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Resources

How-to guides, renovation checklists, and quick-reference tables to help you plan and execute your project.

Live calculators

Jump to a tool and get your materials list now.

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Paint Calculator
Gallons, primer, roller covers and tape for any room.
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Tile Calculator
Tile count, thinset, grout, spacers and backer board.
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Concrete Calculator
Bags or yards for slabs, footings and post holes.
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Mulch Calculator
Bags vs. bulk cubic yards for any bed depth.
Browse all calculators →

Step-by-step guides

In-depth how-tos linked to the calculators you'll need. Coming soon.

Paint & Walls
How to Paint a Room
Prep, prime, cut-in, and roll — step by step, with a complete materials checklist.
Coming soon
Planning
Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Everything to plan, buy, and schedule for a full bathroom gut-and-replace.
Coming soon
Planning
Kitchen Remodel Planning Guide
Budget breakdown, material lead times, and a trade-by-trade scheduling template.
Coming soon
Flooring & Tile
Tile Installation Guide
Substrate prep, layout lines, setting tile, grouting, and sealing — for floors and walls.
Coming soon
Outdoor
Deck Building Materials List
Footings, joists, decking boards, hardware — everything in one printable checklist.
Coming soon
Concrete
Concrete Mixing & Pouring
Mix ratios, curing times, and common mistakes for slabs, footings, and post holes.
Coming soon

Quick reference

Industry-standard figures used in our calculators.

Paint coverage by surface type

  • Smooth drywall: 350–400 sq ft per gallon
  • Textured/rough walls: 250–300 sq ft per gallon
  • Bare wood (primer): 200–300 sq ft per gallon
  • Masonry: 100–150 sq ft per gallon

Tile waste factors

  • Straight lay, square room: 10%
  • Diagonal or 45° layout: 15–20%
  • Complex pattern or many cuts: 20%+
  • Always buy from the same dye lot

Grout joint guides

  • 1/16 in: rectified large-format porcelain
  • 1/8 in: natural stone, polished tile
  • 3/16 in: standard ceramic (most common)
  • 1/4 in: handmade, rustic, or brick tile

Concrete bag coverage

  • 40 lb bag: ~0.30 cu ft
  • 60 lb bag: ~0.45 cu ft
  • 80 lb bag: ~0.60 cu ft
  • 1 yard = 27 cu ft ≈ 45 × 80 lb bags

More guides coming soon

We're writing in-depth how-to guides for the most common renovation projects.

Questions or suggestions? Get in touch.