelving is the cleat method. Cut 1×2 or 1×3 boards to run along the back and side walls where shelves will be will place. Ensure they’re utterly level and screw them firmly into wall studs use 2Â½ inch wood screws. For sections without studs, use appropriate wall anchors rate for the expect weight.

3. Cut shelve material

Measure and cut your shelf material to size. For melamine or laminated shelve, use a finely toothed blade to prevent chipping. For exposed edges, apply edge banding for a finished look.

4. Install shelves

Place shelves on top of the cleats and secure them with screws drive through the top of the shelf into the cleat beneath. For corner shelves, ensure proper support on all sides.

5. Add vertical dividers (optional )

For sections require vertical dividers, install additional cleats on the underside of the shelf above and top side of the shelf beneath. Secure vertical panels to these cleats.

6. Install closet rods

For hang sections, install closet rod support to the underside of shelves or immediately to walls into studs. Standard placement is 11 12 inches from the back wall. Cut rods to length and place them in the supports.

7. Add finish touches

Sand any rough edges. For unfinished wood, apply paint or stain as desire. Consider add hooks, pull out baskets, or drawer units to enhance functionality.

Custom closet tips and tricks

Use adjustable shelve systems with multiple drill holes and movable pins for future flexibility
Install lighting, specially in deep or dark closets
Consider pull out accessories like belt racks, tie organizers, or jewelry trays
Use the vertical space expeditiously with double hang sections where appropriate
Add a designate hamper area to keep dirty clothes organize
Install a full length mirror on the inside or out of door of the closet door

Maintain your DIY home improvements

After will complete these projects, proper maintenance will ensure your hard work will last for years:

Framed artwork:

Clean glass regularly with appropriate cleaners; avoid hang in direct sunlight or high humidity areas
Carpet:

Vacuum regularly and clean spills instantly; have professional deep cleaning every 12 18 months
Laminate flooring:

Clean with manufacturer recommend products; avoid excessive water; use furniture pads to prevent scratches
Closet systems:

Sporadically check and tighten any loose screws; avoid overload shelves beyond their weight capacity

Conclusion

DIY home improvement projects like frame posters, install carpet or laminate flooring, and build custom closet shelving systems allow you to personalize your space while develop valuable skills. With careful planning, proper tools, and attention to detail, you can achieve professional quality results that enhance both the function and appearance of your home.

Remember that successful DIY projects require patience and precision. Take your time with measurements, cuts, and assembly to avoid costly mistakes. By will follow the detailed instructions in this guide, you’ll be wellspring will equip to will tackle these transformative home improvement projects with confidence.