# The Benchnote

> The Benchnote matches a home-improvement job to the exact tools and materials it needs, with step-by-step instructions and the best tutorial videos. Picks are rated about 4.5★ or higher from hundreds to thousands of reviews, and checked against live retailer listings.

Each job guide has a direct answer, a vetted tools and materials list (rating, review count, retailer link, check date), numbered steps, an FAQ and credited tutorial videos. Plain-Markdown versions are linked below.

## Job guides
- [How to Caulk a Tub or Shower](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/caulk-a-tub-or-shower.md): To recaulk a tub or shower, cut and scrape out all the old caulk, clean the joint (rubbing alcohol works well), and let it dry completely. Tape both sides of th
- [How to Clean Gutters](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/clean-gutters.md): To clean gutters, set an extension ladder on firm, level ground with a stabilizer so it rests on the roof, not the gutter. Wear cut-resistant gloves, scoop debr
- [How to Fix a Leaky Faucet](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/fix-a-leaky-faucet.md): To fix a leaky faucet, shut off the valves under the sink, open the faucet to drain it, and plug the drain. Pop off the handle cap, remove the handle screw and 
- [How to Fix a Running Toilet](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/fix-a-running-toilet.md): A running toilet is almost always one of two parts. If water trickles into the overflow tube, lower the float or replace the fill valve. If the tank refills on 
- [How to Fix Drafty Windows](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/fix-drafty-windows.md): To fix drafty windows, find the leaks with a candle or incense stick on a windy day. Caulk gaps where the interior trim meets the wall and the frame, apply foam
- [How to Hang Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/hang-peel-and-stick-wallpaper.md): To hang peel-and-stick wallpaper, start with a clean, smooth, fully cured wall and draw a plumb line with a level. Cut panels 2–3 inches long, peel the top few 
- [How to Install a Tile Backsplash](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/install-a-tile-backsplash.md): To tile a backsplash, turn off the power and remove outlet covers, clean the drywall, and snap a level line. Spread premixed mastic (or modified thinset) with a
- [How to Install Floating Shelves](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/install-floating-shelves.md): To install floating shelves, find and mark the studs, then mark the shelf height with a level. Screw the hidden bracket or cleat into at least two studs (or int
- [How to Install LVP Flooring](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/install-lvp-flooring.md): To install click-lock luxury vinyl plank (LVP), let the planks acclimate, then flatten and clean the subfloor and lay underlayment if the plank has no attached 
- [How to Install a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/install-peel-and-stick-backsplash.md): To install a peel-and-stick backsplash, turn off the power and remove outlet covers, then degrease the wall and let it dry. Dry-lay the tiles to center the patt
- [How to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/install-under-cabinet-lighting.md): The easiest way to add under-cabinet lighting is a plug-in LED bar. Lay the lights out on the counter to check that the cords reach an outlet, then mount each b
- [How to Paint a Room](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/paint-a-room.md): To paint a room, clear and cover the floor, patch and sand holes, and wipe the walls clean. Tape trim if you need to, then cut in the edges with an angled brush
- [How to Prevent Frozen Pipes](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/prevent-frozen-pipes.md): To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces (crawlspaces, garages, attics, exterior walls) with foam sleeves, disconnect hoses and cover 
- [How to Regrout a Shower](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/regrout-a-shower.md): To regrout a shower, cut out at least 1/8" of old grout with an oscillating tool and a carbide grout blade, vacuum the joints, then pack in fresh grout with a r
- [How to Replace Cabinet Hardware](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/replace-cabinet-hardware.md): To replace cabinet hardware, measure the center-to-center spacing of your existing holes and buy pulls that match, so there's no drilling. For new holes, use a 
- [How to Weatherstrip a Door](https://thebenchnote.com/jobs/weatherstrip-a-door.md): To weatherstrip a door, find the leaks by feeling for drafts or closing the door on a slip of paper. Pull out worn kerf-style strips and press new ones into the

## About
- [How we pick products](https://thebenchnote.com/how-we-pick-products/): rating floor of about 4.5★, hundreds+ reviews, live-verified and dated.