DIY Questions and Answer
I installed a new stainless kitchen sink and faucet, but now the faucet wobbles. Is there a way to stabilize it?
Q: I installed a new stainless kitchen sink and faucet, but now the faucet wobbles. Is there a way to stabilize it? A: Most stainless sinks will flex a bit when coupled with a high-arc faucet. For this reason, manufacturers often include a Kitchen Faucet Stabilization Plate as an accessory with the product. These plates mount beneath the faucet and […]
Should I use bleach to clean mold and mildew off outdoor wood?
Q: Should I use bleach to clean mold and mildew off outdoor wood? A: The answer depends on the kind of bleach you’re using. Whereas chlorine bleach does an excellent job of killing bacteria and viruses, and will remove superficial mold, it has not been proven effective in killing mold on porous surfaces. This is because the mold’s enzyme roots […]
Why is plywood sold in odd thickness measurements like 15/32 inch instead of 1/2 inch?
Q: Why is plywood sold in odd thickness measurements like 15/32 inch instead of 1/2 inch? A: Plywood can be divided into two different groups—sanded panels and un-sanded panels—which accounts for some of the odd size descriptions. Sanded plywood panels (used for finished applications such as cabinets and furniture) typically range in thickness from 1/4 to 1-1/4 inch. The sanded […]
Is It Necessary To Remove Baseboards When Installing Hardwood Flooring?
Q. Is it necessary to remove baseboards when installing hardwood flooring? A: It is not absolutely necessary to remove baseboards to install new hardwoods, but remember that wood floors require an expansion gap of 1/2 inch along the surrounding walls to accommodate expansion and contraction with changes in moisture and humidity. You will need to conceal the gap after installing […]
Is It Okay To Dispose Of Scrap Pressure-Treated Lumber By Burning It?
Q: Is it okay to dispose of scrap pressure-treated lumber by burning it? A: Burning treated wood is not recommended. According to the wood treatment experts at Wolmanized Wood, “Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection. Treated wood should not be burned in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces or residential boilers because toxic chemicals may be produced as […]
What Costs Less, A Concrete Patio Or A Paver Patio?
Q: What costs less, a concrete patio or a paver patio? A: Generally speaking, a concrete patio will cost less per square foot than a paver patio. A decorative concrete slab (stamped and tinted) will cost more than a plain concrete slab but will still probably cost less than the installed cost of a paver patio. However, there are a […]
How Does “Crack-Resistant” Concrete Differ From Standard Concrete
Q: How does “crack-resistant” concrete differ from standard concrete? A: Concrete products marketed as “crack-resistant” usually have fiber-reinforced formulations—a blend of properly proportioned stone or gravel, sand, Portland cement, special synthetic fibers and other ingredients. The synthetic fibers eliminate the need for wire mesh in slab-on-grade construction and they provide greater strength to resist chipping and cracking, without sacrificing a […]
My Router Bits Always Get Stuck In My Router
Q: My router bits always get stuck in my router. Is there a better way to remove these than wrestling them with pliers? A: Router bits can be stubborn, particularly if the router has an older collet that isn’t self-releasing. The problem with using pliers is you risk damage to the bit—and they’re not cheap. If you have a bench […]
Do Bidets Require Hard Wiring For Installation?
Q: Do bidets require hard wiring for installation? A: Many new bidets do require hard-wiring the unit during installation, which makes them more suitable for new construction than remodeling applications. However, some models don’t require hard-wiring, using only the water pressure to create the bidet stream. Note that these non-wired units do not have temperature control for the water, which […]
How Do I Bend Wood With Steam
Q: How do I bend wood with steam? A: Steaming wood is one method of creating a curved piece, and some woods such as oak respond well to steam bending. Keep in mind that thinner stock bends easier (with less breakage) than thicker stock. You can find many woodworking books that offer detailed instructions on steam-bending. Essentially, you’ll need to […]
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