When it comes to taking on new DIY projects, timing is everything. It can make the difference between your project being a success or a total flop. For example, you wouldn’t want to start renovating your landscaping if there was snow on the ground because it would cause too many problems. Like this scenario, you could be faced with many issues by choosing to tackle a DIY project at the wrong time. So, take a look below to see when the best time of the year is to start your next DIY job.
The time in which you take on interior projects isn’t as dependent on weather inclemencies since your home shields you from the outdoors. However, weather can still affect interior projects in a variety of ways. For instance, tools or materials may cost less at a certain time of the year, and temperature often impacts the overall outcome of certain projects as well. So, take a look below at a few interior projects and suggestions for the best time to get them done.
Interior Painting: Fall/Early WinterInterior painting can really be done at any time, but the fall and early winter are the best times to refresh your home’s old indoor paint. Colder temperatures could help to cure your paint more quickly, but be weary of drastically low temperatures as they can affect the quality of the paint and prevent proper drying. Also, if you do decide you need some assistance, painting professionals are usually slower in the colder months and may even offer special deals during this time.
When it comes to installing new flooring in your home, the spring is the best time to have it done. That’s because hardwood floors don’t react well to hot and humid climates. These types of environments can cause the wood finish to cure too quickly which results in the sheen drying improperly. Instead, try installing floors when it’s a bit cooler out.
Kitchen updates such as painting, installing new cabinets, or redoing the countertops are best done in the summer months, but this may depend on your specific lifestyle. Because most people utilize their kitchens frequently during the holidays, winter isn’t a good time to start a major kitchen renovation. However, summer may be a good time to do this because you’re able to grill food outside and typically aren’t limited to only being indoors.
Exterior DIY projects need to be done during optimal weather conditions. If it’s snowing, raining, or freezing outside, your project will likely be ruined by the poor weather. In order to prevent an avoidable disaster, try to plan exterior projects around your climate. So, take a look below to see when is the best time to take on various exterior projects.
In order to have your deck finished in time to use it for the spring season, you should start building it by early winter. Fortunately, if you do need some assistance, contractors are less busy during this time of the year and you may be able to save money on materials such as wood. Because it’s generally pretty cold and wet during the winter months, most people don’t enjoy being outside too much, so you also won’t be disrupting any outdoor events you may have planned. And, believe it or not, the cold, cloudy weather you typically experience in early winter is perfect for helping pressure-treated wood dry and reduces the risk of warping or splitting.
You want to refresh your yard right before it gets too warm out. So, the best time to start a landscaping project where you plant shrubs, trees, plants, or grass, is in the spring. This will give your plants the best chance to grow and acclimate to their new environment.
Exterior paint is best applied in the summer months. The type of paint used for the exterior of homes perform better when there is less temperature changes between night and day. This will allow for proper drying to occur and results in a better appearance.
At Louie’s Home Center, our expert staff members can easily help you find the right tools and hardware needed to complete your project. Here, we’ll use our knowledge and experience to guide you in the right direction and get you through your project at each phase. Whether you’re looking for the best hammer or the best power tool, our team is here to help. Connect with us today or shop our products to learn more!
If you’re preparing for a new DIY project or home renovation, having the right tools is essential. While tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and tape measures are household staples, more specialized equipment like paint sprayers and jackhammers may not be as common. Fortunately, hardware rentals make it easy to access these tools without committing to a purchase. If you’re considering options like a paint sprayer rental, read on to explore the advantages of renting hardware and discover why it might be the best solution for your project.
One significant benefit of renting hardware is the opportunity to test different products. For example, if you’re considering purchasing a paint sprayer for your home renovation, renting one first lets you see how it performs. Different brands and models offer unique features, and testing a paint sprayer rental ensures you find the right fit for your needs. Renting gives you the chance to evaluate the tool firsthand, saving you from making a costly purchase that might not meet your expectations.
A paint sprayer rental is an excellent option if you only need the tool for a single project or occasional use. Purchasing a paint sprayer can be expensive, especially if it’s something you won’t use frequently. Renting allows you to complete your project without the upfront cost of buying new equipment. Plus, if you find yourself needing the tool more often in the future, you can always invest in your own at a later time.
Some tools, like paint sprayers or large equipment, take up valuable storage space in your home. For those with limited storage options, renting tools eliminates the hassle of finding a permanent place to keep them. A paint sprayer rental provides the perfect solution—allowing you to complete your project while keeping your home free of clutter.
At Louie’s ACE Home Center, we make tool rentals simple and convenient. Whether you need a paint sprayer rental for a weekend painting project or a jackhammer for a larger renovation, we have a wide selection of tools available for daily, weekly, or monthly rental. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to help you choose the best tool for your specific needs.
Don’t let the lack of a tool hold you back from completing your next DIY project. Contact Louie’s ACE Home Center today and learn more about our paint sprayer rentals and other equipment. Let us help make your home improvement projects easier and more affordable!
The summer months bring later sunsets, bluer skies, and of course, the heat. You quickly begin to rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool and refreshed, but we've all dealt with air conditioner troubles. Louie's Home Center has some tips to keep your AC running smoothly this summer:
The purpose of an air filter is to keep fresh, clean air circulating throughout your AC. Air filters trap in dust, dirt, bacteria, and pollen that is trying to make its way into your home. It's important to replace your air filters on a regular basis to keep everyone in your home healthy.
How often you change your air filters depends on the type of filter that is required for your home. Depending on how many people you have living in your home, if you have pets, etc. will dictate when you need to replace your air filters.
One of the most effective ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly is to check and clean the outdoor unit. Over time, leaves, dirt, and other various objects can collect in your outdoor filter and need to be removed. Outdoor air units take in refrigerants, these refrigerants flow throughout the unit and turn hot air into cold air. It is recommended that you clean your outdoor air unit every year.
We've all been in a situation where you turn on your air conditioner and a terrible odor emits and spreads throughout your home. There are various smells that dictate what is wrong with your air unit.
If you begin to smell an egg-like odor coming from your air conditioner, it is likely that there is a deceased animal in your air ducts. The solution to this problem is to either remove or have someone else remove the animal from the air ducts.
If you turn on your AC and it smells like a group of teenagers who have been at soccer practice all day, it means that you have mildew growing on your evaporator coil. To get rid of this smell, you will need to give your evaporator coil and ducts a thorough cleaning. This, however, can be a temporary solution. Some air units are prone to developing mildew.
While you can go in and tackle some of the maintenance projects yourself, every year you should have a professional come and deep clean your air conditioning unit.
If you are in the market for a new air conditioning unit or would simply like more information on how to maintain your current air conditioning unit head over to Louie's Home Center today!
Winter has come, but it's never too late to pick up the essentials. Louie's ACE Home Center has all of the tools, heaters, and more to get you through the season. Check out our list to see if you have all of the necessary winter essentials for home!
Living in Reno, Nevada, you're never really sure what the winter will bring. For the days where the temperature is below freezing and dumping snow, our vent-free stoves are the perfect addition to your home. They are easy to install and bring all of the beauty and warmth of a fireplace to your home without the maintenance.
For the warmer winter days (aka anything over 45 degrees), our outdoor fire pits are a must-have! You and your friends can gather around the fire pit, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the "warm" winter's night.
Snow shovels are the go-to winter essentials for home during those winter storms. There are three types of snow shovels, and each of them has a specific function.
Plastic Shovels: Plastic snow shovels are an excellent choice if you are looking for something that is easy to use and lightweight. A common misconception about plastic snow shovels is that they're flimsy, but in actuality, they are able to hold and dispose of snow better than a metal snow shovel. Because plastic shovels can become worn down over time (depending on how much it snows in your area), it is recommended that you don't use this shovel to scrape ice.
Steel Shovels: If you are looking for a shovel that will last you through several winters, a steel snow shovel is the way to go. They are optimal for scraping both the ice and snow from your driveway and pathway. However, because they are made of steel, these shovels are heavier and require more energy to operate than a plastic or aluminum shovel.
Aluminum Shovels: Aluminum snow shovels are a happy medium between plastic and steel shovels. While they are more durable than plastic shovels and much lighter than steel shovels, they tend to bend easily. When you are shoveling your driveway or scraping away at the ice, make sure that you aren't putting in too much force to prevent bending your shovel.
With the temperatures dropping lower and lower, it is time to think about purchasing a standby or a portable generator for your home. Here are a few reasons why a generator should be a winter essential for your home:
Backup Heater: Nothing is worse than your thermostat deciding to bite the bullet just as the cold weather begins to set in. In this situation, you have the ability to call your local repair service and have them send someone over to fix it. But when you are left without power, a huge concern is how you're going to keep your family and yourself warm. These are the times when owning a backup generator comes in handy.
Keep Appliances Running: In the event of a power outage, you want to ensure that all of your appliances, primarily your refrigerator, keep running. Purchasing a generator will not only supply power to your home appliances, but also supply power to your home security system, computers, cell phones, and more.
Winter is in full swing here in Nevada, and we at Louie's ACE Home Center want to make sure that the residents of Reno are fully prepared for the chilly season. Come on in and grab your winter home essentials!
As the seasons change, you might realize you need a different look in your home. A room can lose its luster when it has old paint or wallpaper on it. A proper coat of paint can truly light up a room. This can pair with any style you might like and there are many fun things you can do with paint. For a first timer, things can get confusing which is why we composed a list of painting tips for your home's walls.
You might not realize, but like anything else, walls can get dirty. In most cases, they are left without being cleaned for years (who has that kind of time). As you plan to create a new look in your home the first step is to wipe down those walls. You can remove dirt/lint/dust with a tack cloth. After grabbing a bucket, water, and a cleaner give your wall a well-deserved wipe down. Give your walls a chance to air dry by removing all outlet and light switch covers. Lastly, we don’t want you to get anything on your furniture. One of the most important painting tips is make sure to cover anything and everything!
We all have different styles and ideas of how our houses should look. One of the most important painting tips for walls is making sure you get the right paint. Most hardware stores have services to match your paint. Along with getting the right color to know the difference between oil and water based paints, use denatured alcohol on a rag to wipe existing paint. If paint comes off on the rag the paint is water based. If there is no residue that comes off then you will have an oil based paint.
When you think about paint in a house I’m sure your first thoughts are different colors or plain neutral color. The last thing on your mind is about the different sheens incorporated into colors. This feature is actually very important for certain areas in your house. It either brightens and enhances how your wall looks, giving more detail (shinier sheen). Flat paint is good for a low traffic room such as bedrooms and hallways.
Paint is definitely needed in order to paint a house. However, the tools to apply the product are also extremely important. Having quality materials can help decrease streaks and help apply a smoother finish. When buying your materials, it is better to buy more. The reason is you will spend less time cleaning rollers and less money on running water. If you need a break once you start painting, a painting tip is to cover your brush or roller with plastic bags and keep them in the fridge. This will keep the paint fresh and ready to use once you start your project again. Once the project is finally finished, store your brushes in a plastic baggie. This way the next time you use them they won’t be dried out.
Don’t be fooled, taking on a painting project can be exciting. However, it is a long process and knowing some painting tips for walls will help make this adventure a little easier. First, use low odor and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints for a safer environment for you and your family. When you finally choose a color make sure to use contrasting trims to make the room pop. Also, if you are using dark paints make sure you let the wall dry for 6 hours between coats. This way you won’t rewet the paint causing streaks and patches to happen during your next coat. Lastly, make sure to save some of your paint for future touch-ups throughout your house.
Looking for a paint match or materials in order to paint your home? Check out Fallon's local hardware store, Louie's Ace Hardware. We will have everything you need to get you started on your next project! We offer ACE hardware rentals such as paint sprayers and fixture sprayer rentals for your painting project.
At Louie's ACE Home Center, we do more than just supply you with all of your hardware needs, we also provide ACE Hardware party rentals for special events. Are you planning a party and want to liven it up with an ACE bounce house or cotton candy machine? Well, let us help you with that. We make the process easy and painless, allowing you to enjoy your special event!
You may know that Louie's provides several types of ACE Hardware rentals in their store, but did you know about their party rentals? Elevate your special event with any of these items provided by ACE Hardware:
Party tents are perfect for big outdoor events that could use a little extra coverage. Don't let your party guests sit outside in the hot sun while they fight off bugs and wind, give them some protection. A tent can be a nice area for guests to escape the sun, cool down for a bit, or just get away from the party commotion.
Planning a party for your little one? Or just want to plan a nonconventional adult party? Don't miss out on the chance to enhance the fun with an ACE bounce house! The addition of a bounce house will give any party the extra pizzaz it needs to make your special event stand out from the rest.
Cotton candy is a kid classic, and even some adults can't contain their sweet tooth when this treat comes around. Make your party unique with freshly made cotton candy right at your fingertips.
Are you low on seating for your guests? Don't make them stand, just call Louie's Home Center. We have tables and chairs available for rent so all of your guests can feel comfortable.
Louie's ACE Hardware Home Center has always been there for you when you needed to make a home repair or had a question about which gardening tools are best. Not only do we provide ACE Hardware rentals but let us help you with your party planning too with ACE Hardware party rentals! We are open Monday through Sunday from 7 am to 7 pm, meaning you have access to party rentals 7 days a week! And don't feel stressed about having to pick up equipment and set it up alone because ACE has that covered too. You can either pick up in store or schedule delivery and set up at your desired location. Call and ask about our competitive pricing which includes all sales tax and has no additional fees. If you're looking to enhance your special event, give Louie's ACE Hardware Home Center a call at 775.423.7008!
When you’re searching the aisles for the best product to use for your upcoming project, it’s good to see a familiar brand in Nevada hardware. One that you already know and trust. When you’re looking for a drill that is durable and built to last, you’ll probably look at a Craftsmen or a Black and Decker. And if you want the best wood fire grill you’ll most likely head straight for the Traegers. At Louie’s, we’re happy to share with you the quality national brands that you know and trust.
Toro creates high-performance landscaping equipment ideal for homeowners. At Louie’s Home Center, we carry various Toro lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and string trimmers that are perfect for maintaining your lawn and garden this summer. Summer is the perfect time to get your yard looking its best, and to get there you should use the best products to care for it.
One of the most popular brands of lawn food, soil, and weed control is Scotts. You’ve probably seen the name placed inside the green oval on their packaging in stores, and Louie’s is proud to be one of them. If you’re looking for a green and luscious looking lawn this summer, give Scotts brand products a try.
If you want a cooler that can handle trekking through your summer adventures with you, then a Yeti cooler will be your go-to. Not only does this brand carry high-quality hard and soft coolers, they also make stainless steel, insulated thermoses, mugs and tumblers. You can depend on the durability of Yeti products, and you can pick up one of these coolers or tumblers right here at Louie’s.
This is another brand that puts out high caliber products that you can count on. Stihl creates outdoor power equipment that will last throughout the seasons. At Louie's, we offer battery operated Stihl products that will not only keep your yard in tip top shape, but these battery powered items are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. From chainsaws to hedge trimmers, Stihl carries a wide variety of outdoor tools which will come in handy for the summer season.
Craftsman is a well known brand of hand and power tools. When you're looking for something reliable and durable, you may want to consider using a Craftsman tool. They have a wide variety of screwdrivers, hammers, saws, drills, and so much more. And you can now find Craftsman tools at Louie's Ace Hardware.
At Louie's, we strive to provide our customers with the best hardware products and hardware rentals available. Whether it be for purchase or rent through ACE hardware rentals, our friendly employees are experts at finding the best brand for you. Whether you're concerned about your budget or have a specific product in mind, we can help you decide. Connect with Louie's Ace Home Center or view our products and hardware rentals today!
Being a homeowner is a job in itself. Homes require regular maintenance in order to properly function and provide the protection you need. Luckily, keeping a routine of regular maintenance can help ease the workload throughout the year. Here’s our helpful home maintenance checklist to help ensure you don’t miss a thing.
These are home improvements that can be done at any time of the year and should be done regularly to ensure they remain functioning properly. Be sure to check these things between every month and every few months.
Fall is a great time to take on general home maintenance projects because of the moderate temperatures and dry weather. Start your home maintenance checklist by first inspecting the interior and exterior of your home, then, get started. Here are some things you can do to help prepare your home for the colder weather:
It’s important that you adequately prepare for the winter season. The last thing you want happening is a burst pipe or a heating unit that doesn’t work properly. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to check before the cold weather takes over:
This is the perfect time to get your home back to looking its best. Hopefully by this time the weather has calmed down and you can get your home back in order. It’s time to welcome the warmer weather and prepare your home for the heat. Use this spring home maintenance checklist as a guide:
You want to do as much maintenance as you can before summer really hits so you can make the most out of the hot weather and long days. Most of the necessary home improvement projects for the summer season can be done in the spring. Here’s some things you can tackle in the summer:
Louie's Ace Hardware has all the tools you'll need to complete any home improvement project you want to tackle. Our highly knowledgeable staff are happy to help you find the best tool to use in your DIY project, and can help guide you in the right direction to a successful home improvement job. Connect with us today, or view our products list!
Long a tradition for some families, canning has seen resurgence in popularity alongside the growing admiration for mason jars. Food that has been canned can last for years, extending the life of your food and preventing waste, and now even more so than ever there are great ways to add personal touches to your canned food making them great gifts for friends and family.
Methods of CanningThere are two methods of canning, each corresponding to the type of food you are looking to can. It is important that you choose the correct method for what you want to can. This can be crucial in ensuring your food isn’t susceptible to bacteria.
Water Bath Canning: This method is used for foods and vegetables with acidic content. This is what you use for jams and jellies as well as for pickles. The process of water bath canning is fairly easy, and is a great starting point for beginner canners.
Pressure Canning: Using the pressure canning method is for foods with low acidic content including vegetables, meats and poultry, and seafood. This particular method requires a lot of attention because if the process is done incorrectly, this food can spoil very easily.
While there are two different methods depending on what you’re planning to can, there are things to keep in mind with both methods that are important to making sure your food is properly canned, thus making sure your food is optimally protected.
For both methods, be sure to select your favorite recipe and follow those instructions carefully. It is important to reduce the entry points for bacteria before the food is placed within the jars. When done correctly, food is edible for one to five years depending on what you’ve canned.
With the Mason jar trend at a peak, there are more options than ever to add a personal touch to your canned foods. Lots of DIY elements including chalkboard paint on the lids or die-cut labels are great ways to add a personal touch, especially when gifting things such as jams to friends and family.
One thing we have here at Louie’s ACE that we love are the purple heritage jars; they resemble desert glass and are special edition, which means as soon as they sell out, they’re gone!
Visit Louie’s ACE today to see all of our food canning supplies!
If you can’t remember the last time you tested or replaced your carbon monoxide or smoke detectors, then you’re likely putting your home, and most importantly your family at risk.
Both your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors follow a similar testing schedule. These safety devices should be tested monthly, and if they are not hardwired, should have their batteries replaced twice a year. Even some of the hardwired devices will have backup batteries that allow for them to continue keeping your family safe even in the event of a power outage.
It is likely that some devices require less frequent checking, as per the directions in their manual, but it is always best to aim on the side of caution and check more often then not.
1. Have a family member stand in a distant location from the device in your home, this will help you ensure the volume of the smoke detector is loud enough.
2. Press and hold the test button hopefully producing a loud, piercing noise. If it sounds faint or non-existent, then try replacing the batteries and try pressing the test button again.
3. Clear any dust or cobwebs that may be on the smoke detector, these can muffle the sound, and reduce the alarm’s effectiveness.
4. Try testing it with real smoke by lighting a match and blowing it out directly below the safety device. If it doesn’t go off, consider replacing the batteries.
1. Hold down on the testing button
2. Wait for the beeping noise
3. Release the button
4. Replace the batteries if you hear no beeping
No matter how strict you are in keeping a maintenance schedule for these safety devices, your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are not everlasting. If any of these tests are conducted and batteries do not fix the issue, it is likely time to replace the safety device.
It is also important to replace these items according to the standards within their manual, with a general rule of replacing:
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices for your home. They can detect the undetected and can let you know of danger before it’s too late.
If you think your safety devices are past their prime and its time to replace them, then stop by Louie’s ACE Home Center today! We are more than happy to help you find the right replacements that will guarantee your family is safe.
