For questions involving wood as a construction material, either as lumber or finished features of a home.
4
votes
2answers
258 views
How can I prevent animals from eating my wooden swingset?
I have a Rainbow swingset made of a Chinese wood called Cunninghamia. The squirrels and deer in my backyard have begun to chew the wood relentlessly. Is there anything I can do to prevent them from ...
3
votes
1answer
124 views
Material advice needed for a bench
I want to build a bench with a 450mm overhang from the legs (long story why I need the overhang, and I already have the legs which are heavy duty steel monsters). The bench will not hold anything ...
4
votes
1answer
108 views
How can I repair my floors' finish?
We had our Victorian boards (throughout house and staircase) sanded and varnished a while back. We have recently had builders and painters in our house for a month and they are looking a little worse ...
2
votes
2answers
203 views
What wood protection should I use for a kids swing set in the desert sun?
I recently acquired this kids play-set which is all plastic except for the wood bars on the climbing net - see below:
I've read the answer to this question but am still unsure about what I should ...
0
votes
2answers
1k views
How should I build a wooden gate?
I wish to build a gate across a 3.8m wide driveway.
There is a concrete column on one side which I can fix the hinges to (a post into the ground is not an option) and a brick wall on the other side ...
3
votes
1answer
88 views
How do I slow further cracking in wood outdoors?
Ideally my wood steps and picnic table would have been treated properly in past years but they weren't. The answers to this question recommended oil-based approaches to protecting outdoor wood. But ...
1
vote
2answers
672 views
How do I prevent wood from warping?
I have an electricity inspection box inside the house. What I'd like to do is build a small wooden cabinet to enclose it (it is flush to the wall). I've measured up and bought five pieces of wood:
...
4
votes
1answer
237 views
How can I protect bathroom wood from mold?
I have bought bamboo fittings in the bathroom (towel holders, dishes etc). I see that as a result of hanging damp towels on the towel holders, a black mold is accumulating on the bottom of the holder ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
Should I choose MDF or plywood for my false stair treads?
I'm looking to install false stair treads and risers on my basement stairs. Generally, we're talking about a kit like this:
Which is installed with adhesive and finishing nails like this:
The ...
4
votes
1answer
381 views
How Can I Fill Screw Holes In Beam So I Can Move Screws Slightly?
I had a contractor replace a 4x10 beam and two 4x4 posts that supports my deck. He also replaced and enlarged the concrete patio below the deck.
I am in the process of replacing the deck floor so it ...
6
votes
1answer
113 views
How can I restore this interior wooden siding?
I have a small entry way with wooden siding by my front door. It's not in great condition from the previous owners and I was hoping there would be a way to restore or just make it look better. Could ...
3
votes
2answers
451 views
How to build a small set of steps/stairs
I just had a paver patio installed and had the builder re-install the old wooden steps that he removed to do the work. We did this as a cost savings measure since stone steps would've doubled the ...
3
votes
3answers
175 views
Stain-grade wood repair for door mullion?
One of our dogs apparently had a teething problem while we were out working in the garden, and decided to work it out on the wooden door's mullion. The mullion has been rather decreased in the ...
4
votes
1answer
151 views
Can I attach Trex handrail to wooden balusters?
The steps to my front porch are exposed. The treated and stained handrails have started to rot (one out of 4 rails at this time). I am not prepared to replace all the porch and stair railings right ...
3
votes
1answer
84 views
How can I repair marred veneer polish?
I have PU polish on veneer in my wardrobe. I accidently put a heavy weight over it, so polish seems to have left the veneer and appears as white. How can i fix it? Will using hot iron work? Kindly ...
3
votes
1answer
482 views
How do I secure wooden balusters to an exterior stair railing?
I'm building an exterior railing for my front porch & stairs. I will be using pressure treated lumber. My balusters will be turned like these:
To secure the baluster to the bottom rail I was ...
2
votes
1answer
158 views
How can I seal an old wood finish on a 60-year-old wall that is off-gassing?
We just moved into a 60-year-old house and most of it was recently painted with low VOC paint, although one original wall is a medium-color wood finish which is putting out a strange smell. One of us ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
How effective are angle-grinder wood discs for removing material?
I'm working on an old house with 2x8 T&G subfloor planks. All of the structure is sound and has been reinforced but there are areas where the edges of subfloor planks are not level.
This has ...
0
votes
1answer
276 views
Can I stack new beam to the top of old beam to extend span?
I have appropriately sized an LVL to extend a span by 3ft as well as assured the column support to the foundation at the new column.
EDIT: The existing 12 ft span is carried by a 4x10, the new span ...
3
votes
1answer
426 views
What type of wood filler should I use?
I'm starting a project to build my own solid body guitar.
I received the body and its made from ash. It needs to be filled (the grain is very porous).
I hear that I need wood filler for this.
The ...
4
votes
3answers
651 views
Is there a way to remove the warp in plywood?
I just bought some 1/2" plywood from HD for a project, and the best piece I could find was still pretty warped. Is there a way to fix this? Currently, it's sitting flat on my garage floor with a sheet ...
3
votes
2answers
167 views
Why do I have spots showing through on stained pine?
I had a chest of drawers made of pine that had crayon marks on it. I sanded it down really well and applied a coat of golden oak stain after puttying the holes. Now there are light and dark spots ...
6
votes
2answers
467 views
What can I use to lubricate screws?
I am re assembling a swing set made of pretty hard wood. My electric drill won't drive the screws in all the way and I have to try to use plain screwdriver. I don't want to strip the heads though. Is ...
1
vote
0answers
35 views
Can I repair water damage under the kitchen sink with a sintra panel? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can I repair water damage under the kitchen sink?
I found out that our kitchen water connection had somehow loosened up and was leaking water on the floor undernieth ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I vertically connect two 4x4s on a deck to build a roof?
I have a deck I am going to put a roof over. It has 4x4s for vertical supports that I need to extend upward to attach my trusses to. What is the best way to connect two vertical 4x4s?
1
vote
0answers
184 views
Where can I find 3D models of objects that are more like real things? [closed]
I'm searching for furniture and related models (TV rack, TV, freezer, armchair...) for my 3D flat's design.
Sweet Home 3D and Google SketchUp have a lot of models, but I would like to use models of ...
4
votes
1answer
596 views
What exactly is doorskin?
I've used it in a boat-building workshop, but I'm not clear on what "doorskin" is. Is it just plywood made of a single ply? What is its intended purpose? Is it sold at building supply stores that have ...
4
votes
1answer
598 views
What kind of connection is used to attach the legs to this table?
I (a beginner) would like to build a table of this form.
Does anyone know what kind of corners are used to connect the legs, or any other construction tips.
2
votes
3answers
418 views
What is a good wood to use to build a base for a heavy antique table top?
So my gf has a really sweet antique baker's table top. It has what I believe is a porcelain but may be ceramic finish. I've never tried lifting it (it was here before I was) but she tells me it ...
1
vote
1answer
203 views
How large of a hole can I fill with putty in cedar siding?
I have cedar siding and I've noticed some smaller holes. I've taken a chisel and verified that the hole is properly cleaned. There was some decayed wood, but I'm down to the hard stuff. Here's my ...
3
votes
3answers
782 views
How do I remove stickers and residue from a wooden door?
When I was a kid I put a ton of stickers all over my wooden door. In addition, I also taped on posters and pictures.
I tried removing the stickers and with some of them having been there for more ...
4
votes
3answers
360 views
Easiest way to cut, shave, or chisel bottom 8" of posts to fit footings
I got some 6x6's and deck post brackets that are similar to the picture below, except they're 8" high:
Come to find out, the 6x6 is slightly too large to fit inside this bracket. Now I see how ...
3
votes
2answers
219 views
Can I use alcohol for cleaning tables?
For some reason, an unpleasant scent wafted into my room on Sunday, and coincidentally, it was a rainy day that day. As a result, the scent is now stuck to my table, and anything that I put on the ...
5
votes
1answer
3k views
How can I join 2x6 pressure treated wood for a shed base?
I am creating a wood frame for my Suncast Sierra shed. I already weighed the pros and cons of each option for a base and came out with a wood frame as the most economical with all factors considered. ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
Wood Fence Designs
I plan on building a wooden fence out of pressure treated lumber this spring. I like the idea of 4x4's as posts and 2x2's for spindles. My wife and I do not like privacy fences. The function of this ...
5
votes
1answer
2k views
What size expansion gap should I leave between my wall a hardwood floating floor?
How much space to leave between wall and hardwood floating floor? This is a unique floor. Each board is solid bamboo (never thought I'd say that) but they snap together the same way that an engineered ...
1
vote
1answer
558 views
What type of wood should I use as an outdoor table top for a BBQ?
I am going to build a brick BBQ similar to something like the below BBQ picture.
The position will be against the house and will get wet from rain. I only plan to cover the BBQ.
Would I be ok to ...
1
vote
2answers
148 views
Can I apply stain to an oil treated oak counter top?
I purchased a counter top that was pre-treated with one coat of wood treatment oil at the factory. Can it be stained and varnished ?
7
votes
4answers
496 views
What wood to build a bath-tub tray?
I'm new to wood working and I want to build my wife a bathtub tray that can hold a laptop (for Hulu watching) and a glass. It doesn't need to hold anything else really. But I don't know what type of ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views
Is it possible to refinish floors one room at a time?
I live in a small townhouse and would like to refinish the floors in the upstairs of my home.
It is very difficult to do all of the rooms at once, but a friend suggested that unless I do this, the ...
3
votes
2answers
704 views
Are there any good videos available that teach basic carpentry?
I apologies if this was already covered but I could only find a thread on books, and it was geared towards someone having some basic skills already.
While I am far from useless, I never had a reason ...
6
votes
2answers
3k views
Can you rout plywood?
I have some applewood 13 ply 3/4" plywood that I'm using for a desk top. I was wondering if I took a router to the edges if it would turnout ok.
3
votes
1answer
400 views
Should I put some glue in the pre drilled hole before installing an eye screw?
Going to put in some eye screws under the deck for a swing.
Should I add some glue in the predrill for extra durability?
I've also read vaseline is good for easier installation, but that's ...
7
votes
2answers
525 views
How do I drill a mortise and tenon joint so I can reinforce it with a dowel?
I want to make a mortise and tenon joint that will be held together with a dowel instead of glue. How can I drill the hole in the mortised stock and the tenon so that they line up accurately and ...
3
votes
2answers
140 views
Identify part underneath chest
I am trying to find the name for the following part.
This is underneath a chest that permits it to be moved effortlessly.
I am trying to find this part to replace as they are pretty worn.
3
votes
2answers
89 views
How can I remove brown coloring/stains from logs?
The outer walls in a log cabin are solid logs. I had a slight leakage problem through fittings between some of them which left brown stains on the logs. The leakage problem is long gone but the ...
8
votes
2answers
2k views
Is this termite damage and if so how do I repair it?
I was moving a bolt storage rack in the basement, and when I took it off the wall, I noticed that the wall behind it was moldy. Then I noticed a ripple in the paint going all the way up, and when I ...
3
votes
2answers
300 views
Can mindi wood be used outdoors?
Does anyone here have experience with mindi wood? For example furniture made from mindi wood? Is it also usable in outdoor scenarios, e.g. for garden furniture? What kind of finish is needed?
6
votes
2answers
429 views
How can I cheaply refresh parquet in an apartment?
We've recently rented an apartment with seriously damaged parquet. Since the deal is "take it or leave it", we've decided to "mend" the parquet ourselves.
Dictionary :) Sorry for my bad english, I ...
5
votes
2answers
358 views
Building a Work Area in the Basement - Requesting Feedback
I am a new homeowner of about 2 months now. I have not done much in the way of home repair before now, but I do find that I am quite capable so far. My largest project so far was the re-tiling of my ...
