Your mattress is a safe space where you rest comfortably night after night. The last thing that should be on your mind as you drift off is wondering if you’re being exposed to any dangerous chemicals and substances in your mattress. The best organic mattresses use all-natural, hypoallergenic materials that are not only better for your health but good for the environment. This Old House Reviews Team and Mattress Advisor got to work to test over 150 mattresses on 14 different factors and picked the nine best organic mattresses for you....

Lincoln and Megan Pasquina took a bold path when they decided to add on to their antique Cape in Concord, MA. Working with architect Andrew Sidford, they settled on a design for their addition that merges modern style with the house’s traditional form. At the heart of the new plan is a high-ceilinged, open family room with a view onto the backyard. “As you step through from the kitchen into the new family room, you’ll have vaulted ceilings and a wall of glass,” says TOH host Kevin O’Connor....

Stains and scratches can make marble countertops a challenge in the kitchen. You can still opt for marble in your home without the worry of maintaining it by including it as an accent. Read on for some ideas and inspiration for marble accents. Add just a splash Shown above, left: As a vertical surface, a marble backsplash sustains fewer spills and less wear and tear than a horizontal work top—like this showstopping mosaic set in a field of ceramic subway tile....

Flag Rules Homeowners Should Know The flag should not be flown during bad weather, unless an all-weather flag is used. The flag should not be displayed at night, unless it is properly lit. The flag should be hung in a way that the union (the blue section with the 50 stars) is always in the top left corner of the flag. If the flag is torn or damaged in a way that’s beyond repair, it should be destroyed “with dignity....

Why is Solar Energy Becoming Popular? Everyone’s phones and internet browsers are full of solar panel ads, and there are now door-to-door salesmen walking through neighborhoods attempting to sell systems. Why is solar so popular right now? At the moment, solar panel systems are the most affordable they’ve ever been. Also, electric rates are at historic highs. Local and federal government rebates are also particularly attractive, meaning more folks are interested in installing solar panel systems on their roofs....

Making this swing requires a few tools, and all the hardware needed to hang it can be found at your local home center. The seat is inexpensive—you can even make it out of scrap wood. Quality hardware and rope increase the cost but are important for safe swinging. In one morning you can put the parts together, get the rope in place, and start your magic ride! Build a disc swing for your favorite tree today....

How to Build a DIY Porch Swing The lumber Tom used to assemble the swing set was Western Red Cedar. All the other tools and materials used for this project, including the drill driver, screws, and speed square, can all be found at home centers. Expert assistance with this project was provided by the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association and Nathan Gilbert Carpentry. Tools

This one, located just off the kitchen in a 1929 brick house, was designed around a 6-foot-long vintage nickel sink inspired by the kind of potting shed found in the French countryside, crafted from leftover boards and bricks and filled with weathered, moss-covered pots. How to strike a balance between practicality and style when you bring such a space indoors? “Keep all the finishes natural and stick to conventional garden-tool materials: wood, metal, and terra-cotta,” says interior designer Wayne Nathan, who created the Brookville, New York, potting room shown on these pages....

Steps for electrical projects using two tools

Steps for Filling Gaps in a Plank Wood Floor Tools:

At the more dangerous end of the spectrum, they may fight with your outdoor cat or small dog, which poses the possibility of passing on canine distemper or rabies, and may sometimes even lead to the injury or death of a beloved pet. Signs of Raccoon Activity How do you know if you have a raccoon visiting your home? Tipped over garbage cans are a telltale sign, but also look for their droppings near the base of trees or wood piles....

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Radiant Floor Heating: Why It’s Worth It

Screwdriver Pliers Drain wrench Drain fitting (the basket-shaped piece that sits just under the stopper) Steps to Remove a Bathtub Drain Step 1: Identify the stopper There are many types of bathtub stoppers. Three common models that don’t rely on a trip lever mechanism are the toe-touch, the push-pull, and the lift-and-turn. The toe-touch stopper pops open and shut when you press on it. How to Clear a Clogged Bathtub Drain The push-pull features a center knob that you push in to close or pull out to open....