| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Stainess Steel Backsplash Finish Trim | 11/19/2009 |
Q: ..Urgent HELP needed if possible! My contractor installed stainless steel backsplash around the ...
A: Carol, I never like to receive input like yours describing shoddy work performed by contractors who ...
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| kitchen cabinets help | 11/12/2009 |
Q: Help! Our house was built in 1925. I am not sure how old the cabinets are or how long they have ...
A: Andrea, Judging from the photo you attached I think you could strip the doors and start over. ...
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| backsplash | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I have a range hood that is mostly recessed into the cupboard above it ( about 1 foot). If I ever ...
A: Steve, Your question is unusual and I am uncertain, but...as a think out of the box kinda guy (and ...
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| undermount kitchen sink | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I am planning to change my Kohler double bowl sink (i think porclean or cast iron, white). I have a ...
A: Firoza, 1. You should be able to measure just width and length. You might consider cutting out a ...
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| securing drop-in oven | 11/6/2009 |
Q: We just moved into a new home with a drop-in oven (Hotpoint RF725GP). When the previous owners ...
A: Andrea, Typically, an oven unit is designed to be within or touching combustible surfaces. I suggest ...
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| Breakfast Bar Supports | 11/5/2009 |
Q: We are creating a breakfast bar with a granite top. We would like to use Standoffs but we don't ...
A: Michael, Cantilevered granite tops must be counter-balanced and as you did not cite widths I am ...
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| tile backsplash | 10/27/2009 |
Q: We are installing a new tile backsplash above our new countertop. The wall is warped in one small ...
A: Peggy, The easiest solution is to "float" the "warp" to create a flat plane on the wall. You can use ...
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| vinyl tile flooring and freestanding gas range | 10/27/2009 |
Q: Last week I completed installing a new vinyl tile floor in my kitchen (self adhesive tiles). The ...
A: Pat, All appliances available on the general market have been tested and rated by consumer agencies. ...
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| Saving, moving and rehanging kitchen cabs | 10/26/2009 |
Q: I recently self installed pre-made Lowes Cabinets in my kitchen and would like to redesign my ...
A: Erica, Kitchen cabinets are usually screwed together at the stiles(the vertical piece of wood on the ...
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| otr microwave | 10/25/2009 |
Q: our range is in an island setting with cabinets above. do they make an over the range microwave oven ...
A: Sharon, If you currently have "wall" cabinets over your range you should have no problem installing ...
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| Painting cabinets | 10/23/2009 |
Q: We have those 1980s pine or oak (?) wood cabinets in our kitchen. Home was built in 1986 and has ...
A: Lew, If you are going to paint the cabinets, you may not need to strip them. I would use a deglosser ...
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| new countertop | 10/22/2009 |
Q: We have very nice oak kitchen cabinets that we want to keep. However, we have robins egg blue ...
A: Mary, If you are talking about laminate Formica brand and Wilsonart are the two products I like. ...
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| new countertop | 10/19/2009 |
Q: We have very nice oak kitchen cabinets that we want to keep. However, we have robins egg blue ...
A: Mary, Excuse my tardiness in replying. I either failed to notice I had a question or your question ...
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| Granite tile countertop | 10/19/2009 |
Q: i made a countertop out of granite tiles ,and on some seams , the tiles are bit unlevel , and ...
A: Frank, You can "sand" down the edges with a number of methods. A "roto-zip" type grinder attached, ...
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| outlet for propane upright convection oven | 10/15/2009 |
Q: Is it safe to have an outlet for oven in the same area where the propane hook up to oven is. Should ...
A: Nate, There is no reason an electrical outlet cannot be placed near a propane (or natural gas) valve ...
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| new laminate counter tops | 10/15/2009 |
Q: We just had our kitchen remodeled and had laminate counter tops put in. We noticed after one week of ...
A: Linda, Typically, if what you mean by "bubbles" is that the laminate has risen or "humped up" so ...
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| cabinet handles and knobs | 10/14/2009 |
Q: I'm not sure how big to get the handles. I'm thinking of getting handles for the drawers and knobs ...
A: Elaine, One handle, either three inches or four should do the job. Two handles on wide drawers is a ...
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| Removing old countertops | 9/25/2009 |
Q: We need to replace our 8' countertop. It is an old style rounded front with the back-splash. I've ...
A: Wayne, You are right most countertops like yours are screw to the base cabinets, usually the four ...
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| warped counter edge | 9/17/2009 |
Q: After about 5-6 months of renting this house, we noticed warping under the kitchen sink counter. ...
A: counter, From your description, I can only surmise that you have what is called a post form counter ...
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| Range hood install with a soffit | 9/16/2009 |
Q: Presently I have an under cabinet range hood. I would like to remove the cabinet and replace the ...
A: Bridgette, Typically the hood vent pipe is located in the same place on both the old unit and the ...
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| linoleum repair | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I moved fridge, stretched linoleum, no glue in this area. How to repair?
A: Cheryl, I would try to heat up the vinyl flooring at the "stretch" with a heat gun, being careful ...
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| Kohler Porcelain Sink Repair | 8/28/2009 |
Q: My wife dropped a large kettle on the front left outside edge of our kitchen sink. A small piece ...
A: Mike, I am unable to offer a solution that will "work". I would probably try to call or e-mail ...
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| Painting kitchen cabinets | 8/26/2009 |
Q: We have oak cabinets and we would like to paint them white and then use a mocha glaze around the ...
A: Amber, The best way to perform this task is to start with a deglosser to "clean" the cabinets of ...
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| micowave oven install after kitchen done | 8/25/2009 |
Q: Just purchased a condo, they have no microwave, very small kitchen with no counter space, was ...
A: Linda, I do not recommend placing an under cabinet microwave over a sink. If you have a hood vent ...
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| over mount micrwave | 8/22/2009 |
Q: im tring to take mine down and hove no clue how. we un screwed it from the top cabinet but it seems ...
A: Jessica, You do need to unscrew it from the upper cabinet. AND it does hang on a "bracket" that was ...
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| Removing Tile backsplash w/o damaging granite | 8/12/2009 |
Q: We have a kitchen with nice granite countertops and a granite backsplash that extends ~2-3 inches up ...
A: Gary, It is possible to "glue" new tile over the existing tile surface. Rough up the tile with an ...
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| thermofoil light valence | 8/7/2009 |
Q: I ordered light valence for my kitchen cabinets. Since my kitched is currently MDF covered with ...
A: Stephen, I am unfamilar with your term "thermofoil". If it is a veneer laminated to the MDF to ...
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| laminate countertop options | 7/27/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to paint laminate countertops and have them look professional?
A: Stuart, It is possible to paint plastic laminate, BUT, I do not advise it. You must first "rough it ...
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| Installing a chimney-style range hood | 7/17/2009 |
Q: I would like to add a chimney-style range hood above the stove. The kitchen currently has a ceiling ...
A: Mary-Beth, It may be possible to connect to the existing vent, and you most certainly can connect to ...
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| Kitchen sink replacement | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I have an in-tile sink that needs to be replaced. I'm thinking of getting a drop-in sink, but don't ...
A: Brian, You have what is called a full bedded tile job. Wire mesh is laid over plywood and mortar is ...
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| Kitchen sink replacement | 7/13/2009 |
Q: I have an in-tile sink that needs to be replaced. I'm thinking of getting a drop-in sink, but don't ...
A: Brian, From your description, it sounds like you have an older kitchen with a full bull around your ...
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| Microwave over stove installation | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I would like to install a microwave over my stove as I have a small kitchen and need the counter ...
A: Shannon, Most microwave units are installed under a wall hung cabinet. Typical microwave units have ...
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| kitchen cabnits | 7/8/2009 |
Q: I had custom cabinets made for my kitchen and a face split, when this happened my husband gave the ...
A: Karen, It sounds as though the hinge may be the problem. Did you compare the split door to the new ...
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| kitchen remodel | 7/2/2009 |
Q: Is there a minimum distance required between a gas range and a window (operable or fixed)? The ...
A: pj, I am unable to answer your question as stated. Is the window on the wall next to the range, or ...
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| microwave over oven/exhaust | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I am also an "expert" but on Greek cooking...in my kitchen in Greece I have a free standing ...
A: Cathy, I hope I was helpful. The exhaust out the wall can work fine if you can tie in. Copper is ...
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| microwave over oven/exhaust | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I am also an "expert" but on Greek cooking...in my kitchen in Greece I have a free standing ...
A: Cathy, Your expertise is mouth watering as I love Greek food, but to your question. If you have the ...
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| Kitchen/ Split Entry House Remodel | 7/1/2009 |
Q: My fiance and I recently purchased a split entry home, however we are finding the layout to be very ...
A: Katrina, Your question is too difficult to answer in the space allowed. I would need more ...
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| Hi Macs Countertop | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I just noticed a 1/8 inch gouge on my hi macs countertop. Is there a way for me to repair it? I dont ...
A: Jina, A gouge 1/8 inch deep is probably too deep to sand without filling. Solid surface is ...
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| slate backsplash | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I plan on installing a slate backsplash in our cabin kitchen. I am using 4 x4 tiles. I am going to ...
A: robyn, I would use sanded grout and employ the standard method of using a grout trowel, followed by ...
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| slate backsplash | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I plan on installing a slate backsplash in our cabin kitchen. I am using 4 x4 tiles. I am going to ...
A: Robyn, I would leave the drywall and set the tile directly on it. Be sure your backerboard on the ...
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| Kitchen Remodel | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I am interested in buying a home but would need to remodel the kitchen. I'm trying to get a feel for ...
A: Cristyle, I am located in NC as well. I have a mom and pop remodeling company, www.wjsconstruct.com ...
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| glass mosaic tile | 6/11/2009 |
Q: Just purchased 120 sq. ft. of mosaic tiles. These are 12"x12" sheets of 1"x1" glass tiles mounted on ...
A: JAMES, I have tiled over existing ceramic tile. If the tile is firmly in place you can prep the ...
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| glass mosaic tile | 6/10/2009 |
Q: Just purchased 120 sq. ft. of mosaic tiles. These are 12"x12" sheets of 1"x1" glass tiles mounted on ...
A: James, Any mosaic tile in sheets will not be "square" and you must work them to get a grout line you ...
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| Wood flooring in kitchen | 6/10/2009 |
Q: William, I am considering installing wood flooring in my kitchen/dining area and I need some ...
A: Gary, Floating floors have improved over the last few years and while I am a purist and prefer ...
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| Can tile be cut while still on wall | 5/30/2009 |
Q: We need to replace an above-the-stove-microwave that we bought from Lowe's. They won't install it bc ...
A: Sheray, Above the stove microwave units are installed on a mounting plate and then screwed into the ...
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| kitchen countertops | 5/30/2009 |
Q: my wife and i were wondering if countertops are available in fiberglass and how hard would it be to ...
A: Clifford, I do not know of any "fiberglass" countertops. Plastic laminate is available in "post ...
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| Kitchen Tile Installation | 5/28/2009 |
Q: My dad and I are installing ceramic tile in the kitchen. we removed the original vinyl flooring and ...
A: James, Tile floors must have a base of cement board (durarock) or "Hardie board". It must be ...
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| countertop removal | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I have new counter tops being installed. I need to remove the old laminate top and back splash. I ...
A: Gregg, Most counter tops (laminate) are screwed into the cabinets. Crawl into the base cabs and look ...
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| kitchen tile counters | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I love my undamaged backsplash tiles but the counter tiles are a mess! Is it possible to somehow ...
A: Ross, Typically the counter top tile butts to the backsplash. You should be able to remove the ...
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| Side Exposed Cabinet Wall | 5/18/2009 |
Q: My cabinet door came off its hinge. The pressed board has disintegrated where the screw goes in for ...
A: Suzie, You local home improvement center, or hardware store, carries a product similar to bondo used ...
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| kitchen lighting | 5/17/2009 |
Q: We have a flush mount flourescent lighting fixture and need to figure out how to lower the cover in ...
A: Joe, Without a photo it is difficult to determine the steps for removing the cover. If the unit is ...
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| travertine countertop and island | 5/12/2009 |
Q: Your question was We picked a travertine tile from Lowes to do our countertop (approx 20 feet) and ...
A: Kathy, The only thing I know to do is to apply a coating of grout release (found at tile stores), ...
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| Granite | 5/5/2009 |
Q: We had granite installed on our basement bar (upper & lower). The upper piece came with a chip and ...
A: Karen, First, I do not where you live but in our area (central North Carolina) we enjoy quality ...
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| Tile Grout removal | 5/4/2009 |
Q: I installed a tile floor about 3 weeks ago. Everything looks good except a couple of spots were I ...
A: David, I am not familiar with the product you used. If the areas in question are places that were ...
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| Can I hook up the dishwasher directly to the granite countertop | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I want to install my dishwasher and only place to secure it is to screw it directly to the granite. ...
A: Pravin, I typically have a space of around one half inch between the dishwasher and the counter top. ...
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| countertop cut wrong | 4/21/2009 |
Q: Long story short, we are redoing our kitchen. We ordered a new countertop, the place made it too ...
A: Beth, I must say that if I had hired someone to provide a counter top and it was two inches short I ...
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| Kitchen cabinet handles | 4/19/2009 |
Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and would like to refinish or have refinished our handles. They are 30 ...
A: Erma, If your handles are "antique" brass you should probably just clean them. Try some mineral ...
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| microwave oven over stove | 4/19/2009 |
Q: We are doing a kitchen remodel. Moved the stove over 3 inches.Now Microwave can not be mounted on ...
A: Lucy, Microwave/vent units over the stove are typically supported on the most part by two screw ...
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| Counter width | 4/17/2009 |
Q: Is there a minimum counter width needed (by code) when you build a cabinet and place it next to a ...
A: Brian, The standard counter top depth (front to back) is 25 inches as standard component kitchen ...
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| Kitchen Rehab | 4/12/2009 |
Q: I'm asking for advice. I have a project to refurbish my kitchen, considering what I want done, ...
A: Virginia, Your project is a job a small remodeling company can perform. My company in NC, for ...
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| surface protection of art on ceramic tile | 4/11/2009 |
Q: We have ceramic tiles that we have printed color photos on. What substance could we brush or spray ...
A: Jen, Tough question. If you have transferred the photo directly on the tile I would try an acrylic ...
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| What kitchen cabinet is "M&B"? | 4/9/2009 |
Q: I just bought a house and it has 1/2 a set of white MDF cabinets. I need to add a few more to ...
A: Kara, It is difficult to track down the cabinet "maker". I would need the area you bought the house, ...
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| Trim on top of cabinets | 3/22/2009 |
Q: I had new cabinets installed and the trim on the wall cabinets does not go all the way to the ...
A: Sharon, Though I am located in Burlington, Nc., and do not have a clue where you are, I am certain ...
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| kitchen cupboard | 3/21/2009 |
Q: How do I make kitchen cupboard plumb on tiled floor when floor is not square. I am using tiles on ...
A: Babs, I think you mean you are trying plumb and level a base cabinet on a non-level floor. You will ...
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| Moving new cabinets an inch | 3/18/2009 |
Q: I hope I read right and this is your area of expertise. We are in the middle of remodeling our ...
A: Carrie, I am unclear as to your situation. Your base cabinet is "over too far". Does that mean it is ...
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| kitchen center island | 3/15/2009 |
Q: William- My husband and I would like to remove our center island to either make it rectangular or to ...
A: Jennifer, First you will need to ensure that the floor extends under the cabinet. If you are sure ...
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| removal of laminate from countertops | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of moving the laminate from my counters and replacing it with tile is there an ...
A: Cheryl, I am glad to help. Painting plastic laminate is somewhat problematic as it is a "plastic" ...
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| Wall Tile | 3/13/2009 |
Q: I hired a man to fill in the missing grout between the wall tiles in my shower. This is grout that ...
A: Shelley, Your local home improvement center or hardware store sell a tool called a grout scraper ...
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| Wall Tile | 3/13/2009 |
Q: I hired a man to fill in the missing grout between the wall tiles in my shower. This is grout that ...
A: Shelley, Though digging out grout is not much fun I have had to perform the task on too many ...
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| removal of laminate from countertops | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of moving the laminate from my counters and replacing it with tile is there an ...
A: Cheryl, Yes, just mix enough thinset mortar to float out the uneven places. Much like drywall ...
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| burn mark on black matte granite countertop | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I have a Formica kitchen counter top in a dark matte granite pattern. I set the tea kettle on the ...
A: Cat, Your granite top was polished and buffed and then sealed and most likely buffed again. If I was ...
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| removal of laminate from countertops | 3/11/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of moving the laminate from my counters and replacing it with tile is there an ...
A: Cheryl, In my opinion, if the plastic laminate is glued tightly to the plywood, with no "bubbles", ...
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| Don't know what to do first. | 3/7/2009 |
Q: Our home is 20 years old and everything needs updated. The whole house needs new flooring and ...
A: Helen, I am a Contractor, in Burlington, Nc (Triad area), and as such I look at projects from the ...
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| grout problems/glass tile | 3/6/2009 |
Q: Old tile was removed, tile very old late 70's & drywall paper still intact. Came off easily. They ...
A: Colleen, You mention "drywall paper intact" and came off easily. Did you remove the drywall, and ...
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| coutertops | 2/23/2009 |
Q: I want to buy a sink that is 54" x 24 1/2" but my present countertop has a 33"x 22" sink. Can I ...
A: Esther, If you want to buy the vintage sink and store it for later I would just put it in a place in ...
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| coutertops | 2/23/2009 |
Q: I want to buy a sink that is 54" x 24 1/2" but my present countertop has a 33"x 22" sink. Can I ...
A: Ester, Cast iron sinks are very heavy, and require two people to install. Your base cabinet if sound ...
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| problems with particle flooring | 2/22/2009 |
Q: Our son has a house trailer (Burlington) that has particle board for flooring with linoleum and ...
A: Jane, If you are in Burlington, NC as I am, we have had some weather this year and last fall. My ...
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| Molded/Built in sinks | 2/20/2009 |
Q: getting ready to install solid surface ( Corian) countertops. Really like the look of the built in ...
A: Miller, I fabricate solid surface (LG HI-MACS) and have the product in my kitchen. It is easy to ...
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| OTC Microwave and Granite | 2/20/2009 |
Q: I would like to install an OTC Microwave above my stove. I have granite backsplash that goes to the ...
A: Kevin, Undercab microwave units have a two part mounting system. The first part is a "backstop", a ...
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| coutertops | 2/18/2009 |
Q: I want to buy a sink that is 54" x 24 1/2" but my present countertop has a 33"x 22" sink. Can I ...
A: Esther, You need to consider the width of your sink base. The sink base is the cabinet that "holds ...
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| painting kitchen cabinets | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I painted our kitchen cabinets about 6 years ago. They need painted again. What process should I ...
A: Suzanne, I always use a degreaser (found in the paint dept of home improvement center), and then ...
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| Removing laminate countertops with a lazy susan | 2/15/2009 |
Q: We are having Silestone counter tops installed, but first my husband needs to remove the laminate ...
A: Gayle, I am somewhat stumped regarding a preformed cabinet around a lazy susan. Most base cabinet ...
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| flooring | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I have 3 layers of vinyl on my kitchen floor. Should I remove it before having tile or wood laminate ...
A: Linda, Typically, ceramic tile installed over a cement board underlayment, does not require removal ...
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| installing kitchen countertops and sinks | 2/9/2009 |
Q: My current sink is 33x22, but can I install a 30x 21 sink? I am going to have my countertops done. ...
A: Esther, If you are installing new countertops, a smaller sink (30x21) will work. I prefer porcelian ...
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| granite kitchen countertops installed | 2/6/2009 |
Q: I am getting granite kitchen countertops installed in a couple of weeks. In the meantime I will be ...
A: Mohd, Tumbled marble tiles have a "lava stone" look and are typically spaced with about a one ...
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| under the cabinet microwave | 2/6/2009 |
Q: what is minimum distance between bottom of under the cabinet microwave and top of the stove
A: Cindy, The first thing to consider is the type of stovetop you have. Natural gas stove tops ...
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| TILING A KITCHEN BACKSPLASH | 2/5/2009 |
Q: THIS IS MY FIRST TILING PROJECT. I AM INSTALLING A KITCHEN BACKSPLASH ON SHEETROCK USING 4.5" X 4.5" ...
A: Paul, Your trowel size is correct. The key to mastic is to try and keep your "groove" lines ...
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| fastening faucet to granite countertops | 2/2/2009 |
Q: We had a professional plumber install the faucet to our granite countertop. It is a single handle ...
A: Caroline, You may be able to loosen the nut that holds the clip that holds the faucet in place, ...
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| cabinets | 2/1/2009 |
Q: how many cabinets in a typical 10x10 kitchen set up ....thanks....fred.
A: Fred, Kitchen cabinet components are designed for a ten foot run (length). Most sink bases (cabinet ...
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| Installing new counters to abut current sink | 1/30/2009 |
Q: I have a 1940's Cape. I would like to do a simple renovation of my kitchen, which include repainting ...
A: Nancy, I will assume that you are going to purchase post-form plastic laminate tops, the least ...
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| replace sink in granite | 1/28/2009 |
Q: Can I replace an undermount cast iron sink in a granite counter? I want stainless steel. How do I ...
A: Diane, It is possible to replace an undermount sink, though the job can be tough. Cast iron sinks ...
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| installing wine cooler and a narrow base cabinet | 1/19/2009 |
Q: What would be the best way to remove the scribe molding and toe kick from the existing cabinet so ...
A: You will need a 16 oz claw hammer, a small trim flat pry bar (some call it a baby "wonder bar"), a ...
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| kitchen countertop | 1/19/2009 |
Q: I recently saw on Design on a Dime, they had found a product that you spread on formica countertop ...
A: Sandie. I can only surmise that you are inquiring about a polyester or fiberglass resin product. ...
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