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Crushed stone and masonry dust work equally well when bringing a brick path back to level.

Bob comes out the back door of the new addition to the back yard that is currently four feet down from the entry. The new deck will be quite extensive, with various sections that read into one another and onto the sloping back and side yards. Bob reviews the plans that show an extensive deck section at one level, with long stairs cut into the grade in one direction and deck sections that step down to the side yard in the other direction. Tim Berky, the general contractor, is on site to dig the holes for The Footing Tube PVC forms that create the deck footing and pier in one concrete pour. Each costs about $40 and provides a flared design that combats frost heaving when set below the frost line. Berky will pour the concrete to grade so that no concrete will show above it. He will use structural lumber above the grade and face it to hide the lumber. The Footing Tube forms are capped to prevent accidents until the footings are ready to pour. Once they areset in place and backfilled, the concrete is transported to the deck area and shoveled into the forms to set the deck footings and piers.

Ted Riley explains to how the concrete crew uses a laser to assure that they get a level slab. The crew first sets up the laser and then the target with the proper height. When the laser beeps, it's on target. The bottom of the stick tells them that it's at the same height as the rest of the area.

Here are some things to think about when you're hanging your own kitchen cabinets. Hang your upper cabinets first, so the lower cabinets won't be in the way. Snap a level chalk line to align the countertops. Use shim shingles to level them, then use drywall screws to secure your cabinets to the wall studs.

Have you ever wondered how the thermostats in your house work? Inside your thermostat is a small glass vial filled with mercury. This is attached to a metal coil that expands when the heat the rises and contracts when it gets cooler. The mercury moves back and forth as a result of the change in the temperature, causing your boiler to turn on and off. To insure this works properly, always level the mounting plate when installing.

Keep these things in mind when you're planning a location for your home workshop. Make sure the floor is strong and level to support heavy equipment. The doorway should be wide enough to allow you to bring bulky materials and projects in and out. The space should be dry, so tools won't rust. Provide enough electrical outlets, light, and ventilation for a safe and efficient workspace.