Mirro pressure cookers were known for simple, repairable design, easy cleaning, and practical safety features. This update explains their strengths, how safety evolved, and how to choose a cooker today.
Shim stock is the raw material for shims - thin pieces used to fill gaps and align parts. Available as commercial metal or plastic sheets or improvised from wood and cardboard, shims serve construction, mechanical, electronic, medical, and software uses.
Metal arbors provide a durable, low-maintenance way to define entrances and paths in modern yards. Choose materials and finishes for climate, anchor properly, and use climbers like clematis or roses to create year-round interest.
Modern surveillance housings protect cameras from weather, vandalism and temperature extremes. Features include IP/NEMA sealing, IK impact resistance, heaters/AC, PoE-friendly cabling and tamper detection.
Cabinet organizers now come in modular, durable options - from pull-out drawers and under-cabinet baskets to mixer-specific inserts - helping you protect heirloom decorations, streamline prep, and reclaim cabinet space.
Outdoor rocking chairs have returned with modern materials and finishes. Learn material options, family styles, care tips, and how to pick the right rocker for your yard.
Steel and aluminum have replaced much wrought iron for stair railings because they offer better corrosion resistance, lower maintenance, and easier fabrication. Protective finishes like galvanizing and powder coating extend service life, while modern metalwork can replicate historic looks during renovations.
A modern guide to backyard sheds: materials, practical uses, foundations, utilities, and permit considerations for turning a shed into storage, a workshop, or an occupied workspace.
Folding (bifold) shower doors save space and offer a cleaner look than curtains. Modern choices include tempered glass with anodized aluminum or stainless-steel hardware; regular cleaning and proper materials prevent mineral buildup, corrosion, and mildew.
A modern overview of attic ladders: materials, common features (quiet struts, slip-resistant steps, insulated hatches), and practical fit and installation points to check before you buy.
Compare cardboard, plastic, metal, and wood containers by durability, weight, and intended use. Modern options favor stackability, recycled plastics, and designs suited to moving, workshop, or long-term storage.
Practical advice for choosing sliding patio doors - materials, energy ratings, security, and installation - plus a concise overview of mortgage types and why guides like Mortgages For Dummies remain useful starting points.
A garden bench is both a visual anchor and a practical seat. Match design, materials, size, and placement to your yard's style and climate to get the most use and longevity.
Metal trellises have evolved from simple vine supports into multifunctional outdoor elements - serving as plant supports, privacy screens, storage walls, and bases for lighting and irrigation systems.
Fireplace screens protect against sparks and ash while adding style. Learn materials, common types (folding, single-panel, mesh, glass), maintenance tips, and where to buy.
A drip edge is a narrow metal or rigid-plastic flashing installed at roof eaves and rakes to direct runoff away from the roof deck and walls. Properly installed, it prevents edge rot, helps shingles terminate cleanly, and is often required by modern building codes.
A privacy trellis adds screening, style, and vertical gardening space to your yard. Choose materials and plants that match your climate and maintenance goals, and confirm local rules before installing.
A trellis planter pairs a planting container with a vertical support for climbing plants. Modern materials and modular designs make them a versatile, space-saving option for patios, balconies, commercial courtyards, cemeteries, and indoor light-filled spaces.
An updated look at Hampton Bay outdoor furniture: tempered-glass tables, teak dining sets, aluminum chaise lounges and what to verify before buying.
A practical guide to choosing a hose reel: prioritize durable materials, solid design, ease of use, weather resistance, and long-term value to keep your hose tidy and extend its life.
An iron trellis offers durable, attractive support for climbing plants. Modern metal trellises come in steel, aluminum, and weathering steel with protective finishes, multiple styles, and options like planter combos - ideal for grapevines, roses, and patio gardens.
An updated guide to floor registers: what they do, common materials and styles (metal, brass, wood), sizing and installation tips, maintenance and buying advice.
Many couples choose to keep their wedding arbor as a lasting memento. Learn about common materials, finishes, customization, and care tips to help you decide whether to rent, DIY, or buy to keep.
Folding tables often look fragile, but materials and design determine strength. Modern tables commonly use HDPE tops with powder-coated steel legs; wrestling "breakaway" tables are intentionally prepared to shatter.
Practical guidance for finding and vetting a patio furniture repair service: where to look, what to ask, and when to opt for a pro versus DIY.
Porch railings reduce fall risk, improve curb appeal, and come in many low-maintenance materials. Check local codes and permits before installing.
Portable picnic tables offer convenient, clean, and flexible outdoor seating for backyard meals, parks, and camping. Lightweight, foldable models store easily and add predictable surface space when public tables are unavailable.
Shaft collars (also called keyless locking assemblies) clamp to shafts to hold, space, or locate components. Common types are set-screw, one-piece clamping, and two-piece (split) collars, available in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with finishes like zinc plating, black oxide, passivation, or anodizing.
Aluminum railings are a lightweight, low-maintenance choice for decks, pools and balconies. With powder coat, anodized or PVDF finishes and prefabricated kits, they resist rot and ordinary corrosion while offering many design options.
Porch railings improve safety, protect exterior surfaces, and add curb appeal. Choose materials and details based on climate, maintenance, and local building codes.
The Arco floor lamp, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962 and in MoMA's collection, pairs a marble counterweight and stainless-steel arc to deliver overhead light without ceiling installation.
A modern guide to picture framing: why frames matter, common materials (wood, metal, gilding, composites), conservation best practices, and choosing a frame that suits the art and the space.
Copper mailboxes resist rust by forming a protective patina, offer wide customization, and enhance curb appeal. They require more upfront cost and occasional upkeep for a polished finish, and must meet local postal mounting rules.
Metal baskets are durable, flexible decor pieces for planters, storage, and accents. Use liners and drainage for planting, pick corrosion-resistant finishes for outdoors, and repurpose baskets across the home.
Modern metal gazebos offer durable, low-maintenance alternatives to wood. Choose materials and roof types for your climate, verify structural ratings and permits, and plan for simple seasonal upkeep.
Practical guidance for choosing patio bar stools: compare plastic, metal, and wood options; pick weather-rated finishes and fabrics; check seat height and maintenance needs.
Heater vents (registers, grilles, diffusers) cover duct openings in floors, walls, and ceilings. Registers have dampers to control airflow; grilles do not. Materials include steel, aluminum, plastic, and decorative options. Routine cleaning and proper balancing keep systems efficient.