Q: What are the pros and cons of leaving cedar sidewall shingles unfinished? We’re planning to cover the walls of our house in western red cedar, but don’t know what to do after that. A: I install cedar sidewall…
Solar generators are an up-and-coming portable energy technology that lets you make modest amounts of electricity without connection to the utility grid and without burning any fuel or making any noise. Build one yourself plus two other solar energy projects. Plans, videos, instructions and fun
Q: What’s the best way to insulate the double-brick walls of my small bungalow built in 1952? There’s just plaster against the inside layer of brick with no insulation as far as I can tell. I’m having loose fill insulation…
Q: What’s the best way to freeze-proof a water line from a spring to a vacation cabin we visit year-round? There’s not enough soil to bury the pipe below frost and we don’t want to invest in anything fancy or…
In this week’s video episode, take a tour of a cable-free rooftop “Edge Cutter” de-icing systems in action, and see how the system performs under actual Canadian conditions. Click above to watch.
Q: Am I being scammed by a mold expert? I found a 24” x 24” area of discolouration on my garage ceiling after a roof leak was discovered and repaired right away. One contractor wants to cut out the…
Q: What’s the best glue for restoring teak dining room chairs? I’ve dismantled a couple of teak chairs that were originally assembled with old-time hide glue. I cleaned the joints and reassembled with wood glue, but the joints failed. I’ve…
Q: How should I finish a 3 foot wide x 10 foot long lodgepole pine countertop I’m making for a kitchen and bar? I want the wood to be protected from spills. A: The challenge with every wooden countertop is…
This video is one of 42 instructional videos that are part of my online course BUILD YOUR OWN TRADITIONAL FACE FRAME CABINETS. Click below to learn how a biscuit joiner offers a useful way to join the stiles and rails…
In this week’s video episode . . . VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Robert: 00:00 The bright yellow and black of a DeWalt sponsored Christmas in late January. Steve: 00:06 Well, yes, we got another couple of DeWalt tools to look at here….
Q: What type of new furnace should I get? My existing oil furnace has a problem and I’m getting an oil smell in the house. My oil tank is currently 15 years old, and my service technician says I should…
Q: What should I think of a contractor who wants to fasten 8” wide Douglas fir exterior window trim using stainless steel screws? Not the nicest look in my opinion. He also wants to do the same thing with interior…