Conceal and Bury Cords

Let me start off by disclaiming this is just a way to run cords behind a wall for mounting a TV.  The absolute proper way to have a cordless look TV mount to code would be to have the electrical outlet right behind the TV or a power bridge (but $70 is steep).  However, we chose to run cords behind and down the wall (instead of installing an outlet) in case we do not want to have a TV in this spot in the future.  A hole will be much easier to patch than removing an electrical box.

Tools needed for the job:

• TV Mount
• Stud Finder
• 2 Low Voltage Boxes
• Torpedo Level - more accurate for small distances
• Pencil
• Impact/Drill
• Oscillating tool - Dremel Multi-Max or Rotozip (we used a Milwaukee Multi-Tool)
• 2 Brush Wall Plates

Step 1: Mount the TV Bracket following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Pencil trace cut out placement for the upper low voltage box behind the TV.  Ensure the box is level.

Step 3: Cut out the tracing for the low voltage box. 

We have found the easiest way is to use a carbide blade for the plaster and a wood blade (or rotozip) for lath.  *If you have drywall a simple jab saw or rotozip will do the job*

Plaster:

Lath:

 Step 3 complete:

Step 4: Insert low voltage box ensuring the clips have a good grip behind the wall.

Step 5: Locate Placement for lower low voltage box.  A large level will do the trick. 

We got thrifty and used a weighted down string as a plumb-bob.

Step 6: Repeat steps 2-4 for installing the lower low voltage box.

Step 7: Install cover plate (brush wall plate) on upper and lower low voltage boxes.

Step 8: Enjoy a finished cordless look!

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Dressing Up a Dresser

I've promised several people I would blog about distressing wood furniture so here it is!

We got this dresser for free left by the previous owner of one of our houses.

Before:

Pre-step: Choose color palette.

I chose white and mint to compliment the earth tone wall paints to achieve a french country distressed design.

1st step: Remove all hardware.

I tend to do "craft" projects while Matt is busy doing other things...

2nd step: Sand the drawers and dresser.  I love my Dewalt Orbital Sander.

3rd step: Wipe down with a damp cloth.

4th step: Paint base coat.  This color will peek through at the end.

I chose a Brilliant White Semi-Gloss that we already owned.

5th step: Sand with 100-150 grit sand paper.

Sand until desired distressed look is achieved.

6th step: Add a top coat of paint (I chose a mint in satin) using a foam brush and mini foam roller.

This is the main color of the dresser.

Optional Step: Take finer 150-200 grit sandpaper and re-sand corners and edges for a more intense distressed look.

7th step: Add a coat of polyurethane.

Important note: Polyurethane is oil based and dries with a yellow tint but dries tough.  Polycrylic is water based and dries completely clear but is not quite as strong.

The distressing of the dresser is complete!  

Skip to Step 11 if you want to see the finished product.

However, there were several extra things we needed to do to make this dresser a quality product.

8th step: Reinforced drawers for sturdiness.

When dealing with older furniture, it isn't always in the best shape.

We cut a 1/2"x1/2" piece of wood to fit perfectly in each drawer.

Glued and pinned the wood support in place.

9th step: Add drawer pulls for easy use of dresser.

10th step: Nailed trim pieces back in place (had originally fallen off when we received the dresser).

11th step: Enjoy!!

After:

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