DIY Network

Carpentry and Ceilings From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-428F

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

Ripping Pressure Treated Wood

Problem: Does ripping pressure treated wood take away its strength?

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Solution:

• No, because pressure treated wood has a preservative that protects the strength of the wood. The wood is pressure treated all the way through.

Entertainment Center

Problem: Is it possible to build an entertainment center inside a wall?

Solution:

• Going up in the attic is a good way to check. Most likely, the walls moving perpendicular to the rafters are supporting walls and all outside walls are supporting walls.

• If you cut into a supporting wall, your frame has to have a header.

• Contact a structural engineer if you have any doubts.

Figure A

Adding a Closet

Problem: Can you give me any suggestions on adding a closet to a room?

Solution:

• Buy your closet doors first, then build a partition wall to match the measurements of your doors. Also compare width to hanger size, you want about 3" clearance on either side of the hanger.

• You could also add an armoire or movable closet (figure A).

Building a Murphy Bed

Problem: How difficult would it be to build a Murphy bed?

Solution:

• Building a Murphy bed takes woodworking skill, so make sure you are not taking on more of a job that you can handle.

• Hardware is available so you can build one yourself. Be sure you build a sturdy bed box to be comfortable, but that's not too heavy to be able to be pushed up by one person. Also, be sure the spring assembly is installed correctly so the bed does not free fall. Obviously, measurements are critical here.

• If you don't want to build your own, there are companies that can build one for you to your specific requests.

Figure B

Attaching Rails to Wall

Problem: How do you attach rails to a wall?

Solution:

• Use rail hardware (figure B).

• To finish the rails, cut a 45-degree angled piece for the corner, and the handle back to the wall.

• Be sure the end of the rail is attached to a stud. The hardware should be attached to the studs as well.

Figure C

Heat Loss with Acoustic Ceiling

Problem: If you have an acoustic ceiling, do you have a lot of heat loss?

Solution:

• Depending on how they are installed, you may have to remove the ceiling to add insulation above (figure C), then reinstall the ceiling. If you can get to the attic, you are probably okay without removing the ceiling.

Figure D

Pot Rack

Problem: How do you attach a pot rack to a ceiling?

Solution:

• Locate the ceiling joists.

• Use eye hooks to connect pot rack to the ceiling joists (figure D). Use a chain to lengthen if necessary.

Figure E

Removing Popcorn Texture from Ceiling

Problem: Can you give me advice on removing popcorn texture from my ceiling?

• Sand the area down to knock off some of the texture.

• Wet the area, let it sit and then scrape off as much as possible (figure E).

• Sand again if needed to get a smooth surface.

Fake Ceiling Beams

Problem: How do you install fake ceiling beams?

Solution:

• Make a "U" channel with three mitered pieces of wood to make a beam.

• Take a 2 x 4, insert it into the "U" channel and attach it to the fake beam and ceiling.

• Be sure to secure the beams into ceiling joists.

Figure F

Repairing Plaster Ceiling

Problem: How do you repair a plaster ceiling?

Solution:

• Install a backerboard to fill the hole. Using a screw attached to a piece of wood as a handle, insert the wood into the hole and screw the wood to the underside of the existing plaster wall. Remove the screw handle.

• Insert two pieces of drywall to fill to the correct thickness.

• Use mesh tape over the seams to prevent cracking (figure F).

• Use joint compound over the tape and finish the texture as you desire.

Whole House Vacuum System

Problem: When is the best time to install a whole house vacuum system?

Solution:

• It is best to install the system while your house is still in the construction phase; but installing them after construction is also possible.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to be sure you have the correct vents and installation area for your type of vacuum.

RESOURCES :

Hitachi
Phone: 800-829-4752 (catalog)
E-mail: market@hitachi-powertools.com
Website: hitachipowertools.com

Murphy Wall-Beds Hardware, Inc.
Toll-free: 800-667-6336
E-mail: info@murphybeds.com
Website: www.murphybeds.com

Beam Central Vac Systems
Beam Industries
E-mail: beam.dlr-support@beamvac.com
Website: www.beamvac.com

GUESTS :

Courtney Cachet
All-Stars Contracting
We apologize no contact information is available.

Lisa Richardson
L.R. Richards Construction
We apologize no contact information is available.

Mike Steinle
Home Check, Inc.
3737 S. View Circle
Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: 865-599-6200
E-mail: msteinle@homechecktn.com
Website: www.homechecktn.com