Deck finishing is much more than just stain

Key is in design and construction details

Every summer, I hear from homeowners looking for advice about finishing their new wooden deck. And every summer, I wish I could've talked to these folks a few months earlier. That's because finishing a deck really isn't about finishing a . . .

Posted: 2008-05-04

SOLUTIONS: Stuck-up kitchen soap dispenser causes woe

QUESTION: I love your column and your solutions, sure hope you can help me. I have a built-in kitchen soap dispenser by my sink and it takes 40 pumps (yes 40) to get the soap to come out. My handyman . . .

Posted: 2011-12-24

Open air, open design

Privacy, plants, lighting all come to play in personalized outdoor spaces

When professional landscape designer and horticultural consultant Lyndon Penner was a child in Saskatchewan, he asked for a playhouse to call his own. His grandmother responded by growing one for him.   Russian mammoth sunflowers which grow to a height of some . . .

Posted: 2015-05-16

Looks like a million bucks

Foxridge charmer combines space, elegance

Having an abundance of space to work with when designing a luxury home can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, designers have plenty of space to build in all the design features they want without . . .

Posted: 2022-12-17

Staying on schedule with winter looming

Decision to sub out exterior finishing work ensured project was done ahead of time

A long journey from idea to fruition, and a personal Christmas gift. That’s what the completion of the exterior of my south-side addition — a full month ahead of schedule, and before the snow flew — means to me. The exterior . . .

Posted: 2017-12-23

Get over dream-reno blues

These mini-makeovers can tide you over

It's a reality of our fragile economy: Many homeowners who dream of the perfect kitchen or master bath are putting full-scale renovation on hold in favour of more limited changes. "What's on everyone's minds is making the space feel a little . . .

Posted: 2011-10-15

SOLUTIONS: Decaying food cause of disposal-unit odour

QUESTION: I have a garbage-disposal unit connected to my kitchen sink. Lately, there has been a very strong odour coming from it. It is pretty bad, especially when we come in from the outdoors. The smell is wafting throughout the . . .

Posted: 2012-03-03

Variety of tactics can be used to repel cats

QUESTION: Your "Fantastic Tip of the Week" in regards to getting rid of rodents certainly makes sense. I live in East St. Paul, and we are invaded by chipmunks and they create havoc in my garage. So I'll put your . . .

Posted: 2012-08-04

CONNIE OLIVER: Cottage kitchen renewal

Creating interesting and personal spaces can be done cheaply

Cottage season is finally upon us. If you're lucky enough to have a cottage you know how long it's taken to get here. Cottage living is relaxed and kick-back and a cottage décor, whether in an actual cottage or as a . . .

Posted: 2009-05-24

The mystery of the missing cold-air vents

QUESTION: We have a 1948 1�-storey house. Just wondering why there are no cold-air return vents in the upper level or basement, just on the main floor?Bill YoungerAnswer: There are a lot of differences between modern homes and those built . . .

Posted: 2015-05-23