Exterior Upgrades

We’re exploring some easy DIY exterior upgrades at the home of framing contractor Wiley Bullock in Mobile, Alabama.

Build a Block Retaining Wall

A retaining wall can be used to prevent erosion on sloping lots by holding back the soil, and there are retaining wall designs for every landscape. To build a retaining wall:

• • Dig out the area where the wall will be located so the bottom is level and 4” or more inches below the base of the wall.

• • Fill the area with 4” of Pavestone crushed limestone base material to act as a foundation for the wall and tamp it down.

• • Stack the retaining wall blocks using Titebond landscape adhesive to help hold them in place.

• • Position the top cap layer of blocks, varying the angled sides to fill in any gaps in the top of the wall.

• Backfill with dirt behind the wall and top with grass or plantings.

The retaining wall was built with Pavestone three-piece, multi-height RockWall System Yukon stackable blocks (available at The Home Depot).

Read Build a Stackable Block Retaining Wall to find out more about how to build a retaining wall.

Clean and Stain a Wood Deck

Wood decks are great for outdoor entertaining, but they can become worn and weathered over time.

To restore a deck, start by cleaning in thoroughly using a cleaner made for cleaning wood decks, such as Flood Wood Cleaner. Be sure to wear protective clothing, goggles, and rubber gloves with working with strong cleaners. Here’s how:

• • Start by removing any leaves or other debris from the deck and cracks between the boards using a hook bent in a coat hanger.

• • Mix up the cleaning solution with water following the directions on the container.

• • Wet down the deck with a garden hose, then apply the cleaning solution using a pump sprayer.

• • Scrub the deck thoroughly using a long handled scrub brush.

• • Allow the cleaner to remain on the deck for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Rinse the cleaner off with water from a hose or pressure washer.

Once the deck is dry, it’s time to stain it. We used Flood CWF-UF penetrating wood finish in a natural wood color, which protect from both rain and sun. The stain can be brushed or rolled onto the surface.

Watch How to Clean and Finish a Wood Deck to find out more.

Replace Wood Trim

Wood trim on the exterior of a house—including window and door facings, corner boards, moldings, and eaves—can deteriorate and rot over time.

When replacing window trim, we used cellular PVC trim boards from Royal Building Products, which cuts and nails just like wood, but won’t rot or become food for termites.

Royal cellular PVC trim boards have both a smooth side and a wood grain side, so you can choose whichever one blends best with your décor.

To remove mold, mildew, moss, and algae on the outside of your home, apply Wet & Forget Outdoor using a garden spray. Wet & Forget doesn’t need rinsing, simply allow it to dry on the surface.

Read Products to Reduce Spring Maintenance on Your Home for more.

Portable Generator Safety

When using a portable generator, such as those from Generac:

• • Only run the generator outside in an open area away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• • Don’t overload the generator by attaching a bigger load than it was designed to handle.

• Turn the generator off and allow it to cool down before refueling.

Watch How to Use a Portable Generator Safely to find out more.

Other Tips from This Episode