TOOL BOX TRICKS
Trading Spaces star offers tips
Q Do you think that stainless is a must if you are getting a new appliance?
A No, not at all. Stainless is pretty awesome, yes, but it depends on the look of your kitchen. Is it more farm-style? Do you have a lot of natural light? A lot of appliance brands are coming out with black stainless, or wood and fauxwood fronts on refrigerators, etc. Also, white is classic, and a lot of people don’t want to deal with fingerprints. You can also have a custom cabinet panel installed over your fridge to match your kitchen.
Q Is it worth reupholstering a sofa if it’s a good-quality design and still in good shape? What about slipcovers?
A If it’s a super-good-quality frame and you love the design, I say go for it. This could be a great weekend project. Make sure you get quality fabric and materials, and either rent or buy a powered staple gun to do the upholstering.
Q What’s the best product for spot-cleaning an upholstered chair?
A I have ruined things by using the wrong products. First, what is the stain on your chair? If it’s oil, make sure you use a two-step process: Use a damp cloth with very little detergent and then a dry cloth to press it just after (dab, not scrub).
Q We plan to install a backsplash in our kitchen and are having the hardest time sourcing the tiles. We have been to high-end tile stores as well as the big-box stores and need help figuring out the cost and whether we can install it ourselves. Do you have a formula for figuring this out?
A Sourcing tiles can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a ton of options. Have you tried looking online, too? If you are going to do this yourself, there are a lot of fun options at Wayfair. They ship for free, too.
Q I would like to tile my shower with glass tiles. I understand they cost more and are harder to place, so it’s not really a DIY project. Is there anything more I should know about them? For example, do they chip easily? I love the look but want to make sure I won’t regret it in a few years.
A I love glass tile, and honestly you can’t go wrong with this option. Tile work is one of my favourite things because there are so many things you can do with it. With glass, however, there are often fewer colour options. Also, yes, you should use a pro who can install the glass tile, as it is usually translucent and you can see the adhesive through it. So it’s better to not attempt installation solo. The other great things about glass are that it doesn’t absorb water and mildew doesn’t grow on it — a win for cleaning! Q Are there any grants available to help redo an almost 100-year-old home? I have to do everything — fix lintels, stucco and the roof — which will total almost $100,000. The project would make a good educational tool for construction skills.
A You should check with your city or municipality and any historical society in your area. One hundred years may not be old enough in some cases to be deemed historic, but there may be some tax incentives out there. Ask other homeowners in your area, too.
Q How did you learn carpentry skills? Do you do your own work at home?
A I had learned a lot about home renovation as a kid, working with my dad. He was a glazier for almost 20 years before he became a pastor. So I followed him a lot, handing him tools, etc. But as I got older, my own interests led me to carpentry, furniture refinishing and construction. Even though I modelled, I was always doing some sort of project with my hands on the side. I even landed a show on the DIY Network nine years ago where I really got into construction and learned from some of the best cabinet makers in the business. Although I’m still quite green in some aspects of carpentry, it’s become a passion and something I work at every day. Q I am new to DIY projects and am wondering when to DIY and not to DIY. I just put up a pallet accent wall with no problems. So I am a little braver. Where do I need to cool my jets?
A It just depends on what you’re looking to do next. I think if you can do a pallet wall, you could easily handle a tile or beadboard backsplash, or maybe even building some fun outdoor furniture. Check out The Rehab Life on YouTube. It’s a great resource for beginner furniture builders.
Q In the spirit of cleaning out unnecessary items, I’ve found a couple of old posters that I had framed in glass with metal frames. I can take out the posters, but how do I get rid of the frames? I live in a highrise, so I can’t just smash the glass and dispose of it in the trash or recycling. Can frames be recycled or thrown away?
A When we redid our bathrooms, I took out these giant old mirrors. I had no clue what to do with them. I didn’t want to toss them in the dumpster. They were literally just sheets of glass with no frame, so I couldn’t give them away and feel safe about it. The best thing you can do is to criss-cross the frame with duct or blue painter’s tape across the front and back, wrap it in an old blanket or bubble wrap, add more tape, label it “GLASS for DISPOSAL,” and set it downstairs next to your dumpster.
Q What’s the best way to clean a mouldy deck?
A Use a power washer, with steam, if you can get one. Otherwise, a regular power washer is fine. You can add vinegar or some agent to the water, too. When it’s cleaned off and dry (and make sure it’s bone-dry), re-treat the deck. Make sure your gutters don’t spill onto the deck. Sweep it weekly, getting the debris out of the cracks as best you can. Keep greenery and plants away from the deck if possible.
Q Is crown moulding a must in a living room?
A I don’t think crown moulding is needed in every space. You can have a very contemporary home with eight-foot ceilings and still have moulding. That being said, if you have higher ceilings (over nine to 10 feet), it does look great. Just remember to keep it smaller if you have lower ceilings. I would use a max of three to four inches on eight-foot walls.