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. […]
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Can 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 […]
Continue ReadingHow can I soundproof the suspended ceiling in my basement?
How can I soundproof the suspended ceiling in my basement? My daughter is moving in and I’m hoping that fiberglass batts installed above the ceiling tiles will keep the sound down. Effective retrofit soundproofing is never a quick and easy […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s your opinion of macerating toilets?
What’s your opinion of macerating toilets? I’m planning to build a two-piece bathroom in a finished basement. Macerating toilet systems allow bathrooms to be built below the level of a drain. They include a toilet that connects to a sealed box […]
Continue ReadingMy husband and I would like to paint our Formica countertop to change its colour. Will this work?
My husband and I would like to paint our Formica countertop to change its colour. Will this work? The cost of a replacement countertop is too high, and our old one remains in good shape. Although I haven’t tried it […]
Continue ReadingHow can I replace a load bearing wall to open up a space?
There’s a load-bearing wall between the living room and kitchen in my son’s home and he’d like to open this space up and make one large room. I’ve heard this is possible. Can you offer suggestions for how it can […]
Continue ReadingVIDEO Q&A: Energy Efficient home design
I’m looking to build a new energy efficient home. Do you have any recommendations on energy efficient features that I can incorporate into the design? In this video, I respond to a homeowner looking to build a new energy efficient home who, […]
Continue ReadingWhat kind of coating can I put on some oak stairs to stop dogs and people from slipping?
What kind of coating can I put on some oak stairs to stop dogs and people from slipping? I really don’t want to use carpet. On June 12, 2012, a homeowner from Texas asked me what kind of coating they […]
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