By Elizabeth Flaherty
Updated: Oct. 15, 2024
These 18 innovative products, from lightweight tile backer board to epoxy adhesives to versatile wall anchors, are designed to simplify and expedite your home improvement projects.
Our editors and experts meticulously select each product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Streamlining Your DIY Projects: Must-Have Products
Lightweight Tile Backer Board
Lightweight tile backer board being used in a shower installation.
Traditional cement backer boards can be heavy and cumbersome. Lightweight alternatives, like Custom Building Products’ EasyBoard and Schluter’s Kerdi-Board, offer a foam core with a water-resistant coating, making them significantly easier to handle and install, especially for large tiling projects. They are cut easily with a utility knife and installed with the same screws used for traditional backer boards, eliminating the hassle of cement dust. Available at Lowe’s.
Instant Electrical Connections with Push-In Connectors
Push-in electrical connectors simplify wiring projects.
Simplify electrical wiring with push-in connectors. These connectors eliminate the need for twisting wires and ensure secure connections by simply inserting stripped wires into designated holes. Their compact size also saves space in electrical boxes. While they require having a variety of connectors on hand and may cost slightly more than twist-on connectors, the ease of use and reliability make them a worthwhile investment. Available at Amazon.
Polymeric Sand for Pavers: A Weed-Resistant Solution
Polymeric sand filling gaps between pavers.
Eliminate the constant need to replace sand between pavers with polymeric sand. This innovative solution combines sand with a polymer that binds when wet, creating a durable, weed-resistant barrier. While installation requires careful cleaning of the paver surface before wetting, the long-term benefits of a stable and weed-free patio or walkway make the effort worthwhile. Available at Lowe’s.
Flat-Proof Wheelbarrow Tire for Hassle-Free Hauling
Say goodbye to flat wheelbarrow tires with flat-free options filled with foam or made of urethane. These durable tires eliminate the need for air and withstand punctures, ensuring your wheelbarrow is always ready for use, especially in environments with nails or sharp debris. These tires are also available for lawn mowers, handcarts, and other equipment. Available at Home Depot.
Peel Stop Primer: Insurance for Your Paint Job
Applying Peel Stop primer to prevent paint peeling.
Zinsser’s Peel Stop primer is a must-have for exterior painting projects where complete paint removal is impractical. This clear, binding primer seals the edges of existing paint, preventing future peeling and ensuring a smooth, lasting finish for your new paint coat. It’s ideal for areas with a mix of scraped and sound paint. Available at Home Depot.
Toggler Snaptoggles: The Efficient Toggle Bolt
Toggler Snaptoggle anchors being installed in drywall.
Upgrade your wall anchoring experience with Toggler Snaptoggles. These innovative toggle bolts simplify installation by eliminating the need for traditional butterfly toggles. Drill a hole, insert the toggle, tighten the retainer, snap off the plastic strips, and you’re ready to attach your item. The removable bolt feature allows for easy adjustments without losing the anchor in the wall. Available at Lowe’s.
Waterproof Wood Glue: Eliminating the Mixing Hassle
Applying waterproof wood glue to a woodworking project.
Modern waterproof wood glues, such as Elmer’s Wood Glue Max and Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, offer the convenience of pre-mixed formulas, eliminating the need for messy powder mixing. These glues provide reliable waterproof bonding for a wide range of woodworking projects, except for specialized applications like boat building where epoxy remains the preferred choice. Available at Amazon.
Adjustable Depth Electrical Box for Flexible Installations
An adjustable depth electrical box.
Ensure flush electrical box installations with adjustable depth boxes. These boxes allow for fine-tuning after wall coverings like tile or paneling are installed, eliminating guesswork and ensuring a professional finish. While slightly more expensive than standard boxes, the flexibility they offer makes them invaluable for projects with varying wall thicknesses. Available at Home Depot.
Premium Construction Screws for Superior Performance
Upgrade your fastening game with premium construction screws. These screws offer superior head designs, reducing stripping and slippage, and are less brittle than drywall screws, minimizing breakage. Their corrosion-resistant coating and self-drilling capabilities make them ideal for various projects, from woodworking to framing. While they come at a higher price point, their durability and ease of use make them a worthwhile investment for professional results. Available at Home Depot.
No-Coat Ultraflex Drywall Corner System for Flawless Joints
No-Coat Ultraflex drywall corner tape being applied.
Achieve perfectly straight drywall corners with No-Coat Ultraflex, a stiff, wide drywall corner system. This premium product ensures professional-looking inside corners, even for novice DIYers. Its minimal need for additional joint compound saves time and effort, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced tapers, especially for challenging corner angles or uneven framing. Available at Amazon.
RedGard Liquid Waterproofing Membrane for Tile Projects
Applying RedGard liquid waterproofing membrane with a roller.
Simplify waterproofing for tile installations with RedGard liquid waterproofing membrane. This brush-on, trowel-on, or roll-on solution creates a flexible, waterproof barrier under tiles in wet areas like showers and tubs. Its ease of application makes waterproofing complex areas like shower curbs and benches a breeze, ensuring a long-lasting and watertight tile installation. Available at Home Depot.
WoodEpox Moldable Wood Filler for Restoring Damaged Wood
Using WoodEpox to repair damaged wood trim.
Repair damaged wood trim and architectural elements with ease using two-part epoxy wood fillers like Abatron’s WoodEpox. This moldable filler allows for precise shaping and rebuilding of missing or damaged parts. Its non-sagging formula ensures accurate repairs, and once cured, it can be sanded and planed like wood, resulting in seamless restorations. Available at Walmart.
Durham’s Water Putty: A Versatile and Economical Wood Filler
Durham's Water Putty being used to fill a hole in wood.
Durham’s Water Putty is a versatile and cost-effective solution for filling holes and imperfections in wood. This powder-based filler, mixed with water, can be used for various applications, from filling woodpecker holes to leveling floors. Its quick-setting properties and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any DIYer’s toolkit. Available at Home Depot.
Self-Leveling Concrete Crack Filler for Smooth Repairs
Applying self-leveling concrete crack filler.
Achieve seamless concrete crack repairs with self-leveling concrete crack filler. This specialized caulk settles into cracks, creating a smooth, even surface without the mess and hassle of traditional caulk. For wider cracks, using foam caulk-backer enhances the repair and reduces caulk usage. Available at Home Depot.
Spray Foam Applicator Gun for Precise Application
Using a spray foam applicator gun.
Gain control over expanding foam application with a dedicated applicator gun. These guns offer adjustable flow rates and precise nozzle control, minimizing waste and mess. The ability to leave a can attached for extended use and easy cleaning further enhances their convenience and cost-effectiveness for various insulation and sealing projects. Available at Home Depot.
QuickWood Putty Stick for Fast and Durable Wood Repairs
QuickWood epoxy putty stick being used to fill a hole.
QuickWood putty stick provides a convenient and durable solution for filling screw holes and minor wood damage. This two-part epoxy filler, resembling a putty stick, offers high strength and fast setting time, making it ideal for quick and permanent repairs. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. Available at Amazon.