Landscaping with Mulch

Landscaping with Mulch

Spring has sprung and it’s time to spruce up the outside of your home! As you work on your flower garden, consider how mulch can help you reach your garden goals. Mulch can help cut back on the number of weeds that grow, hold in the moisture of the soil, and regulate the soil temperature. So, how do you landscape with mulch? Learn more from Wright Building Center.

Color Matters

When mulching your flower bed, keep in mind that you should choose a mulch color that will complement the color of your home as well as the color of the flowers. A dark-colored mulch will help your brightly colored flowers pop!

Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric used in conjunction with mulch helps to cut down on weeds. When selecting a landscape fabric to use, make sure that you select a fabric that is water and air permeable. A plastic “fabric” can suffocate your plants. 

Mulch Thickness

Newly laid mulch should be laid at one inch thick and should not exceed 2 inches thick for plants such as perennials and annuals. Trees and shrubs can have up to 3-4 inches of mulch. Be sure to not push the mulch all the way up against the base of the plant.

Applying Your Mulch

Start with your mulch in a wheelbarrow and place mulch piles across your garden. Use your shovel or trowel to spread the mulch piles evenly across the garden, remembering to not push the mulch up against the base of the plant.

Reapplying Mulch

If you are re-mulching a previously mulched area, you should remove some of the old mulch before you add the new mulch. This way, your garden bed will remain at a normal height.

Landscaping Supplies at Wright Building Center

Ready to get your landscaping project underway? Come on in to Wright Building Center to pick up supplies for your project. Give us a call today to see if we have what you need.

How to paint an accent wall

window replacement installed services

When taking on a home remodeling project, painting an accent wall is one of the quickest ways to change up the look of a room. It is quite cheap and is a project you can complete in record time. 

Before you go right ahead with choosing your wall. You should decide which part of the room you want to draw attention to. Good options are fireplaces, entertainment centers, and behind-bed frames. 

Accent wall prep 

To begin to prep for an accent wall, tape all of the edges of the wall with painter’s tape. This will protect your neighboring walls as well as your floor from getting paint on them. Before you begin painting, make sure to fill in any nail holes or dinks in the wall. Painter’s putty will be the best way to do this. This will make sure your paint job is more smooth and sleek. After you fill all the holes, clean the wall with a damp rag to remove dirt and prevent it from getting stuck to the wall when you paint. 

Gather home remodeling supplies and colors 

Once the wall is prepped, start gathering your painting materials. Choose an interior paint with a color you love, as well as a paint roller, a tray, and maybe some tarp. Try and pick a color that creates enough contrast from the adjourning walls to stand out. Typically accent walls are darker, but you can also go lighter if you prefer. 

Painting your wall 

Two coats of paint are generally best, however you can be just fine with one cost if you so choose. This will mainly depend on what color you are painting over and if you can still see that color through the first coat. 

Adding home remodeling wall panels 

After your paint is dry, remove the painter’s tape. You can be done at this point, but if you want to enhance the look of your wall, even more, we suggest adding wall panels. MDF is the most common choice, but pine is usually much stronger and more reliable. To add wood to a wall, use finish nails and secure it to the wall with a nailer. 

Adding trim 

Once you have outlined the walls for your wall panels you can start adding vertical trim. If your wall is rectangular, this should create a set of vertical rectangles on your wall. Using 2-in. Nails and a nailer, make sure to keep the board secure while you nail them into the wall. Be generous with the nails you use, to give more support. Do the same thing with horizontal trim to create squares in your wall. 

home remodeling Wall Style 

Lastly, paint the trim. You can either paint it the same color as the wall or use a different color if you would like to be more unique. 

Do you have any questions? 

If you have any more home remodeling questions, we would be happy to help you with whatever you need. At Wright Building Center, we know home improvement like the back of our hand. Contact us today!

The Spring Checklist

The Spring Checklist

Spring has officially arrived! That means one thing- it’s time to tackle all the home improvement projects that you put off or couldn’t do during winter. Wright Building Center has put together a list of projects to tackle this spring!

Project #1- Work on your deck

Winter weather can be hard on your deck, so before you start using your deck regularly for the season, give it a quick run-through and make sure that everything is still looking good. Check for loose, warped, or damaged boards, rusty and loose nails, and make sure that your railings are secure. And, if necessary, reseal and restain your deck so that it is looking its best!

Project #2- Inspect your doors and windows

Early spring is the perfect time to fix and replace the screens on your windows and doors. This will help to keep the bugs as they emerge for the season. Additionally, take advantage of the more mild spring weather and give your windows a wash instead of doing it during the heat of summer. 

Project #3- Up your landscaping game

Spring is the perfect time to start cleaning up your landscaping. Trim up overgrown bushes and plants and start work on your flowerbeds, getting them spruced up and ready for new plants and flowers. Start your lawn care now to make sure that it looks nice and ready for the summer. And, last but not least, if you want to grow vegetables, prep your garden bed and get it ready for planting!

Spring Home Improvement with Wright Building Center

If you need supplies to help you tackle your spring home improvement projects, stop by Wright Building Center. We’ve got a range of supplies and even offer tool and equipment rental. Come see why we’re one of the best in Southern Illinois! Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer. 

Garage Storage Tips and Tricks

Most of the time storage is a do it yourself project. Whether you are packing up your holiday decorations or organizing all of your camping supplies, the garage is probably the main hub for all things storage. Here is a quick guide on some tips and tricks to help you store smart!

Cleaning out your garage 

Before you include additions to your garage such as shelving or organizing bins, it is best to clean out your garage first. Make sure you are able to clearly see the floors and walls you are going to use for storage. Collect all of the empty boxes, garbage bags, and items that need to be donated or thrown away. Next start sorting through the items you want to keep and set them aside. Keep in mind that most organizational tools for a garage, elevate items, and expose the floor. This might mean, that you should consider upgrading your garage floor. Maybe adding tile floors, doormats, or even foam mats can make the space look cleaners and neater. 

After you have cleaned out your garage, you can start considering what organizational ideas you would like to implement. Consider things like a workstation, a tool bench, and trash/recycling bins. Also identify outlets, wall studs, and other futures that will affect the placement of things. 

Do it Yourself Shelving 

Shelves have a lot of variety to them. Luckily, this allows you to alter your space to fit your needs. The most popular options are freestanding units that are anchored to walls, overhead storage, and bin racks. 

Here are some tips for picking the perfect shelf: 

  • Each material has different strengths (steel, wood, and plastic). If you are storing heavy objects, choosing shelves that can hold more weight will be the better option. Storing simple things like decorations may not require such heavy-duty storage options. 
  • Make sure to double-check the weight limit for any shelving unit you plan on using. 
  • Take your time installing shelving, doing it right the first time will save you a lot of headaches. 
  • Level your system. Keeping things level on your shelving unit will prevent things from falling or becoming damaged. 
  • You can use corner shelving to make use of wall space you might otherwise lose. 
  • You can consider ceiling-mounted shelves for items you do not use that often. While they will require ladders to reach, they will save you floor space. 

More Questions? 

If you have any more questions regarding do it yourself ideas, storage tips and tricks in your garage, or innovations for any other part of your home contact the home improvement experts at Wright Building Center today! 

How to Replace a Showerhead

How to Replace a Showerhead

Are you spring cleaning and ready to make some updates around the house? One of the simplest ways to make an easy upgrade that makes a big impact is to replace your showerhead. Replacing a showerhead is an easy project that can be done quickly and inexpensively, likely able to be completed in an hour or less. Additionally, it can save you money in the long run, as old shower heads tend to leak perform less efficiently. So how do you change a showerhead? Learn more from Wright Building Center.

Choosing Your Showerhead

Showerheads come in a large variety of colors, designs, and styles, making it easy to find one that matches the aesthetic of your bathroom. Pick up the showerhead that is right for your space, and follow these basic steps to replace it. 

Step 1- Do thorough checks before you begin

Before you begin the replacement process, make sure to read the instructions on your new showerhead as the process may differ slightly depending on the brand and style. Additionally, make sure that you have all necessary supplies gathered, such as plumbers tape, a wrench, pliers, and a wire brush. 

Step 2- Remove the existing showerhead

At the start of this step, make sure that the faucet is turned off unless you want to deal with a wet mess. Once you have the faucet turned off, remove the current showerhead carefully, using a wrench if necessary.

Step 3- Clean

Before you can install the new showerhead, you need to clean off the threads as they will likely have rust, dirt, or other materials on them. 

Step 4- Install the new showerhead

Wrap the exposed pipe with thread sealing tape. After you have the pipe threaded, attach the showerhead following the instructions from the manufacturers. 

Step 5- Check the installation

Before you wrap up the project, take a look at the fit and make sure that there are no leaks. Once you’ve checked this, your new showerhead is installed and ready to go!

Home Improvement with Wright Building Center

Itching to start your own spring DIY project? Come see us at Wright Building Center to pick up supplies for your latest project. Find us in Murphysboro and Sparta today, or give us a call to see if we have what you need!

Peeling and Chipping Paint: What Should I Do?

Peeling and Chipping Paint: What Should I Do?

It’s frustrating when your beautifully painted wall starts to peel or chip. There are a variety of reasons why paint may begin to peel or chip. Luckily, you can fix this issue pretty easily on your own. Learn how from the Wright paint department at Wright Building Center.

Why does paint peel or chip?

Before you can repair the paint on your wall, it is important to understand the reasons why the peeling chipping happened in the first place. The biggest reasons why this happens usually have something to do with how the wall was prepared before painting. 

  • The wall was dirty or oily. Before painting, you need to clean your wall so that the paint can properly adhere to the wall. 
  • The wall was not primed. Unless the paint you are using has built-in primer, you need to prime the wall before painting.
  • Primer was applied, but not properly. It may have been applied unevenly or in too thin of a coat.
  • Paint quality was poor. Paint stops adhering well as it ages, so make sure that your paint isn’t too old.
  • Moisture in the wall. If there is excess moisture in the wall, it can cause the paint to bubble and peel.

How do I fix my chipped paint?

Painting over chipped paint is a temporary fix. If you want a more permanent solution, it is recommended to repaint the entire wall. To begin the repair, start by removing the old paint, being sure to wear a mask and safety goggles while doing so. 

However, if your home was built before 1978, it may have lead paint on the walls. In that case, do not remove it yourself and call a professional.

Choose the Wright paint at Wright Building Center

Need to pick up paint and other supplies for your project? Come on out to Wright Building Center for your supplies today. Or, rent the tools and equipment your need from our rental selection today.

Does My Chimney Need Cleaned?

Does My Chimney Need Cleaned?

If your home has a chimney, having it cleaned is an important safety measure that needs to be done. Chimneys help funnel smoke out of your home but can be the cause of a house fire if they are left uncleaned for too long. The chimney fills up with residues, including soot and creosote, from smoke and even with debris from outdoors, such as whole or partial birds nest. Learn more about cleaning your chimney from Wright Building Center, your area lumberyard.

When should I clean my chimney?

You should have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. Additionally, you should have it cleaned once before you use it for the first time of the year. If your chimney has gone years without being used, you should have it cleaned before using it again. If your chimney is connected to an appliance, such as a wood stove, check it for signs that it needs to be cleaned more than one time per year. 

What are the signs that my chimney needs cleaned?

To determine whether or not your chimney needs to be cleaned, shine a light through it, either up from the bottom or down to through the top to see how much soot and creosote has accumulated. If an eighth of an inch has accumulated, it is time to clean your chimney. Additionally, if you start to notice the following signs, it is time to look into cleaning:

  • Soot deposits 
  • Sluggish smoke rising
  • Distinct smells, such as a wet cardboard smell

Choose Wright Building Center

Is it time to pick up supplies to clean your chimney? Come out to Wright Building Center, your local lumberyard, to get what you need to get your chimney cleaned and back to top-notch shape. Or, give us a call for any other home improvement supplies you may need, including tool and equipment rental.

Preparing Your Bathroom for Guests

Having guests over can be stressful! There are so many things that you have to prepare to be ready for their arrival. One thing that you should always be sure to do is to make sure that you’ve fully prepped your bathroom. A clean, well-stocked bathroom is key to helping your guests feel comfortable and at home during their stay. Here is a bathroom preparation guide from Wright Building Center.

Give it a good cleaning

This step may seem obvious, but it is important. No one likes using a dirty, grimy bathroom, so gather up your cleaning supplies and get to work. Give your sink, tile, shower, toilet, and everything in between a good scrub. Your bathroom will be clean shiny and clean before you know it! 

Do some easy DIY updates

There’s no better motivation than guests arriving soon to do some easy bathroom updates. Chances are, you may have been wanting to give your bathroom a facelift, so be sure to take advantage of having visitors and fix up your bathroom. These updates can be as simple as simply swapping out hardware, light fixtures, faucets, and more. Or, take on a bigger project and apply a fresh coat of paint! 

Stock up your bathroom

Having guests over means that you’ll need to stock up your bathroom with extra items and products. Make sure that you have plenty of towels, soap, and other toiletries available for your guests. Additionally, install a towel rack or hooks if you haven’t already so that guests have a place to hang their towels. 

Home Improvement Supplies at Wright Building Center

Time to update your guest bathroom? Pick up the supplies for your project at Wright Building Center in Murphysboro and Sparta. Our team would be happy to help you find everything you need and answer any questions you have. Contact us today!

Car Care Tips for the Winter

Winter can be very hard on your car, from the AC going out to window replacement. However, there are plenty of things you can do this winter to keep your ride running smoothly into the spring. 

Don’t put it off from simple oil changes to window replacement

If your car starts having a tendency to stall, or idles rough, this problem is only going to get worse in colder weather. Getting your car to a shop before the winter months can prevent major issues later. 

Change your oil and filters 

These are the two most common and probably the most crucial precautions that can be taken before winter. In cold weather, failing to do these things can cause major problems down the line. It can damage the inner workings of your engine, and dirty filters can make your car less efficient. 

Check your battery 

Every year you should get a mechanic to check your battery to ensure it is working properly and in the best condition it can be going into the winter months. 

Replace tires 

If your tires are worn, there is a high chance that you will slide on slick roads. If you see your tires are losing their tread, you should replace them BEFORE the cold starts to set in. If you have low-profile or sport tires, you might need to switch to snow tires. 

Add de-icer to your gas tank 

Adding some de-icer to your fuel about once a month can prevent freezing in your fuel line. This can prevent cracking and other forms of long-term damage. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze is recommended, and do not remove the radiator cap when filling. 

Check your windows / Window Replacement 

If there are any cracks in your windows, think about a window replacement. Cracks in the windows of your vehicle can get worse with bitterly cold weather. 

Need help with your car part or window replacement?

If you have any more questions, contact your local experts at Wright Building Center, so we can help you with all of your home improvement needs! 

Interior Design Trends in 2022

Interior Design

Whether you are looking to do a bathroom remodel, spice up your living area, or design a whole house, it is always good to stay on top of trends and beautiful designs. Let Wright help you, make your space perfect for 2022. 

Retro Style Designs

Retro is back, baby! Look out for beautiful reds, plush furniture, abstract shapes, and designs that pop. Grab your favorite classics because the 70s are back in force. 

Urban Style Designs 

Have you ever walked by beautiful pieces of street art? Bring that feeling into your home, for a contemporary feel. Urban art styles focus on simple colors and unique shapes, coming together to create intriguing styles and captivating spaces. 

Tech Trends: Smart Furniture

The future is here, and with fancy new furniture. Many pieces now come with automated features, and lifestyle improvements, tailored to the new consumer. With unique, slopping shapes, and helpful features, this not only improves the look of your living space but can make daily life easier. 

Polka Dots: Living and Bathroom Remodel

The most iconic retro look, for those trying to create a bold look for their space. 

Multi Functional Trends 

In the modern age, we don’t need to divide things up so much. Multifunctional spaces combine the uses of more than one room, into a beautiful joint space that brings people together. 

Sustainability and Glass: Basement, Recreational, and Bathroom Remodel

Create a dynamic space that incorporates indoor and outdoor space, by using glass, foldable walls, and unique doorways. For the whole year, every year, take pride in your sustainable space, and enjoy a connection to the outdoors. 

Organic Design 

Nothing looks natural quite like materials that are well… natural! Cork walls, hump curtains, and other natural designs are going to be the highlight of interior design in the new year. 

Shades of Green: Bedroom and Bathroom Remodel

If you can’t tell already, nature is a big player in the interior design scene right now. Green signals wellbeing, and nature. Using multiple shades of green can add some variety, while maintaining a positive feeling in your space. 

Minimalism: Living and Bathroom Remodel

Clear lines, with high quality material. Simple yet elegant. Perfect for kitchens or a bathroom remodel. Minimalism is great for making a space look clean and uniform for guests or daily living. 

Recreative Spaces

They say don’t work where you play, but that trend is about to change. The future of interior designs consists of many recreational spaces, sprinkled into our work spaces. This is a great way to bring some life to your office space. 

Have any more Questions? 

If you have any questions or want to ask a professional interior designer about your space. Contact the home improvement experts at Wright Building Center today!