Design & DIY 5 CL-approved DIY tricks to simplify life at the cottage By Martin Zibauer Published: June 19, 2025 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 Photo by Everyday Home Repairs Seal threaded pipes Teflon tape can help seal threaded pipes. Looking at the pipe end, wrap the tape clockwise, with a little extra extending over the rim. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 Photo by Shutterstock/Winai Tepsuttinun Save your paint Flip the script on paint storage: storing the sealed cans lid-down can help the contents last longer. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 Illustration by Taylor Kristan Fill gaps with stripped screws Pack a stripped screw with baking soda, stamp with a screwdriver head, and drip in a little cyanoacrylate superglue. The hard, sandable substance that forms instantly is great for filling gaps in your repairs. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 Photo by Shutterstock/Megapixel Repurpose desiccant packets Desiccant packs keep tackle and toolboxes dry and help prevent rust. Revive packs by heating them for 15 minutes in a 175 degree F oven. (And remember: never, ever eat.) View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dock photo by Shutterstock/Louella938; Brush photo by Shutterstock/Michalurbanek Make the dock safer for bare feet Stubbing toes on dock cleats in the dark? Paint a white border around them. Top with glow-in-the-dark paint for extra visibility. View in Fullscreen Related galleries This family’s barn-inspired bunkie is the ultimate teen hangout spot—and it sleeps 16 This cottager’s fishing-themed privy is aqua-tacular Check out this cottager’s amazing beach bar project 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 CL-approved DIY tricks to simplify life at the cottage Straight from the pages of Cottage Life: these 5 simple tricks will make your DIY jobs at the lake easier. And that means more time to relax on the deck or dock—win! Related Story Steal these 7 CL-approved DIY tricks Related Story 4 spring maintenance tips for your fireplace Related Story Have your heard of the 6 Ps of preparedness? Here’s how they can help you in case of a cottage emergency Sign up for our newsletters By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time. Dockside Weekly The latest cottage-country news, trending stories, and how-to advice The Key Weekly Need-to-know info about buying, selling, and renting cottage real estate Family Matters Five-part series Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer, Peter Lillico
Related Story Have your heard of the 6 Ps of preparedness? Here’s how they can help you in case of a cottage emergency