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Articles by Kevin Stevens


Photo of someone installing a tile backsplash by BanksPhotos/istockphoto.com

A Comparison of Tile Backer Boards

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Dec 23, 2012

Earlier this month, I got started with another shower tile renovation for one of my Denver tile contracting clients. In this particular case the shower tile was still intact, which...


One wall of my living room is entirely covered by IKEA Expedit shelving units. -Chaya

The Pro and Cons of IKEA Furniture

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Oct 31, 2012

A few weeks back I got a call from one of my long time clients. He had recently picked up some IKEA furniture and wanted me, a Denver-area carpenter, to do the assembly for him. With...


Behold! The huge drum of Kevin's new dryer. Photo by Kevin Stevens.

The Advantages of Buying a Used Laundry Dryer

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Oct 18, 2012

My old clothes dryer was a GE and it lasted close to 18 years. So when it came time to get a replacement I was looking for another GE model or one of the big name brands. I stopped...


The solar generator in use in Zion National Park. Photo by Kevin Stevens for Networx.

My Amazing DIY Solar Generator

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Oct 12, 2012

I remember the inspiration for building my solar generator clearly. It was close to 20 years ago and we were camping at the dunes in Oregon. Our campground neighbor, in a huge RV, ran...


Flagstone patio and photo by Kevin Stevens of KMS Woodworks

A Flagstone Patio Replaces an Old Rotten Deck

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Sep 28, 2012

A Denver area carpentry client of mine was looking at a replacing an old deck. Years and years of weather and a slack maintenance plan had put this deck into a state of ugliness...


Don't do this unless you want a clogged dryer vent. Photo by the author.

DIY Tips: Venting a Clothes Dryer

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Sep 19, 2012

A few months ago our electric clothes dryer died. It was expected as the thing was getting close to 18 years old, and I had done a few basic repairs over the years. There often comes...


Photo by Kevin Stevens

Pebble Tile Installation Tips

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Aug 31, 2012

Pebble tiles provide a unique look. Like most mosaics, they are comprised of lots of small pieces conveniently adhered to a mesh backing material. This makes the installation possible...


The author hard at work.

Challenges That Exterior Painters Face

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Aug 30, 2012

I prefer interior painting work to exterior work hands down. Why, you may ask? Interiors require far less prep, the surfaces are generally flat and you can work without having to deal...


We Tested It: How Hot Decking Materials Get

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Aug 24, 2012

Earlier this summer I was reading an article about some folks who installed some aluminum decking. As a Denver-area deck builder and contractor it got me thinking about the thermal...


This ceramic tile rug right in front of the door is in lieu of ripping out all of the tile. Photo and tile repair by Kevin Stevens.

A Great Entry Tile Repair Idea

Posted by Kevin Stevens | Aug 21, 2012

One common question I get asked a lot is, “Can you fix this tile?” My answer is usually, “It depends.” In some of those cases the client has some spare tiles...