What should I use to strip paint off one outside wall of my house? The last time I stripped before painting I used a propane torch on the other walls, but that was before I realized I was dealing with […]
Continue ReadingWe bought a new home and have a problem with the cold cellar.Help!
We bought a new home and have a problem with the cold cellar.Help! The roof is corrugated steel, on top of which has been poured a concrete slab that forms the porch floor. The walls are poured concrete, too. In […]
Continue ReadingWhat kind of furnace should I have installed?
Our insurance company tells us that our 25 year-old oil tank needs to be replaced or they won’t extend coverage. Is it better to spend $1,100.00 on a new oil tank or $3,000.00 on a gas furnace? The heating oil […]
Continue ReadingCan I use plastic lumber to build some Adirondack chairs for my cottage?
Can I use plastic lumber to build some Adirondack chairs for my cottage? It’s now time to replace the wooden chairs I made 20 years ago, and I’m interested in the rot resistance, weight and freedom from finishing that plastic […]
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Got a Question for Steve?
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What tool should I buy first, a mitre saw or a table saw?
What tool should I buy first, a mitre saw or a table saw? I’ll be using the tool mainly for home repairs, with an occasional need to cut sheets of plywood. My budget is $600. If I could buy just […]
Continue ReadingI love mission style furniture, but oak is expensive! Can I use pine?
I’m thinking of building a bed in the Mission style, but would like to make it with knotty pine instead of the traditional oak. Can this wood be used for this style of furniture, and if so how much thicker […]
Continue ReadingPoor results from staining have me steaming, how can I fix it?
I have an outdoor oak bench and cedar chairs that I assembled and finished last year with a clear water repellent, but they don’t look great now. They stayed out in the weather last summer and are dull and discoloured. […]
Continue ReadingCan you help recommend an insulation upgrade for my 150-year-old home?
I’m planning to restore an 1860’s board-and-batten home, and need some advice about insulation. Right now there’s none in the wall cavities and I want to change this as part of the restoration. What’s the best type of insulation to […]
Continue ReadingCan we install drywall over plaster and lathe?
We’re fixing an older home with plaster walls and want to apply drywall over top. Can we do this? I’ve heard that you can’t screw drywall down in situations like this. What about construction adhesive instead? I’ve never heard any […]
Continue ReadingHow can I best protect my outdoor wood furniture?
My wife and I are building a couple of Muskoka chairs out of eastern white cedar. Since I’m making them fold-able, I plan to store the chairs indoors. What finish provides the best protection against sunlight while enhancing the beautiful […]
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