How To's

Adding A Little Spice To A Dull Looking Wall

Welcome to How to Friday, where we bring you creative DIY ideas to kickstart your weekend projects!

Are you tired of staring at plain, uninspiring walls in your home? It's time to jazz things up with an accent wall that adds personality and flair to any room. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newbie looking to dip your toes into home improvement, creating an accent wall is a fun and rewarding project that can transform your space in just a few simple steps.

Step-by-step instructions:

Choose your wall:

Start by selecting the wall you want to accentuate. Consider the room's layout and focal points to determine the best location for your accent wall. A wall with no windows or doors is ideal for maximum impact.

Pick a color or pattern:

Decide on a color scheme or pattern that complements the existing decor and adds visual interest to the room. Bold colors can make a statement, while subtle hues can create a soothing atmosphere. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with wallpaper, stencils, or textured paint for added dimension.

Prepare the wall:

Before you begin painting or applying wallpaper, make sure the wall is clean, dry, and free of any dust or debris. Use painter's tape to protect baseboards, trim, and adjacent walls from accidental paint splatters.

Prime the surface:

If your wall has a dark or uneven color, it's a good idea to apply a coat of primer to ensure the paint adheres evenly and covers any imperfections. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Paint or apply wallpaper:

 Now it's time to bring your vision to life! Use a paint roller or brush to apply your chosen color to the wall, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. If you're using wallpaper, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application.

Add finishing touches:

 Once the paint or wallpaper has dried, remove any painter's tape and touch up any uneven edges or areas. Consider accessorizing your accent wall with framed artwork, shelves, or decorative accents to enhance its visual appeal.

Step back and admire your handiwork:

 Congratulations, you've successfully created a stunning accent wall that adds personality and style to your home! Take a moment to appreciate your efforts and enjoy the transformation you've made to your living space.

Now that you've mastered the art of creating accent walls, why not tackle another DIY project to continue sprucing up your home? Stay tuned for more How to Friday tips and inspiration for unleashing your creativity around the house!

Need assistance with this or any other home project? Belton's Best LLC is here for you. Call us at 660-628-7255. #HowToFriday #DIYProject

Rustic Charm on a Dime: DIY Pallet Wood Shelves 

:Estimated Cost:  $40 - $85      

Estimated Time to complete: 7-10 Hours (including drying time)

Tools Needed:

• Hammer

• Pry bar (for disassembling pallets)

• Saw (hand saw or circular saw)

• Drill and drill bits

• Sander or sanding block

• Paintbrush or cloth (for staining or painting)

• Tape measure

• Level

• Safety gloves and goggles

Materials Needed:

• Wooden pallets (1-2 depending on the size)

• Sandpaper (coarse and fine grit)

• Wood stain or paint

• Polyurethane sealer (optional)

• Brackets and screws

• Wall anchors (if not screwing into studs)

• Mounting hardware (screws, wall plugs)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Disassemble the Pallets:

   • Use a hammer and pry bar to carefully remove the slats from the wooden pallets. Be cautious to avoid splitting the wood.

   • Remove any nails or staples from the wood.

2. Cut the Wood:

   • Measure and cut the pallet wood to your desired shelf length using a saw. You can create multiple shelves from one pallet.

3. Sand the Wood:

   • Sand the cut pieces of wood using coarse grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges, splinters, and old paint.

   • Follow up with fine grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.

4. Stain or Paint the Wood:

   • Apply wood stain or paint using a brush or cloth. Follow the wood grain for an even finish.

   • Allow the stain or paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

   • Optionally, apply a coat of polyurethane sealer for added protection and shine. Let it dry completely.

5. Attach the Brackets:

   • Determine the placement of the brackets on the back of the shelves.

   • Use a drill to attach the brackets securely to the shelves with screws.

6. Mount the Shelves:

   • Mark the desired height and location for the shelves on the wall using a tape measure and level.

   • Drill pilot holes for the wall anchors if you're not mounting directly into studs.

   • Attach the brackets to the wall using the provided screws and wall anchors.

   • Ensure the shelves are level and securely mounted.

7. Decorate:

   • Once the shelves are mounted, decorate them with books, plants, and other decorative items to complete the look.

And there you have it! Your rustic pallet wood shelves are ready to display your favorite items.

How to Build a DIY Raised Garden Bed for Your Spring Garden 

Posted by Benjamin Verstrat on March 03, 2025  

Spring is knocking on the door, and if you’re dreaming of fresh tomatoes or vibrant flowers in your yard, a raised garden bed is the perfect project to kick things off! Don’t worry if you’ve never built anything before—this guide is designed for total beginners. I’ll walk you through every step to create a simple 4ft x 4ft raised garden bed that’s sturdy, affordable, and ready for planting. Now let’s dig in (pun intended)! 

Estimated Cost : $50–$70 (depending on lumber prices in your area and if you already have some tools or soil.)  

• Wood: $30–$40  

• Screws: $5–$10  

• Landscape fabric: $5–$10  

• Soil: $10–$20 (if buying bagged; free if you have your own) 

Estimated Time to Complete : 2–3 hours  

• Prep and cutting: 30–45 minutes  

• Assembly: 1 hour  

• Filling and finishing: 30–45 minutes 

Tools Needed :

Don’t panic if you don’t own these yet—most are cheap to buy or borrow!  

• Tape measure (to measure your wood)  

• Pencil (for marking cuts)  

• Hand saw or circular saw (a hand saw is fine for beginners; borrow a circular saw if you can!)  

• Drill with a screwdriver bit (or a manual screwdriver if you’re up for a workout)  

• Safety gear: Gloves and safety glasses (protect those hands and eyes!)  

• Staple gun (optional, for the fabric) or scissors 

Materials Needed:  

• Lumber: 4 pieces of untreated cedar or pine, 2in x 8in x 8ft (cedar lasts longer but costs more; pine is budget-friendly)  

• Screws: 16 exterior-grade wood screws, 3 inches long (get a small pack)  

• Landscape fabric: 5ft x 5ft piece (to line the bottom and keep weeds out)  

• Soil: About 16 cubic feet (roughly 8 bags of 2-cubic-foot garden soil from the store, or a mix of your own dirt and compost) 

Cut List:  

• From each 8ft board, cut:  

• 2 pieces at 4ft long (you’ll get exactly two per board if you measure carefully) 

• Final Pieces:  

• 4 boards, each 2in x 8in x 4ft 

Step-by-Step Guide: 

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies  

• Lay out all your tools and materials in your yard or workspace. Double-check you have everything so you’re not running to the store mid-project. 

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood  

• Take one 8ft board and use your tape measure to mark a line at 4ft (halfway).  

• Put on your safety glasses and gloves, then carefully cut along the line with your saw. If you’re new to sawing, go slow—let the tool do the work.  

• Repeat this for all 4 boards so you end up with 8 pieces, each 4ft long. (You’ll only use 4 for a basic bed, but save the extras for repairs or a second bed later!) 

Step 3: Lay Out the Frame  

• Find a flat spot in your yard where you want the garden bed. Lay the 4 cut boards in a square, standing them on their narrow 2-inch edges. The ends should butt up against each other to form a 4ft x 4ft box.  

• Adjust until it looks even—don’t worry if it’s not perfect yet; we’ll secure it next. 

Step 4: Screw the Frame Together  

• Start at one corner. Hold two boards together so one end overlaps the other’s edge (like an L shape).  

• Drill a pilot hole (a small starter hole) about 1 inch from the end of the top board, going into the side of the other board. This keeps the wood from splitting.  

• Drive a 3-inch screw into the hole until it’s tight. Add a second screw a few inches away in the same corner for extra strength.  

• Repeat for all 4 corners. You’ll use 8 screws total here (2 per corner).  

• Tip: If the boards wobble, ask a friend to hold them steady while you drill. 

Step 5: Add Corner Supports (Optional but Recommended)  

For durability, use your extra 4ft pieces. Cut one into 4 smaller 1ft lengths (mark at 1ft intervals and saw).  

• Stand one 1ft piece upright inside a corner and screw it to both boards with 2 screws per side (4 screws per support).  

• Repeat for all corners if you want max sturdiness. This uses your remaining 8 screws. 

Step 6: Line the Bottom  

• Move your frame to its final spot (it’s easier now before it’s full of soil!).  

• Lay the landscape fabric inside the frame, covering the ground. If you have a staple gun, attach it to the wood sides; otherwise, just tuck it in—it’ll stay put once soil’s added. This stops weeds from sneaking up. 

Step 7: Fill It Up  

• Pour in your soil! Aim for about 16 cubic feet to fill it 6–8 inches deep—perfect for most plants. Spread it evenly with your hands or a shovel if you have one.  

• Mix in compost if you’ve got it for extra plant power. 

Step 8: Admire and Plant!  

• Step back and check out your work—nice job! Water the soil lightly to settle it, then start planting your spring goodies—think lettuce, carrots, or marigolds. 

Final Tips for Newbies:

• Don’t stress if your cuts aren’t perfectly straight—plants won’t care.  

• If you’re nervous about sawing, ask the hardware store to cut the wood for you (many do it free or cheap).  

• Paint or stain the wood with non-toxic stuff if you want it fancy—just avoid treated lumber that’s bad for edible plants. 

There you have it—a raised garden bed ready for spring! Have questions or want to share your finished project? We would be more than happy to help you out you can reach us online at www.beltonsbest.com by phone at 660-628-7255 or email the following beltonsbestllc@gmail.com.