Mason,

Would you recommend cork flooring for a kitchen?

Brenda G. Dallas, TX

Dang, Brenda, I didn’t know our blog went all the way to the Lone Star State! Welcome, and know that I love your question!

There are SO many choices for flooring these days. Kitchens, obviously, have some very special needs in terms of durability, maintenance, clean-up, comfort, and of course, STYLE! The “best” floor for your kitchen should be based on which of these considerations you personally find most important. Porcelain tile is durable and sanitary, but not so comfortable for long periods of standing. Wood is

 How do you repair hardwood floors after taking out walls? I want to take out a wall to open up my living space, but I don't want to redo or replace the existing flooring--it's not rare and important, but it is over 50 years old and in good shape. Can you patch the floor and make it look okay? The flooring runs perpendicular to the wall I want take out.

Amy O. Richmond, VA

Amy,

I am reminded of a bit from The Honeymooners (I'm not that old, but we did have re-runs)... "Hire a doctor... Hire a lawyer...!" Actually, now, I'm not sure what that has to do with this, but it was indeed funny!

OK, back

So last Saturday... I find myself flat on my back in the yard, seeing stars like Wiley Coyote.  Trusty (Acme) power washer overturned by my side.

The remainder of the week, I sported a most-impressive shiner.  I made up as many stories responding-to the "how and why" as there were inquiries; but suffice to say, it was indeed a badge of DIY ummm... haste and stupidity.

Think Safety, intrepid DIYers.  And thank you, gods of Home Improvement, that it wasn't my new chainsaw!

If any of our readers have interesting DIY "war stories", I encourage you to post comments

Highly recommend this book for anyone involved, interested or intrigued by the housing industry.  House Lust: America's Obsession with our Homes by Daniel McGinn is an entertaining and easy read (those aspects of any book being important to me).  The premise of McGinn's study is the evolution of the American mindset wherein those things previously considered luxuries are becoming necessities - particularly regarding real estate and housing.

The book covers the growth of the average new American home - in square footage as well as features.  Case studies from across the country range to the

 Dear Mason,

My house was built in 1938. The walls are plaster over lathe. I'm noticing more cracks in the ceilings, including one that runs parallel to the chimney bump out, about 3 inches away from the wall. It actually looks like the part of the ceiling that is closer to the fireplace is a fraction (1/32"?) higher than the part outside the crack. The crack follows that chimney exactly. Is my house sinking? And do I just repair the crack, or is there more that needs to happen? Last, what sort of contractor takes care of this sort of issue? 

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Lisa C.

Lisa, Dear