Fun with Refinishing Cabinets

Mason — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:00:00 -1800

Dear Mason,

I am updating my kitchen, but want to avoid replacing the cabinets for cost reasons. The present cabinets are in pretty good shape, but I don't like the appearance. They're 1960's or 70's knotty pine. I would like to paint them white.

One painter that we had look at the job told me that the paint might not stick to the old cabinets and that the knots will show through the paint job. I have heard of painting old wood cabine [...]

Barnwood Restoration

Mason — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Question for Mason:

We are finally after 4 years re insulating our kitchen walls. The drywall has been removed as well as a layer of old barnboards. We have reinsulated and the vapor barrier is in place. I like the idea of putting the barnboards back and having a rustic looking kitchen wall. My question is how would you refinish barnboard? (this board is really old and has a rough dark colour to it). And what would I use to fill the gaps between boards?

Recycling Cedar for Flooring

Mason — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -1800

We are buying a 1922 stick built home. In the back two bedrooms the walls are tongue and groove cedar planks. My question is if we can remove the planks and reuse them as flooring else where in the house??
Thank you
Catie

Catie,

I certainly encourage all forms of recycling. We should strive to make the most of our limited resources, and avoid waste wherever we can.

Generally, the most common forms of cedar, such as Eastern Red [...]

Kitchen Flooring - Stick a Cork in It!

Mason — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -1800

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 consider [...]

Duke-it-Yourself!

Mason — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -1800

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, t [...]

Getting Decked-Out

Mason — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Dear AskMason:

My wife and I are planning to build a new deck soon. It seems like salt-treated wood is not used too much anymore. Why? We have heard about and seen Trex, as well as Ipe and other materials. We’re confused! Which is the best??

John in Goochland

John:

Advance congratulations on your upcoming improvements! A deck is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Central Virginia!

I love your question for two reasons: 1) Ob [...]

Wallcovering Removal

Mason — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -1800

Mason,

Help! I have planned to remove wallpaper in a small bathroom today while my husband takes our three children to a football game. I have done this before and generally know how to do it, but it isn't going well. I have scored the paper and am using the DIF wallpaper remover. I have covered it with plastic bags to allow the remover to soak into the paper prior to scraping. It isn't coming off and I fear that there is a coating on the paper. Do you have any suggestions?

Ask! Ask!

Mason — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -1800

We live in an age of information overload – supported by expanding traditional and electronic / online media. Direction and data on all things is available at our fingertips, or otherwise unavoidably thrown at us from all angles, typically in flashy “bites”. Everyone that has cable or a computer with an internet account has the opportunity to become an “instant expert”.

Also for DIYers...

Mason — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -1800

I recall when I was a kid, picking-up a booklet on bicycle repair at a local bike shop in my hometown of Fredericksburg. I inquired of the shop owner, the apparent conflict of interest that may lead to less repair business for him. “We have plenty of repair business… if you want to do the repairs yourself, I’d like to help you”, he said.

Ask Mason tagged 'DIY'