Podcast Episode 101 — Cabinet Door, Hot Water, Deck, and Wood Repair Questions
Lumber, trim, deck ledger flashing, wood rot, wood putty, dogs, and bacteria in the plumbing.
This episode is a bit of an experiment, going out live on social media. Plus, there are a few technical problems with the sound. But pressing on regardless, Justin, Brian, and Rob jump right into listener questions.
Sam writes to ask about tall kitchen cabinet doors, and how to keep big doors flat. Justin suggests that the wood you choose is crucial. Brian says that the lumber choice should be purposeful. “Stock selection and stock prep, those are the two big things,” says Justin. Rob mentions joinery as well.
Listener Don has an idea to save money — enjoy cold showers and turn down the hot water heater. Great idea, huh? Well, no. Problem number one: bacteria can thrive if the temperature is lower than 120 to 140 degrees. On the other hand, a tankless water heater may be the answer.
Matthew says he thinks his ledger flashing, the wood underneath feels waterlogged, and the nails are rusty. Our excellent show producer Jeff had a similar problem, and he weighs in on how it went for him.
Listener Paul writes that a bunch of his window sills and some of the vertical legs of door casing have been damaged, with deep scratches, probably by a big dog scratching at them. Paul is looking for a better solution than wood filler. Rob says, replace it. Justin says that some colored waxes and putties may do the job.
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First, celebrate our 100th episode by signing up for a chance at a great prize! There will be four winners in our celebratory sweepstakes, one winner for each tool that we’re giving away. Click here to enter our sweepstakes!
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This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Benjamin Obdyke.
Benjamin Obdyke would like to use the special occasion of their 150th anniversary to thank the nuisances that builders and homeowners despise. Their premium products protect from those pesky things like rain, snow, humidity, and the neighbor’s sprinkler system. Take HydroGap, a drainable housewrap that eliminates moisture from your wall assembly. Or Cedar Breather, an underlayment for wood roofing that allows continuous airflow behind shingles or shakes. One man’s headache is another man’s successful business. To build better with Benjamin Obdyke, visit benjaminobdyke.com.
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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.
Other links related to this episode:
- Fine Woodworking Magazine’s Kitchen Cabinet Tips from Norm Abram.
- Cabinet Door Shoot-Out.
- Rick Arnold’s First Aid for a Failing Deck.
- All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
- Sales of #KeepCraftAlive tee-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.
Hey guys, Chuck from Custer, SD in the Black Hills. Really love the show. Just started listening because we are looking at building, and I'm handy enough (or stupid enough) to build the majority of it myself. It's cold here about 10 months out of the year, and I'm looking at lots of options. As you know, there's so many ways a person can go, from decking to roofing, insulation, foundations, siding, and even framing. Here's what I think would be awesome. If you did a series (maybe you already have) on this question. If you were to build a house today, what would you do, from the ground up. Do a warm climate and a cold climate. My wife loves the Tudor or east coast style. And we are looking at slab on grade because as you said back in one of your earlier episodes, (I'm listening from the beginning and working my way to today), "when was the last time you heard someone say "My basement is perfect. I love my basement." It doesn't happen, so I've cut that out of the equation. Also, we love the rock look, but not the terrible draw on the house for heat. I've looked at a number of rock panels. That would be another great episode, unless you've already done one on. Working with rock panels, what's good, what's bad, cost, etc.
Anyway, I really love the show. I want to build in the most sensible way, and feel your ire when people can get stuck in an old way, just for old ways' sake.
Warm Regards,
Chuck Ferraro