DIY Network

Ladies' Day From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-404F

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the questions --

Making Cabinet Doors

Problem: What is the easiest way to make cabinet doors?

Solution:

• Use medium density foam (MDF) board as the new door.

  
  

• Make a frame to use as a guide for your plunge router.

  
  

• Cut the wood, round out the corners and finish the door as you desire.

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Removing Wallpaper

Problem: I need some advice on removing wallpaper?

Solution:

• You could use a wallpaper steamer (figure A). This will make non-sized paper come down easily.

• Use a paper tiger to score the wallpaper.

• Put the steamer against the wallpaper and let it sit for 10 seconds, remove and begin to peel off the paper (figure B). Continue the process until paper is removed.

Figure A

Figure B

Choosing Basement Carpet

Problem: What suggestions do you have for putting carpet in a basement?

Solution:

• Make sure you have good drainage away from your house.

• Test to check for moisture -- use plastic wrap and tape it to the slab and leave it there for a day or two and see if you've trapped any moisture. If you've got a good amount, you'll have to do some work to make sure you're getting good draining away from your house.

• Use concrete sealer and then install your padding and carpeting.

Figure C

Rock Roof Repairs

Problem: My rock roof needs repair due to leaking. Do you have some tips?

Solution:

• Determine where the leak is -- around vent pipe, chimney, etc.

• Take up the gravel around the area.

• Lay down new flashing and secure it with flashing cement.

• Relay the rocks over the flashing (figure C).

Figure D

Making an Indoor Waterfall

Problem: What is the best way to create an indoor waterfall?

Solution:

• You can get faux rock (figure D) that's poured from molds that look like rock, but much lighter to work with.

  
  

• Build a frame with 2 x 4 strips and finish it with green board, to combat possible moisture leaks.
  
  
• Bury the pump in the well below.

  
  

• Cover with faux rocks.

Repairing a Shower Crack

Problem: I need to know how to repair a crack in an acrylic and fiberglass shower?

Solution:

• First, check the warranty of your shower and if it's still under warranty, don't make repairs yourself because it will void the warranty.

  
  

• There are kits available to assist in this repair.

  
  

• Score the crack so the adhesive will stick.

  
  

• Clean the area with a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol.

  
  

• Apply the sealing paste and allow it to harden.

  
  

• Sand until smooth and buff with buffing compound.

Sink Faucet Water Flows Slowly

Problem: After replacing a faucet in my bathroom, the water now comes out too slowly. How can I fix this problem?

Solution:

• Check the shut off valve. Sometimes when replacing a faucet, it's easy to forget to turn it back on. Turn it on all the way.

  
  

• Make sure the supply line from the valve isn't kinked. Get the proper length for what you need.

  
  

• Check the aerator. Soak it in water and vinegar and poke through the filter holes with a toothpick to get all the deposits out. Even if the faucet is new it can be clogged.

  
  

• Be sure you followed the manufacturer instructions correctly.

Grass in Driveway Cracks

Problem: How do I get rid of the grass in the cracks of my driveway?

Solution:

• You could torch it! Use a propane torch to burn them out, or try any weed killer.

  
  

• Clean the area with TSP.

  
  

• Once dry, fill the crack. If you have concrete, you'll find lots of products for filling it. If it's larger than 1/2" you'll have to do it in layers.

  
  

• If it's asphalt try liquid asphalt crack filler.

Figure E

Keep Wood Stains from Bleeding

Problem: How do you keep wood stains from bleeding?

Solution:

• Try tape (figure E) but don't put too much stain on at once.

• If still bleeding, try scoring the wood with a utility knife and a straight edge. It will create an invisible trough to stop the bleeding.

Adding an Awning to a Deck

Problem: How can I add an awning to my deck without extending the roof?

Solution:

• Free-standing awnings are available, made of many materials.

  
  

• You could tie into the outer portion of the deck with 4 x 4 or 4 x 6 and into the eaves and connect.

  
  

• You could let vines grow over that, or you could have a wire grid roof and then grow vines.

RESOURCES :

Minwax® Company
Minwax Company (full name: The Thompson Minwax Company)
Website: www.minwax.com

Dare to Repair
0060959843
Stephanie Glakas-Tenet and Julie Sussman
(September, 2002) To order this title from Amazon, click here.
HarperResource

Z-Brick
Zygrove Corp.
5302 Shoreline Dr.
Mound, MN 55364
Phone: 952-472-4700
Fax: 952-472-4842
E-mail: customerservice@z-brick.com
Website: www.z-brick.com

Sheffield Knives
Website: www.sheffield-tools.com

Dap, Inc.
2400 Boston St.
Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21224
Toll-free: 800-543-3840
Website: www.dap.com

Shade Tree Canopies
Website: www.shadetreecanopies.com

Attach-It The Barnacle Co.
8228 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, Virginia 22309
Toll-free: 800-707-1911
Fax: 703-935-0253
E-mail: info@barnaclecompany.com
Website: www.barnaclecompany.com

Decorating Assistant
The Assistant Product Group, Inc.
Website: www.assistantproductgroup.com

D.A.L.E.S. Corp.
1402 Jackson St.
Toledo, OH 43624
Phone: 419-255-5335
Fax: 419-255-5447
Website: www.dalescorp.com

GUESTS :

Stephanie Glakas-Tenet and Julie Sussman
Dare to Repair
PO Box 59000
Potomac, MD 20859
Website: www.daretorepair.com