Q: Why is it that no woodworkers I watch on YouTube give specific amounts of time it takes to make projects? It’s discouraging for newbies like me when something looks easy but takes me forever. What am I doing wrong? […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: Insulating a 1950s Brick Bungalow
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 […]
Continue ReadingPellet Stove Installation Tips
Q: What’s involved when installing a pellet stove as a heating appliance? We’re planning to build in the country next year, and I’m sold on the cost savings of this heating system. Can you recommend specific models? Do pellet stoves […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Should I install a backwater valve in my basement?’
Q: Is it a good idea to install a backwater valve to protect my basement from sewage backup? I live in Ottawa, Canada and I’m considering this upgrade. A: The short answer is yes. A backwater valve is a great […]
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Q&A OF THE WEEK: “How Do I Freeze-Proof a Cabin Water Line?”
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 […]
Continue ReadingTHE REAL REASON CRAFTSMANSHIP MATTERS
Craftsmanship is the extent to which a person aims towards excellence, especially in any venture involving hands-on workmanship. It’s a product of skill, knowledge, experience and effort. And while craftsmanship pays off for the people in your life who enjoy […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Can I Leave Cottage Heat Off During Winter?”
Q: Can I safely leave the heat turned off in my cottage over winter? The floor is hardwood and I’m concerned about warping. I’m retired and don’t want to spend the $200 a month it costs to keep minimal heat […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “Am I Being Scammed by a Mold Expert?”
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 area […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: Repairing Wooden Chairs
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 […]
Continue ReadingQ&A OF THE WEEK: “How Do I Finish a Wooden Countertop”
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 […]
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