Wet Saw

Rental: $55-$60 per day

Wet saws use a special water-cooled blade to cut through tile and brick like butter. Blades may vary depending on the material, so check to be sure you have the right one.

Vinyl Floor Scraper

Rental: $50-$60/day

The vibrating blade on this walk behind machine takes the elbow grease out of removing glued down vinyl flooring.

Jamb Saw

Rental: $30-$40/day

A jamb saw is handy to cut around the bottom of door frames when installing new flooring. Set the height of the saw blade to the thickness of the flooring, run the saw around the jambs, and slip the new flooring underneath.

Floor Sander

Rental: $40-$50/day

This heavy weight drum sander makes quick work of smoothing wood floors. It takes a steady hand and even gait to get a smooth surface without leaving unsightly sanding marks.

Edge Sander

Rental: $30-$40/day

An edge sander is used to smooth the last few inches along walls that a floor sander can’t reach. Like it larger cousin, the edger can remove material fast and requires a deft touch to keep from marring the floor.

Pneumatic Nailer

Rental: $30-$35/day

A nail gun can get the job done in a fraction of the time you would spend with a hammer. There are several types available for different sized nails, so it’s important to decide how it will be used. Framing guns can handle nails from around 2” to 3½” while finish nailers take small fasteners and are great for attaching moldings.

Airless Paint Sprayer

Rental: $50-$75/day

Paint sprayers use compressed air or an airless pump to atomize paint and force it through a nozzle. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation and wear a proper respirator when working inside, and turn off pilot lights and other ignition sources when spraying flammable materials. Cover anything you don’t want painted, and watch out for overspray to keep your neighbor’s car from matching your house.

Texture Hopper Sprayer

Rental: $20-$25/day

This specialty spray gun is the tool of choice for applying textured finishes to ceilings and walls. For minor repairs to existing textured ceilings, a spray can of Homax Acoustic Texture will do the trick.

Trencher

Rental: $80-$90/day

While you could break out the pick and shovel to dig a trench to bury a pipe in the yard, a trencher will get the job done in a fraction of the time with less damage to your yard. Several sizes are available depending on the width and depth of the trench.

Plate Compactor

Rental: $60-$70/day

If your project involves pouring a slab for a driveway or patio, you’ll need a plate compactor to compress the soil. This prevents the ground from settling and reduces the chance of cracking.

Lawn Aerator

Rental: $60-$65/day

If your lawn is not looking its best, you might want to consider aerating it. An aerator uses long steel spikes to make holes in the sod, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deep into the ground.

Garden Tiller

Rental: $70-$75/day

If you have a large garden, you need a tiller to loosen the dirt and prepare it for planting. Several models are available depending on the size of the job at hand.

Posthole Auger

Rental: $65-$75/day

A motorized auger can dig a hole eight times faster than by hand. They come in both one and two person models with bits available in diameters ranging from 6” and up.

Snowblower

Purchase: $300-$2,000

If you have a lot of snow, you’ll probably want to buy a snowblower to keep your driveway and sidewalk clear. Various sizes and models are available. For those in milder climates, a snow shovel may be all you need. Choose a shovel that’s lightweight, has a nonstick coating, and is ergonomically designed to reduce back strain.

Innovative Ideas for the Workshop

Scotch-Blue removable painter’s tape protects surfaces while painting. It’s also available in precut pieces that are perfect for the corners of window panes.

This new screwdriver bit from Pratt-Read Tools fits tightly in combination Phillips/slotted head screws to prevent slipping.

The Spot-On screwdriver has an illuminating tip that puts the light right where you need it.

The new line of Lithium Ion tools from Ryobi provide more and longer lasting power than regular battery powered tools.

The Starrett ProSite Protractor is great for measuring and laying out angles on projects around the house.

The Bosch Miterfinder combines a protractor, level, and calculator with an easy to read digital display.

Ridgid SeeSnake has a small camera mounted on the end of a flexible cable to allow you to see and pick up objects as far away as 30 feet.

Cougar Paws work boots with special replaceable traction grip soles are designed to keep you from slipping even when working on a steeply pitched roof.

For more on tools, check out these articles:

• Understanding Power Tools
• The Perfect Workshop
• Top Ten Gift Tool Ideas
• Tool Maintenance
• Lawn Mower Maintenance

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Deck Foundation

Since a wood deck can carry a lot of weight, it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Begin by laying out the location of the deck, making sure it’s square with the house.

After the holes have been dug for the concrete footings, rebar is cut and wired together into a grid and supported by wire a few inches above the bottom of the hole. Another piece of rebar is driven into each hole to mark the top of the concrete.

Steel straps are embedded in the concrete when the footings are poured to attach to the framing for added stability. Once the footings have dried, concrete blocks are laid to form the piers supporting the deck.

Deck Framing

Pressure treated 2” x 6” blocks are cut to cap the top of each pier, followed by 6” x 6” sills. Treated 2” x 10” floor joints are placed on top of the sills and toenailed to them.

Laying Decking

After the framework is in place, 5/4” x 6” pressure treated decking is nailed to it. Since pressure treated wood is usually delivered still saturated with preservative, the boards are installed without a gap between them. As the wood dries, it shrinks, leaving a ¼” gap between the boards. If the lumber that is used has been dried before installation, leave a gap between the boards to allow for expansion.

To keep the boards from splitting when nailed near the end, turn the nail over and blunt the point with a hammer before driving it.

Lattice

The concrete block columns are faced with brick to match the house, and the exposed edges of the floor joists covered with fiber cement planking. Checkerboard style lattice, backed by landscaping fabric, is installed around the perimeter of the deck to hide the area underneath while still allowing air to circulate.

A roof constructed over part of the deck will provide much needed shade during the hot summer months. The columns supporting the roof are faced with fiber cement boards while the ceiling was covered in vinyl soffit.

Wide steps are built from the yard up to the deck and railings installed around the perimeter. To speed up the railing process, spindles are laid out and nailed to the top and bottom rails before the sections are installed.

When constructing handrails, be sure to follow local building codes as to the height of the railing and the distance between the spindles.

Dressing up a Patio

To liven up a bland concrete patio, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a pressure washer, then give it character by cutting a series of shallow lines into it. After laying out the pattern for the lines, cut them into the concrete using a circular saw equipped with a masonry blade and using a board a guide.

Since this generates a lot of dust, wear a respirator while cutting.

A concrete stain or paint can then be applied to seal the surface and add a touch of color. While paints work better for covering blemishes, stains are a more durable alternative.

If you want to create an attractive patio from scratch without the time and trouble of pouring concrete, consider laying patio pavers instead.

Installing a Retractable Awnings

A retractable awning is a great way to provide your deck or patio with sun when want it and shade when you don’t. SunSetter motorized awnings extend out 10’ without the need for vertical supports and can be installed in just a few hours.

Start by popping a level caulk line where the awning will be attached to the house, and mark off the locations for the support brackets. Align the brackets with the chalk line and screw them on, using a torpedo level to make sure they’re plumb.

When everything is ready, the awning is lifted into place and bolted to the brackets. Once the awning has been plugged into an electrical outlet, it can be operated at the push of a button from a remote control.

The seamless fabric on SunSetter awnings is coated on both sides to make it waterproof and block out 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Other Tips From This Episode

The 2008 International Builders’ Show featured some amazing new tools and innovative products for your home. Here’s a look at some of the best new products we found.

The latest caulking from PolySeamSeal, called Ever Bright, is formulated to resist the growth of mold and mildew for up to five years.

Expanding on its Bella Stone line, Crane Performance Siding has introduced matching architectural columns in simulated stone.

The new deck and railing systems from Trex are made of PVC, which is more scratch and stain resistant than most composite materials. Fiberglass door manufacturer Plastpro has introduced a line of prefinished vinyl wainscoting also made from PVC.

Gladiator Garage Works has everything you need for the perfect home workshop including cabinets, baskets, bins, bicycle storage clamps, and snap together flooring squares.

Amana refrigerators have some cool new features including a soft drink can dispenser built into the door, and erasable message boards that allow you to write directly on the door of the refrigerator.

Generac Power Systems has introduced a low cost 20 kilowatt standby generator along with a load center that allows new homes to be prewired for auxiliary power.

The Kwikset SmartSeries deadbolt locks can be reprogrammed to fit different keys. Other locks in the series use fingerprints or a programmable keypad to gain access.

Research conducted by Merillat cabinets identified four basic types of kitchen users and designed specific styles and features to fit each group. To find out which group you belong, take the Merillat style quiz.

Dow Styrofoam SIS structural insulated sheathing acts as sheathing, insulation, and a vapor barrier all in one, reducing both material and labor costs in new construction.

The new line of Delta faucets with Diamond Seal Technology prevent metal in the faucet from coming in contact with the water and use a diamond embedded ceramic disk to remove contaminants like lead from the water. This also prevents mineral buildup, allowing the faucet to last up to ten times longer than the industry standard.

Quikrete PowerLoc Jointing Sand is a polymer based sand mix that’s perfect for filling cracks between patio pavers. Simply mist with water when you’re finish to set it in place. It doesn’t wash out like plain sand or crack like cement based products.

A turn of the crank allows the Lifetime fold-up utility trailer to contract to less than half its width for easy storage when not in use.

Louisiana Pacific has developed a line of laminated lumber called Solid Start LSL (Laminated Strand Lumber) which is more stable and can span longer distances than solid lumber.

Broan NuTone has introduced a new bathroom vent fan that includes a built-in heater with an adjustable vent so you can direct the heat exactly where you want it. They’ve also come up with the first Energy Star rated stove vent hood in the U.S. which incorporates an energy efficient fan with a special fluorescent light whose color spectrum gives the perfect lighting for cooking.

Porcelain Stone tile manufacturer Crossville has introduced a line of colorful decorator tiles called Building Blox that are designed by renowned architect Robert A. M. Stern. Stronger than granite, Porcelain Stone resist scratching, stains, and fading.

Sherwin-Williams Resilience exterior latex paint can resist dew and rain in only two hours, half the time of ordinary paint. That’s something you’ll really appreciate the next time the clouds start rolling in when you’re painting outside.

Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors has taken the innovative approach of embedding magnets in screen frames and window casings to hold them in place. Their MAG-Lock window locking system also uses magnets to automatically lock the window every time it’s closed. The wooden components of Jeld-Wen products are pressure treated with AuraLast to prevent decay, termite infestation, and water absorption.

Ridgid’s Max Select cordless tools are duel voltage and can be powered with either 18 volt or 24 volt batteries. The line includes seven different tools, from circular saws to hand planers.

The latest Ryobi cordless tools use Lithium Ion batteries which are 20% lighter, run twice as long, and hold a charge four times longer then regular rechargeable batteries. They can also be used interchangeably with existing Ryobi cordless tools.

Other Tips From This Episode

Finished Workshop

By reusing discarded kitchen cabinets salvaged from past remodeling jobs, we turned this cluttered storage space into the perfect workshop for Today’s Homeowner®.

Workshop Before

Recycled Materials

Using recycled building materials not only saves money and reduces waste, it helps the environment by eliminating the energy and natural resources needed to produce new products.

Check local salvage companies to find recycled building materials for your next project.

Wiring

When designing a workshop, make sure the existing wiring can handle the added load. Since power tools can draw a good bit of current, check to see if there are enough circuits and the breakers are properly sized. Installing additional outlets on the wall behind the workbench, or mounting them on the cabinet underneath, insures that a plug is handy when you need it.

Lighting

Lighting is another important consideration when outfitting a workshop. This light grid was constructed by ganging six old fluorescent fixtures together and hanging them from the ceiling with chains.

Be sure to install the lights high enough so they aren’t in the way, but low enough to provide adequate lighting. Painting the walls a light color helps by reflecting the available light.

Walls

Cover any exposed insulation or open studs in your workshop to limit the places dust can collect. We lined the walls of our shop with wooden panels to provide a good surface to mount tools and hang shelves.

Plumbing

Since running water is often needed in a shop to clean up, we installed an old laundry sink the corner that was hooked to the cold water line.

Shelves

An old bookcase is a perfect place to store cans of paint and caulking while a custom shelf unit mounted on the wall above the workbench allows easy access to smaller power tools.

Use screws—rather than nails—when hanging shelves and other heavy objects in a shop. Not only do screws have much greater holding power, but they’re easier to remove if you decide to reorganize in the future.

Workbench

The kitchen cabinets we salvaged provide the base for the workbench as well as plenty of storage space for tools and supplies. Check to be sure the cabinets are level when you install them, so tools won’t roll off the workbench.

The top of our workbench was made from ¾” plywood with a strip of solid wood banding attached to the edge.

A 1”x 4” backsplash along the wall keeps small items from falling behind it. After the top had been assembled, it was stained and finished with two coats of polyurethane.

If you don’t have room for a dedicated workbench, build one supported by eyehooks and chains that folds up out of the way when not in use.

Worktables

Another recycled kitchen cabinet was used as the base for a large moveable assembly table in the center of the shop.

Smaller portable worktables mounted on casters can hold bench top tools. This allows them to be easily rolled out of the way when not in use. All of the worktables are a uniform 3’ high so they can be used together to support large projects.

Finishing Touches

Magnetic strips were mounted on the wall behind the workbench for pliers, chisels, and other smaller tools, and a shallow lipped shelf in the center holds often used items.

A hose reel was attached to the wall near the air compressor to make it easy to use pneumatic tools while a shop vac positioned next to the workbench provides dust collection for sanders and other power tools.

Self-adhesive hooks attached to stationary tools keep safety glasses ready when you need them.

Wheels on table saws and other large tools make moving them a snap.

Floor

Before all the tools were brought into the shop, the rough spots in the concrete floor were patched with a resurfacer followed by a floor leveling compound.

Once the floor was dry, it was coated with Behr Concrete and Garage Floor Paint.

As a finishing touch, I mounted the first power tool I ever bought—when I was nine years old—on a plaque in the center of the wall behind the workbench.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

From vaulted to tray to coffered, it seems like the sky’s the limit for ceilings these days. Specialty ceilings can add a distinctive design element to a room and make it feel larger than it really is. And when it’s time to sell your home, custom ceilings might be just the thing to make your house stand out from the crowd.

Cathedral Wood Ceiling

The cathedral ceiling in this home features tongue and groove boards framed with rough sawn beams. A layer of drywall was put up first to maximize energy efficiency and reduce noise. This was then followed by 1”x 6” pine boards and cedar trim. Track lights will be mounted in the slots on the ceiling, allowing the lighting to be adjusted to illuminate specific areas.

Painted Coffered Ceiling

Wood trim can be used to dress up a bland ceiling and give the room a more formal feel. This coffered ceiling consists of crisscrossed wooden beams applied over drywall with each square accented by a border of crown molding. A contrasting paint color was used on the recessed part of the ceiling to highlight the intricate trim work.

Wooden Barrel Ceiling

Ceilings can also be used to mirror the shape of other architectural features found in the room. This wooden barrel shaped ceiling follows the curve of the arched doorways found at each end of the room.

Circular Dropped Ceiling

Another interesting ceiling design is this circular dropped ceiling. It includes stenciling around the rim with a center medallion and hanging chandelier acting as the focal point.

Recessed Ceiling

Recessed ceilings—also known as pocket, tray (or trey), and bumped up ceilings—have become a common feature of new houses today. Typically these types of ceilings start with a lower border around the outer edge of the room and are then raised a foot or more in the middle. They may also include sloped or tiered designs accented by crown and other moldings.

Vaulted Ceiling

Often when an attic is converted into living space, the ceiling follows the slope of the roof to allow for additional floor space while providing enough ceiling height. It’s a good idea to flatten the ceiling out a few feet below the peak, however, to leave space for lighting, electrical wires, and ductwork.

Remodeling a Ceiling

While most specialty ceilings are incorporated into the plans when the house is built, ceilings in existing homes can be modified as well. Remodeling a ceiling requires careful consideration of the structural load carried by the ceiling joists before they can be removed. Once the existing ceiling has been taken out and the joists cut, work on the new ceiling can begin.

Any wiring, plumbing, or ductwork located above the room has to be taken into account and rerouted above the new ceiling. This can present a daunting task for the electrician and HVAC contractor.

Turtleback Wood Ceiling

This renovation project included turning a typical flat ceiling into a multifaceted turtleback ceiling over the expanded kitchen and den area. After the framing was complete, the beams were covered with painted 1”x 6” V-groove pine boards.

When installing solid wood, be sure to stagger the joints. A grooved block, made from a piece of scrap material, is used to protect the tongue when hammering the boards in place.

Tongue and groove boards can be blind nailed through the tongue so nail heads are not visible, or face nailed. Wooden ceilings may be painted or stained and provide an attractive alternative to drywall, though both the labor and materials cost much more.

Laminate Ceiling

Simulated wood ceilings made from laminate materials, such as Armstrong’s WoodHaven, are a do-it-yourself friendly substitute for natural wood. While the material costs are about the same as well real wood, the installation of laminate ceilings is much less expensive, since they come prefinished.

Stamped Metal Ceiling

Decorative stamped metal can make a striking ceiling with a unique character all their own. Products like Armstrong’s Metallaire™ ceiling panels are available in dozens of patterns and finishes from steel and copper to chrome and brass.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Indoor Air Quality

Going green isn’t just about preserving the planet, it includes safeguarding your health as well. As homes have become more tightly sealed and the use of manmade materials increased, indoor air quality has declined.

One of the main culprits is the outgassing of potentially harmful fumes from building materials and other products in our homes. While these volatile organic compounds (VOC) often have a noticeable smell, they can also be odorless and may continue to emit gases for months or even years after installation.

The solvents found in paints and other finishes, along with formaldehyde adhesives used in composite materials like particle board, are some of the most common sources of outgassing, though there are a number of other products that can contribute to the problem as well. Due to increased health concerns, many manufacturers have developed no or low VOC products that greatly reduce or eliminate outgassing.

Low VOC Products

EQcountertops from VT Industries are an example of an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional laminate countertops. They are manufactured from low VOC particle board, water based adhesives, and GREENGUARD certified laminates.

EcoGlue™ is another green product that is safe to use in your home. This water resistant adhesive is nontoxic and releases less than 1% VOCs into the air. It can be used to bonds everything from wood and cloth to metal and tile.

While many companies now offer low VOC paints, ecoprocote™ takes their commitment to the environment even further by making many of their finishes from soybeans. Not only is this a renewable resource, but it provides better protection that traditional finishes.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is another important factor in improving the indoor air quality in your home. Both whole house and spot ventilation systems can be used to supply fresh air inside the home.

Range hoods and bathroom vent fans are the most common types of spot ventilation. In addition to reducing odors, they can remove excess moisture that promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Some vent fans, like the Sensaire® Humidity Sensing fans from NuTone, turn on and off automatically when high humidity is detected.

Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency in your home not only helps the environment, it can save you money. One of the most cost effective ways to lower your utility bill is by adding insulation.

Though fiberglass insulation is still the most common type, sprayed expanding foam is also available. Not only does it have a high insulating value, but foam can actually add structural strength to the building. BioBased foam is a green alternative that is made from soybean oil.

If you’re building a new house, you might consider using insulated concrete form construction (ICF) as an energy efficient alternative to traditional wood framing. Hollow foam blocks are stacked together to form the walls and are then filled with poured concrete. This type of construction is very strong and completely seals out drafts, resulting in walls with as much as an R-40 insulation value.

Those living in a warm climate may be able to reduce their air conditioning bill by applying a special coating to the exterior walls that reflects heat. COOLWALL® coatings from TEX•COTE are available in both a smooth and textured finish in a variety of colors. They can lower the temperature of exterior walls by as much as 40° which may result in a 4% to 22% reduction in cooling costs.

Even if you aren’t able to include the latest green technology in your home, there are a number of simple ways to improve energy efficiency. Weather stripping windows and doors, caulking cracks in exterior walls, and repairing air leaks in ductwork can all make a big difference in your utility bills.

Another easy way to save energy is by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) ones like those from n:vision. Each bulb you replace is estimated to save from $40 to $80 over the life of the bulb.

Choosing Green Products

Green products are everywhere these days, and it’s often difficult to decide if they really help the environment or are just a clever marketing ploy. There are a number of books, such as the The Lazy Environmentalist and Green Building Products, that offer advice and evaluate environmentally friendly products. Websites like the Green Guide and GreenSage also serve as valuable sources of information, with articles on a variety of green topics as well as reviews of specific products.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

From reducing energy consumption to recycling waste, it seems like everyone is interested in doing their part to help the environment these days. While green living conserves natural resources and cuts down on pollution, it also has the practical benefit of saving money on your utility bills.

Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. is living proof of the power of going green. While you probably know him best from his many roles on television and film, he’s been an outspoken advocate of sustainable living for almost 40 years. Everything about his home demonstrates his commitment to treading as lightly as possible on the earth. He’s even written a book, Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life, about his experiences.

Sustainable Site

The first consideration in building a green house is minimizing the environmental impact to the site. Just north of San Diego, the green development of Del Sur is doing just that. Their emphasis on environmentally friendly building practices and commitment to preserving 60% of the development’s land as open space have earned Del Sur some of California’s top environmental awards.

Pervious paving of driveways, streets, and parking lots is another way to limit damage to the environment. While pervious paving has the look and feel of concrete or asphalt, it allows rainwater to filter through and soak into the ground. This decreases runoff that can pollute waterways and lower groundwater levels, as well as reducing the need for costly storm drains and retention ponds.

Reuse and Recycle

The Ranch House at Del Sur is both a welcome center and an example of sustainable development. Since shipping building materials long distances greatly increases their impact on the environment, many of the materials at Del Sur were obtained locally. Walls for the Ranch House were constructed from stones found on the property while the wood flooring and the ceiling beams came from structures that were being demolished.

Nonprofit organizations like the Reuse People are given buildings that have been slated for demolition in exchange for tax deductions. They then disassemble it and resell the materials to finance their efforts. By taking the building apart piece by piece, they are able to reuse about three-fourths of the total weight and recycle much of the rest.

Companies like TerraMai in California, specialize in turning high quality wood from demolished structures into lumber for paneling, flooring, and millwork. Since much of it comes from older, slow growing trees, the wood is stronger and more stable than lumber produced today.

Rather than tearing down older inefficient homes and apartment buildings, some developers like Marty Bhatia of OM Development, LLC in Chicago, convert them into energy efficient and environmentally friendly structures. Buyers are even provided with a manual that explains the building’s green features.

Green Products

Green building materials can be made from just about anything, including agricultural waste.

Environ Biocomposites produces a composite material made from recycled sunflower hulls known as Dakota Burl® which doesn’t emit harmful gases and can be used for a number of interior applications.

Kirei Board is an environmentally friendly product manufactured in China from sorghum stalks that remain after harvesting. The lightweight panels have an interesting grain pattern and can be used for anything from cabinets to flooring.

Conserving Water

A family of four uses on average 400 gallons of water a day, or almost 150,000 gallons a year.

Toilets are the largest user of water in the home. Older models require up to three times the water of new high efficiency toilets such as the Persuade™ and San Raphael™ from Kohler. Replacing an existing toilet can cut your home’s water usage by as much as 10,000 gallon a year.

Showers are another big water guzzler. Replacing a standard showerhead with a low-flow model, like the Kohler MasterShower® Ecofficient™, can save up to 20%.

Adding low-flow aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets will help as well. Be sure to check with your local water provider to see if tax credits are available for installing water conservation devices.

Another way to cut down on water usage is by funneling the runoff from your roof to a storage tank for watering your lawn.

Some systems, such as the Deluxe Potable System from Rainwater Management Solutions, can even filter the water for use in your home.

If replacing bathroom fixtures or installing a rainwater collection system isn’t in your budget, you can still cut down on water usage by repairing leaks, limiting time in the shower, and washing only full loads of clothes and dishes.

Other Tips From This Episode

Before

After

You don’t have to hire a contractor and spend a fortune remodeling your kitchen. With a little creativity and by doing much of the work yourself, you can end up with the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Ordering Cabinet Doors

While the tile floor and cabinets in this kitchen were in good shape, the doors, drawer fronts, and countertops had seen better days. After measuring the cabinet openings, unfinished raised panel doors and drawer fronts were ordered through the local home center from Quality Doors.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the order form carefully, remembering to take into account the overlay around the doors and the number of doors per opening.

Prep Work

After the old doors, drawers, and countertops had been removed, any necessary modifications were made to the cabinets. These included installing a narrow cabinet next to the door and trimming the hanging cabinet to accommodate a microwave over the stove.

A two-part auto body filler was used to patch holes in the cabinets since it sets up quickly and doesn’t shrink. Start by mixing a small amount of catalyst with the filler.

Then use a putty knife to push the filler into the holes, removing any excess before it sets up.

Once it has hardened, sand the filler flush with the wood.

Painting

To prepare the cabinets for painting, a liquid deglosser was applied to allow the new paint to bond with the old. When using deglosser, body filler, or any flammable or hazardous material, be sure to read and follow all safety instructions.

The cabinets were primed with a yellow tinted primer. This was followed by black latex enamel on the exterior and yellow paint in the interior. Sheets of plastic were used to create a temporary spray booth in the storage shed to paint the doors.

Inside, a foam roller was used to give the cabinets a uniform texture.

Countertops

The countertops from VT Industries were made with Wilsonart Bella Capri plastic laminate. They featured a Barcelona double-waterfall molded edge that gives them the look of natural granite at a much lower cost.

A Culinaire™ stainless steel sink and faucet from American Standard were installed before the countertop was put in place to minimize the time spent working in cramped quarters. After a bead of caulking had been applied to the rim around the sink, it was attached to the countertop with fastening clips. The faucet and sink strainers went in as well, leaving only the supply lines and drain pipe to be hooked up.

When everything was ready, tinted sealant was applied to the mitered ends of the countertop. The two pieces were carefully aligned and joined together with miter bolts in precut slots before being screwed to the cabinets.

Amenities

Once the countertop was in place, a Compact Evolution Series™ food waste disposer from InSinkErator was installed. An optional air assisted SinkTop Switch™ makes using it a breeze.

A combination microwave/convection oven/vent hood from GE was installed over the stove. The unit mounts on a metal plate that is attached to the wall. Once in place, it is secured to the hanging cabinet.

Hanging Cabinet Doors

The cabinet doors featured adjustable European style hinges that were tapped in place with a rubber mallet. Expanding plastic anchors secure the hinge to the door without driving any screws.

To hang the doors, a strip of wood was clamped to the face frame of the cabinet for the doors to rest on, which allowed for perfect alignment. A cordless drill/driver made quick work of drilling the pilot holes and driving the hinge screws into the cabinet frame.

The doors were then fine-tuned by turning the adjusting screws on the hinges.

After the doors and drawer fronts had been attached, the cabinets were distressed to give them an antique look by lightly sanding along the edges until the yellow primer peeked through.

The final touch was installing the Amerock weathered nickel drawer pulls and door knobs.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.

Before

After

While this covered courtyard featured a beautiful brick fountain, it was hard to keep clean and received little use during the hot summer months along the Gulf Coast. To remedy these problems, the homeowners decided to enclose it by adding a fireplace flanked by glass doors.

Framing

Since the outside entranceway was level with the room, a rubber membrane was placed under the treated 2” x 4” sill to prevent water from seeping inside.

The exterior wall was framed using laminated beams to support the weight over the door openings. After the wall had been sheathed in plywood, the arched door units were held in place and the outline of the opening traced around them. A jigsaw was then used to cut out the opening.

Doors

The doors from JELD-WEN Windows & Doors included a special energy efficient Low-E coating on the glass that reduces the transmission of heat and harmful UV rays. This not only saves energy, but keeps furniture and carpets from fading.

After the exterior wall had been covered with housewrap, the doors were set in place using the same rubber gasket material to seal the thresholds to the floor.

When the door units were square and level, the flange around the casing was nailed to the wall. For added security, several of the hinge screws were replaced with longer 3” ones that go all the way through the casing and into the studs.

Fireplace

Openings were cut in the interior framing for the fireplace insert and flat screen TV above it. The fireplace unit is a ventless gas model, which is important since a chimney would have blocked the existing window above it.

Heating and Cooling

To heat and cool the additional space, a separate unit was installed in the attic with vents cut into the room. Since a major renovation project like this can generate a lot of dust, it’s important to change the air filter at least once a week during construction. While an inexpensive fiberglass filter can be used for this, replace it with a high quality filter when the job is done.

Stucco

When the framing had been completed, cement backer board was screwed to the plywood on the exterior wall to provide a firm foundation for the coats of stucco. Since backer board is hard to cut and shape, trim and accent pieces were made from foam sheets with fiberglass mesh used to give the stucco added strength.

Painting

One of the more challenging tasks was painting the vaulted ceiling. Due to its height, scaffolding had to be set up in the room so the painters could reach it. After the walls, floor, and cabinets had been covered with plastic, the ceiling was sprayed white.

Amenities

The room includes a wine bar with a rack for red wine and a refrigerated cooler for white.

The flat screen television above the fireplace can be concealed behind a retractable painting when not in use.

Other Tips From This Episode

Power tools used on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford® are provided by Ryobi.