Getting back to my ongoing staircase remodel… I already replaced the lower flight of the split-level stair treads, but I couldn’t replace the upper flight before first removing the handrail. So, this next phase of the project called for some orderly demolition. […]
Home Improvement
Stair Tread Installation
Our last blog post showed how to remove wooden stair treads. This post will show how to install the new treads, which were provided by L.J. Smith Stair Systems.
Stair Tread Removal
Okay, back to my ongoing staircase remodel… You’ll see in earlier blog posts that I’ve already stained and finished the new treads and newel posts. Now it’s time to remove the old treads in preparation for the new ones. Although the old treads weren’t the prettiest pieces in the world, I was hoping to salvage […]
Staining Stair Parts, Cont’d…
Day 2 of staining the parts of our new stair system involved a lot of repetitive motion. After the wood stain had completely dried on the stair treads, I coated them all with gloss polyurethane. The poly should be applied in thin, successive coats and allowed to completely dry between coats. Before applying a new […]
Staining Stair Treads
I’ve embarked on a new project at my house — stair remodeling. The plan is to replace the treads and a wonky handrail system on our front foyer. I’m using parts and supplies from L.J. Smith Stair Systems, and today I entered phase one of the project: staining the unfinished stair treads. This involved setting […]
Plumbing Snake for Clogged Drains
Yesterday I had my first encounter with using an electrical plumbing snake. These machines are also called a Drain Pipe Auger or a Power Drain Cleaner. Here are my thoughts: This job stinks! What a crappy experience. We rented the plumbing snake from the local Home Depot to clear out the clogged main drain line […]
New speakers added to the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit’s Influencer Panel
The founders of a Chicago-based content creation agency and a popular DIY and décor blog are the latest additions to an impressive roster for the panel about working with influencers to craft authentic content, which will be presented during the upcoming Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Lauren Kelp is founder of Studio Alcott, a boutique agency […]
5 Common Mistakes When Applying Stone Veneer Panels
(guest post by Matt Lee, image courtesy Realstonesystems.com) Stone veneer panels—along with stone accent walls, for that matter—have become incredibly popular in recent years. It’s not hard to see why, either. Their naturalistic style mixed with their relatively easy installation, combined with a price that is fairly inexpensive, has led to a resurgence in popularity. […]
7 Ways Tape Can Save the Day on the Job Site
A broken bucket handle or cracked shop-vac aren’t just minor annoyances on the job site – they’re common frustrations that can lose you money in delays, unnecessary trips to the hardware story and expensive repairs or replacements. Instead of falling behind on your next project, consider keeping a professional grade duct tape on hand as […]
Signature Stain by Tando Adds New Earth-Rich Graphite Color to Product Line
Quebec City, Quebec —Tando’s Signature Stain(TM) adds a new color–Graphite–to its innovative cladding line. Manufactured by Derby Building Products Inc., Graphite expands the stained shake line beyond current wood-like browns to an earthy, deep gray. Graphite joins Signature Stain’s original colors of Fawn, Bark and Acorn, capturing the natural hues and variations of stained wood. […]