Unventilated attics can work well when built properly, especially when spray foam or insulated panels are used to prevent air movement and condensation. I’ve built a number over the years, and my writing office is under the roof you see…
Summer is the season you’re most likely to refinish outdoor trim, door frames, window sashes and finickity woodwork of all kinds, and detail sanders are tools I’ve come to rely on for this kind of work. Also called multitools these days because they can also cut and grind, detail sanders are not for stripping back large expanses of bare wood.
Pressure-treated wood is the most common and economical lumber for decks, fences, pergolas, and many other outdoor projects. It lasts far longer than untreated wood, but it is not rot-proof. If pressure-treated wood stays wet long enough, it can still…
If you own a septic system, regular pump-outs are one of the cheapest ways to avoid a very expensive and troublesome failure. The hard part is that homeowners hear different advice from different places about the frequency of pump-outs. Some…
Free Download: Home Standby Generator Buyer’s Guide Thinking about installing a standby generator? This guide walks you through the key decisions—so you don’t overspend, undersize, or end up with the wrong system. ✔ How much power you actually need✔ Fuel…
Fabric structure buildings have become a popular option for barns, equipment storage, workshops and agricultural buildings. Compared with traditional framed buildings, they can go up faster, cost less per square foot and provide bright interior spaces filled with natural light….
Refinishing a fiberglass exterior door (and wood ones, too) is a job many homeowners assume requires a professional. In reality, it’s a manageable DIY project if you understand the key differences between fiberglass and wood. With the right stripper, stain…
Some new homes and renovations are great, and some are crummy. The difference often comes down to the quality of innovation applied to the project. Here are three game-changing innovations that can make homes great.
Outdoor wood boilers rely on combustion air to burn wood efficiently. If the blower fan supplying air to the fire is weak or poorly directed, the wood burns slowly and produces less heat. This can lead to smoky exhaust, creosote…
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, outlines his philosophy for home builds and renovation projects.
This Tremclad rust paint review is based on more than 50 years of hands-on experience with outdoor steel. There’s one product I’ve happily used for decades, and it’s made especially for exterior steel: Tremclad rust paint. It’s my go-to paint…
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, talks about engineered wood lumber materials, a popular eco-friendly option.