DIY Network

Outdoor Living Spaces and Restoration From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-419F

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

Foundation for a Hot Tub

Problem: What is the best foundation for a hot tub?

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Figure A

Solution:

• The best option for a hot tub foundation is to pour a 4" concrete slab.

• A little less permanent would be to use pavers. Level the area and tamper down the area. Help level even more with sand and then install the pavers on top of the sand (figure A).

• Spa pads are also available that are specifically designed to be a sturdy platform for a hot tub.

Tiling an Outdoor Kitchen

Problem: Can you suggest a tile to use for an outdoor kitchen?

Solution:

• A natural stone, such as granite, travertine marble or slate work well with the outside elements and are good options for outdoor use.

  
  

• Lots of options are available (figure B).

  
  

• You could also do a mosaic (figure C) using broken plates you might find at a yard sale.

  
  

• Remember to use thin set and grout that are waterproof and will stand up to the elements.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Faux Rock Pattern on Patio

Problem: How do you create a faux rock pattern on the patio concrete?

Solution:

• First determine if the concrete is sealed or not by dropping a little bit of water onto it. If the water soaks in, it is not sealed and you are ready to paint, but if it does not soak in, you will have to use a concrete etcher before painting so the paint will adhere.

• Clean the concrete to prep it for the paint. Stain can be messy, so paint is recommended.

• Use a stencil kit with a rock pattern. Apply the base coat for the faux rock over the stencil and then go back over in places with darker and lighter tones to add dimension. Try adding green for moss (figure D).

• If you'd like a background color, paint the concrete the background color first and then stencil the faux rocks over it.

Sealant for Composite Decking

• Composite decking is about a 50/50 combination of wood and plastic and therefore does not need a sealant.

• Because it is made up of 50% wood, you can paint or stain, but remember that if you do, you are turning a low maintenance product into a high maintenance product!

• When installing composite decking, remember to use composite decking screws which are specifically made for the fibers that make up the composite decking.

Cracks in Patio Around Pool

• Clean any debris out of the crack. Use a wire brush and clean with a concrete cleaner and degreaser to prepare the area for filler.

• Lots of products are available to use depending on the crack that you have. Self-leveling products are available as well as fillers with colorants.

• If it is deeper than a quarter of an inch you have to fill the hole in layers. Start by taping off the cracked area so it doesn't spread over the other concrete.

Figure E

Authentic Bathroom and Kitchen Countertops

Replicating a countertop depends on how much you want to spend -- the difference in wood would effect the costs.
• The board commonly used in the early 1900s was 1 x 6 (figure E), so it is a good choice for a countertop.

• Pine is a very hard wood, poplar would also work. Curly maple is beautiful, but very expensive.

Attaching Porch Posts to Cement

• If you haven't poured the concrete yet, install a threaded screw into the concrete while it is still wet and then attach a bracket to it.

• If the concrete is already there, you can attach a post bracket with a concrete anchor. Drill a pilot hole with a masonry bit and hammer drill.

• Hide the bracket with molding and trim around the bottom of the post. Remember to use pressure treated lumber if it is going to be outside.

Restoring Wood Siding

Problem: How do you restore wood siding?

Solution:

• To keep the historical integrity in tack, use a two-part resin. Several different types are available.

• Use a syringe to insert the product in the cracks.

• Resin materials with more liquid resin can be a little more difficult to use because it easily runs and is hard to sand. Epoxy putties are available. Mix the two parts and apply with a putty knife.

Green Maple for Walls

Problem: Can I use a green maple tree in my yard for paneling for my walls?

Solution:

• Lumber companies are hesitant to mill woods from residential areas because metal can easily be found in the tree and it would easily damage the wood planes.

• Using one of your own trees would also be very expensive and time consuming because you would have to wait six months for it to dry.

• There are many options available for paneling. It is easier, less expensive and less time consuming than using one of your own trees.

Windows for Restoration Project

Problem: What kind of windows are good for a restoration project?

Solution:

• Wood windows are now made to be durable and still have the look of authenticity. Lots of options are available for replacement windows.

• Some manufacturers will even custom-make newer windows to match your old ones.

Restoring a Piano

Problem: Can you please tell me the best way to restore a piano?

Solution:

• Restore the outside by using a furniture restoration kit that will cleanse, buff and polish.

• If the damage is in the varnish, then you'll have to remove the varnish and then re-varnish the area.

• Restoring the working parts is very expensive and you may want to bring in an expert for this part.

• Remember to balance what you get with what you have to spend. Will your piano retain its value if totally restored?

Extra DIY Home Improvement Tips:

• If there is only one or two pieces of tile to cut for a repair job, don't rent a tile cutter, simply score the tile with a glass cutter and set it over two nails. Push on both sides and you should get a perfect break.

• When you come to an electrical box when tiling, mark the tile so it will expose just the box opening. Make sure to mark the tile so the switch can be totally removed for future repairs.

• If there is tile left over from a floor or wall project, make a mosaic table top to match.

• If you need to rent any special equipment when doing large home improvement projects, most equipment rental facilities are closed on Sundays. In that case, if you rent on Saturday you can return on Monday, giving you an extra day. It may not be that way with all rental equipment companies, so be sure to verify this with your local store.

• There are a couple of questions to ask yourself when deciding if a job is a do-it-yourself project or if it's time to call a professional. Do you have the time to complete the job and do you have enough helpers if any are needed?

• Glass blocks are an alternative to windows that allow light to pass through. They can be used on exterior or interior walls and various patterns allow varying degrees of view or privacy.

• Ozonators are electric powered devices that help sanitize your spa water. They introduce an oxygen called "ozone" into the water that can reduce the amount of chemicals you need to use. The oxonators only work while the spa is turned on.

• To keep yellow jackets under control, get an inverted cone trap from a home improvement store. Put syrup, tuna or cola in the bottom and make sure to place the trap in sunlight. They will fly into the cone, and won't be able to escape out of the opening.

• Wooden decks should be cleaned at least once a year. Use s scrub brush and detergent or a biodegradable deck cleaner. Mix the detergent or cleaner in a bucket of water, and then apply it on the deck, scrub and rinse. Let the deck dry completely and apply a water proofing stain.

• To determine whether paint remover or a furniture refinisher is needed for a particular job, use a cotton ball, moisten with nail polish remover and touch it to the furniture. If the cotton ball sticks, the finish is varnish, lacquer or shellac, and you need to use a furniture refinisher. If the cotton ball does not stick, you need to use paint remover.

• Toothpicks are great for applying glue in tight areas or cleaning out small crevices.

• Before beginning a project, be sure to take a close look at it. Antiques, or potential antiques, deserve special consideration. Always try to restore the old finish rather than stripping it down to bare wood.

RESOURCES :

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

Confer Plastics Inc.
N. Tonawanda, NY 14120
Toll-free: 800-635-3213
Website: www.conferladders.com

StenSource International Inc.
18971 Hess Ave.
Sonora, CA 95370
Toll-free: 800-642-9293
E-mail: customerservice@stensource.com
Website: www.stensource.com

GUESTS :

Brunetta Nelson
D’BABS Construction, Inc.
2692 Harris St., Suite 100
Eastpoint, GA 30344
Phone: 404-559-8889
E-mail: brnelson@dbabsinc.com
Website: www.dbabsinc.com

Dennis Sewell
Fireside Hearth and Home
1208 Topside Rd.
Louisville, TN 37777
Phone: 865-970-0050
E-mail: sewelld@hearthnhome.com
Website: www.firesideusa.com