Open the bench
DIY Home Repair and Weekend Project Guides
Vernl is a home repair desk for plumbing, electrical, painting, carpentry, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor projects.
Projects open on the bench
A fresh mix of repairs and builds from the same desk.
PipesBetter Plumbing: Easy, No-Leak Connections
CleaningOven Cleaner on Countertops – What You Need to Know
ShowerGuide to Standard Shower Sizes and Dimensions
Air ConditionersCentral Air Conditioner Filter Sizing and Replacement
Washer & DryerLine Drying Vs. Machine Drying: Which Is Better for Your Clothes and Wallet?
KitchenThe Basics of Garbage Disposal Wiring
Stuff We LoveLowe's vs. The Home Depot: Where Should You Shop?
NewsPopular Kids' Gardening Set Sold at Costco Recalled Over Lead Poisoning Hazard
DecorArt Deco Is Making a Comeback—Here's How to Embrace the Style in Your Home
Plumbing
Leaks, drains, shutoffs, and the jobs that should not wait until Monday.
Electrical
Boxes, breakers, and the habits that keep a circuit from becoming a story.
Woodworking
Benches, cabinets, and the cuts that turn a Saturday into a finished piece.
Before you pick up a tool
Short answers for the jobs that show up on a Saturday morning.
Which repairs belong on a weekend bench?
Start with jobs you can shut off, see clearly, and reverse: a dripping supply, a loose hinge, a clogged aerator, or a patch of paint. If the work involves a gas line, a main electrical panel, or a structural wall, hire a licensed pro.
How are the guides grouped?
Guides are filed by the skill or the room they serve, such as plumbing, electrical, painting, kitchens, bathrooms, and the yard. A project can sit in more than one group when the work crosses both.
What should I do before opening a wall?
Turn off the water or the breaker, confirm the shutoff actually stopped the flow, and know where the nearest cleanout or panel is. Keep the finish materials in the room so you are not hunting for them with the wall open.