What’s the best strategy for insulating the inside surface of the solid brick walls of my 1969 bungalow? I’m planning to strip the interior surface, install 2×4 strapping, then spray the cavities full of foam. Is spray foam safe? Should […]
Continue ReadingShould I install a plastic vapour barrier on the inside of basement wall frames?
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 […]
Continue ReadingHow should I prepare a bathroom subfloor before installing snap-together vinyl tiles?
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 […]
Continue ReadingWill a light colored, floating wood floor work well with the dark, walnut paneling of our foyer?
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 […]
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ASK STEVE: Beginner help with building a garden shed
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 […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s the best type of corner bead to use when drywalling?
What’s the best type of corner bead to use when drywalling? I’ve hired a crew to install drywall and they’re planning to use corner beads with paper that runs along each side. Is this better than the old all-metal corners? […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s the best kind of glue for joining parts of a wooden plant lattice?
What’s the best kind of glue for joining parts of a wooden plant lattice? I’m building it to support a trumpet vine above a veranda railing and I suspect that regular carpenter’s glue won’t be up to the job. What […]
Continue ReadingHow should I build my deck for my new home?
I’m having a new house built and need to know about adding a deck to it. Can I build the deck right away? What type of footing do you recommend? Should the deck be attached to the house or not? […]
Continue ReadingCan I use regular insulation batts to replace the paper-backed batts used between the ends of the floor joists where they meet the outside walls in a basement?
Can I use regular insulation batts to replace the paper-backed batts used between the ends of the floor joists where they meet the outside walls in a basement? The fact is, neither paper-backed nor plain insulation batts are ideal where […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s the maximum length of insulated duct I can install with my new heat recovery ventilator (HRV)? Is 18 feet too long?
What’s the maximum length of insulated duct I can install with my new heat recovery ventilator (HRV)? Is 18 feet too long? I’ve never seen figures for the maximum length of insulated flex pipe you can use with an HRV, […]
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