Repair foundation cracks with mortar

Q. I was cleaning up in the garden and I noticed that the stone foundation in a corner of my house (built in 1907) has cracks and that a few stones had fallen out. Is this something I can repair myself, and, if so, how?

A. Yes, you can, but it is heavy, hard work. Buy mortar mix at any lumber or hardware store. It is similar to mortar. For missing stones, mix the mortar so that it is crumbly, not soupy, and line the hole with mortar. Insert the stone to line up with other stones, then press in the mortar around the stone very compactly.

If you spill mortar on the face of the stone or around it, try to strike it off with a trowel; do not try to wipe it off with a cloth. To get rid of the spill, make a mix of half muriatic acid and half water. (Be sure to follow the safety instructions.) Always pour the acid into the water, then paint this mix onto the spilled mortar.

Some hardware stores may have mortar that is ready-mixed and comes in a tub, but it contains a bonding agent that resists removal by the acid treatment. For the fallen mortar, dig out any loose material and insert new mortar compactly.

Q. Our coffee table has scratches but not enough to warrant sanding the whole top if we can avoid it. The finish is dark, but I don’t know what kind of wood it is made of. Any suggestions as to what kind of products might fill in and/or disguise the scratches?

A. Apply an oil stain that is close to the colour with a small brush or a Q-Tip.