Philip Schmidt

Philip Schmidt

Philip lives in Colorado with his wife, two daughters, and too many leftover building materials. He has been teaching readers how to do things for almost two decades. A former carpenter, project designer specializing in houses and everything we do with them and longtime writer and editor, he is the author of 24 books, including PlyDesign: 73 Distinctive DIY Projects in Plywood (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007T1PJ36/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1), Little Free Libraries and Tiny Sheds: 12 Miniature Structures You Can Build to Enhance Your Yard or Neighborhood (https://www.amazon.com/Little-Free-Libraries-Tiny-Sheds-ebook/dp/B07QFG3ZBP), Black and Decker the complete guide to treehouses: Design and Build Your Kids a Treehouse (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D1PIT6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1), The Complete Guide to Greenhouses & Garden Projects: Greenhouses, Cold Frames, Compost Bins, Trellises, Planting Beds, Potting Benches & More (https://www.amazon.com/Decker-Complete-Greenhouses-Garden-Projects-ebook/dp/B005CDCX50), The Complete Guide to DIY Greenhouses, Install Your Own Solar Panels: Designing and Installing a Photovoltaic System to Power Your Home, DIY Solar Projects - Updated Edition: Small Projects to Whole-home Systems: Tap Into the Sun, The Complete Guide to a Clutter-Free Home, The Complete Guide to Contemporary Sheds: Complete plans for 12 Sheds, Including Garden Outbuilding, Storage Lean-to, Playhouse, Woodland Cottage, Hobby Studio, Lawn Tractor Barn, Schaum's Outline of Elementary Algebra, Decorating with Architectural Details, Install Your Own Solar Panels: Designing and Installing a Photovoltaic System to Power Your Home, Ultimate Guide: Trimwork, Upgrade Your House: 100 DIY Repairs Improvements For Under $100, The Complete Guide to Attics & Basements, The Complete Guide to a Green Home: The Good Citizen's Guide to Earth-Friendly Remodeling & Home Maintenance, Craftsman Router Techniques; A Comprehensive Guide to Using Routers, Molding & Medallions: Four Easy Weekend Projects (eHow Easy DIY Kindle Book Series), McGraw-Hill's 500 College Algebra and Trigonometry Questions: Ace Your College Exams: 3 Reading Tests + 3 Writing Tests + 3 Mathematics Tests, Black Decker The Complete Photo Guide to Treehouses: Design and Build Treehouses for All Ages, Don't Sweat It... Hire It!, The Complete Guide to the Green Home, Decorating with Architectural Details, and The Complete Guide to Treehouses.

What to Know Before You Hang a Flat Screen TV

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Sep 11, 2012

If you've ever been to Graceland, you've undoubtedly seen the TV room with its three televisions built into the wall. Back in the 60s you had to be the King of Rock n' Roll to have...

This is kind of an extreme example. (Photo: Niels Timmer/sxc.hu)

Your Roof is Moldy. Now What?

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Aug 22, 2012

Scientists may think mold is great, but the rest of us have a hard time not resenting it. The stuff grows everywhere, from the cheese in the fridge to the bathroom ceiling to the very...

7 Steps to Customizing Your Generic Living Space

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Apr 03, 2012

Several years ago, when TV design shows had become really popular, I saw an interview with a designer/host from one of the big hits at the time. The show involved traveling around the...

My DIY Mid-century style sofa table. Do you like it? --Phil

Five Laws for DIY Interior Design

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Mar 19, 2012

On my bookshelf is a 1956 DIY guide from Better Homes and Gardens. Its title is as practical and straightforward as the homes from that era: Decorating Book. The interiors in the photos...

Are you thinking of designing your own interior, but don't know where to start? Phil helps out with DIY interior design resources. (Photo: madnithy/sxc.hu)

15 Killer Resources for DIY Interior Design

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Mar 16, 2012

When you're looking around for help with interior design it can feel like there's way too much information out there, and yet there's still not enough. The Internet, the TV and the...

Here I am, goin' fishin' with a coat hanger. It's one DIY way to unclog a bathtub drain. --Phil

7 Ways to Unclog a Bathtub

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Mar 12, 2012

How do I love to unclog a bathtub, let me count the ways…Yep, 7 appears to be the magic number. (If you can think of more, please feel free to enlighten us.) In my experience,...

Philip Schmidt (the author) is pictured here fixing a doorknob.

How to Fix a Doorknob That's Come Loose

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Mar 04, 2012

Reaching to open a door and having the knob actually come off in your hand is like a scene out of a silent movie, but it's something many of us have experienced. When this happens,...

The Grass Charging Station from Kikkerland.com

How to Take Charge of Your Chargers

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Mar 01, 2012

Figuring out how to accommodate all the cords that supply your arsenal of electrical gadgets may be the definition of a First World problem, but it's really just part of everyday life...

Use the foil tape, Dad!

5 Home Improvement Products to Avoid

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Feb 15, 2012

Just as there's a right tool for every job, there are plenty of wrong tools for the same job, not to mention others that might work alright but should be used only in a pinch. Duct...

The real deal. Deep fried taco shell. --Phil

The Art of Making Perfect Tacos at Home

Posted by Philip Schmidt | Feb 13, 2012

My favorite of Jimmy Fallon's "Thank You Notes" is the one thanking hard taco shells for staying intact all the way from the factory to his plate, then breaking as soon as he tries...