Should I install a plastic vapour barrier on the inside of basement wall frames? They’re made with wood studs, and I removed old, moldy insulation and drywall then replaced it with new batts. I’ve heard some people say you shouldn’t…
How should I prepare a bathroom subfloor before installing snap-together vinyl tiles? My plan is to add 3/8-inch plywood over the 3/4-inch subfloor that’s already there. The existing subfloor has gaps between seams and lots of old glue, but it’s…
Yes, you certainly can install solid wood flooring in an unheated cottage. In fact, lack of heat in the winter is actually a benefit when it comes to solid wood. It’s wintertime heating that dries wood out, causing stress, gaps…
On June 12, 2012, Shae from Sterling, Virginia wondered if a light colored, floating wood floor would work well with the dark, walnut paneling in her foyer. In this video I address the technical side regarding the new breed of…
I’m looking to build a garden shed, but don’t know which way to proceed. I can be handy if I put my mind to it, but it doesn’t exactly flow for me. I’d like the shed to be 6-feet by…
I’m thinking about using a kerosene heater to warm things up in my garage workshop. Are these safe to use in a space where I plan to do sanding and finishing? I’m concerned about dust and fumes. I’ve been working…
How should a beginner set up a home woodworking shop given a $1000 initial budget? What tools make sense to buy first? My approach to equipping a workshop is different than most. Although many of us have to start small…
Is there a cheaper way to control wintertime window condensation and icing than installing a $2000 heat recovery ventilator? Yes, there is another way to get rid of moisture, but you’re not going to like it. The alternative to an…
How can I stop white, salt-like powder from appearing on the block walls of our basement cold room? I brushed it off then washed the wall with muriatic acid, rinsed it down with water, then applied a coat of paint…
The challenge with any kind of masonry surface is cleaning the paint out of all those pores:
Where can I find the Bulldog Grip polyurethane caulking you’ve recommended many times? We’ve got full southerly exposure at the back of our house, and any caulking I’ve used on the windows and doors just bubbles and fails quickly. No…
What causes white, fluffy stuff to build up on the inside of a brick basement wall? A client of mind has this happening behind her furnace and we’re looking for a solution. What you’ve noticed on your basement wall is…