DIY Network

New Nursery, Traditional Look From "Home Transformations" episode DHTR-104

Amy and Duncan Grenier are racing to beat the clock -- the arrival of baby Grenier is only five weeks away, and the couple wants to transform a spare room in their renovated bungalow into a unisex nursery.

Michael Ray Wisely arrives on the scene to help the couple quickly transform the room. The project will include the installation of custom windows, paneled wainscoting, a coat of new wall paint and a modular closet system to organize all of baby's necessities.

Host Michael Ray Wisely in the couple's bungalow bedroom before the transformation to nursery.

After the transformation: a warm and inviting unisex nursery for the Greniers' bundle of joy.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Window Installation

Materials:

Flat pry bar
Utility knife
Custom replacement windows
Exterior caulk

The replacement window selected by the couple was manufactured to fit the space and angle perfectly. Although these windows are installed by a professional, the Greniers can remove the old windows and caulk after the installation -- that's where their DIY skills will come in handy.

1. To remove the old windows, homeowner Duncan and host Michael Ray start by scoring the paint on the window trim. A flat bar is used to carefully pry the stop molding away form the frame (figure A).

2. Next, the sash cord (figure B) -- attached to the balance weights of the window -- is cut. The lower sah of the window is removed, and the parting bead (figure C) is removed from the window frame. The other sash cords are cut and the upper window sash is removed.

3. Installation professionals position the windows, add shims to make them fit properly, then secure the windows with screws. After the interior and exterior trim is secured with finishing nails, homeowner Duncan adds caulk to the exterior trim to protect against the weather (figure D).

	A view of the old kitchen bench before.
	After the transformation, the restored bench is a charming addition to the nursery.

Bench Seat Restoration

Amy Grenier found an old kitchen bench -- believed to be original to the bungalow -- and has dreamed of using it in the nursery. Host Michael Ray Wisely will share a quick and environmentally safe method for restoring the bench with Duncan Grenier.

Materials:

Soy-based gel paint remover
Jig saw
Circular saw
Paint brush
Sander
Sandpaper
2 x 12 pre-treated pin (optional)
Wood glue
Screws

1. Use the soy-based gel remover to strip the old paint. Use in a well-ventilated area. In this example, the gel was applied and allowed to soften the surface finish for about 20 minutes, before being scraped away.

2. Next, 8-grit sandpaper is used to prep the surface. Because Amy wants a scaled-down size for the nursery, the bench is cut down.

3. The new size will have to have a decorative end added to match the old side. To do this, the existing design is traced onto a piece of 2 x 12 lumber, which is then cut with a jig saw. The new decorative side is attached with glue and screws before getting a coat of primer and paint.

	A closer look at the new wainscoting system, custom replacement windows and fresh paint.
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Pre-fabricated Wainscoting Installation

Materials:

Pry bar
Laser level
Stud finder
Table saw
Miter saw
Tape measure
Pencil
Hammer
Caulk
Hand plane
Gloves
Speed square
Pre-fabricated wainscoting system

1. Remove all the old baseboards using a pry bar. Cut new baseboards to the correct length and glue to wall. If the floors aren't level, simply create a level line using a laser level, then shim the baseboards to the level line before securing with finishing nails (figure E).

2. Install a shoe rail to cover space between the baseboards and floor.

3. Begin installation of panels and stiles in one corner of the room. Install the first stile with glue and finishing nails (figure F), then apply the panel by fitting into the pre-cut tongue and groove assembly. Continue adding panels and stiles down the wall, securing with finishing nails.

4. Cut panels to fit around outlets as needed. Measure the existing outlet onto scrap lumber, transfer lines to the wainscoting panel and cut space with jigsaw (figure G).

5. After all panels are installed around the room, set cap rail in the pre-cut channels. Adhere to wall with glue and finishing nails.

6. Complete with the addition of a cap rail. Add blind returns to the ends (figure H) and install shelf plate. Apply a bead of caulk to top and edges to seal gaps.

Time Needed: For the average do-it-yourselfer, 3 weeks to complete the project
Money Saved: $6,000 (the total cost of the project featured was $7,000)

RESOURCES :
New England Classic wainscoting
New England Classic
Website: www.newenglandclassic.com

Renewal by Andersen
Sash Replacement Windows
Phone: 800-891-9993
Web site: www.renewalbyandersen.com

Soy Gel
Soy-based gel paint remover
Franmar Chemical
Phone: 800-538-5069
Web site: www.franmar.com