Tag Archives: decks

EP163: Deck Coatings, Surprising Warm Colors, Mom and the Mysterious Case of Ghosting

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SEGMENT 1: Deck Coatings and Wood Protectors

0:00 – 8:30

There are a lot of deck products out there to choose from and, while it’s a good thing to have some options, sometimes the multitude of offerings can get confusing. We break down a few of the most common on the show today. And if your deck is in good shape, or the wood hasn’t been coated with a semi-transparent or solid color stain, our favorite recommendation is RepcoLite’s Port City Deck and Dock! 

View in our Online Store:

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Not Just Oranges and Reds!

8:35 –  32:22

So often we think of warm colors as simply an orange or a red. Maybe a yellow. But in fact, there are a wide range of colors that can be classified as “warm” and which, when used in the right way, will serve to “cozy-up” your space!

Betsy’s Benjamin Moore Color Recommendations:

Read More:

SEGMENT 4: Mom and the Mysterious Case of Ghosting

32:25 – 39:55

Ghosting or Thermal Tracking is a relatively common occurrence in the home. In short, it’s the phenomenon that occurs when small amounts of moisture forms on your drywall surface directly over the studs and framing. Dirt and soot and other airborne contaminants collect there and, over time, can result in a shadow effect on your walls.

It’s common, but frustrating. However, when you point it out to your mom on a holiday weekend and get her all riled up about it . . . it moves to a whole new level!

EP160: Generation Helpless, Garage Organization, Murder Hornets, and Fiascos

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Segment 1: Generation H(elpless)

We found an article that we really struggled to believe. And yet, it brought up a great topic that is worth digging into: kids who have no idea how to do anything around the home. Here’s the article for your reading (dis)pleasure, but suffice to say, as parents and grandparents, let’s do what we can to teach our kids the skills they’ll need when they have their own places! We don’t want to read articles about how they left burnt out lightbulbs in because they were too afraid to  change them….

Segments 2 & 3: Garage Organization

Getting the garage organized is one of those tasks that provides a great deal of satisfaction! It’s normally a monumental undertaking . . . but when it’s done and done well, it’s worth the work!  Here are a few of the resources we mentioned in the show today,  starting with the article from  the Family Handyman website!

Segment 4: Murder Hornets

Yep. Something else bad is apparently on the horizon in 2020. At least according to the news! In fact, everywhere you look (where they’re not covering COVID19), they’re showing pictures of INSANELY large hornets known as Murder Hornets. And nothing with the word “murder” in front of it is a good thing. Murder House, Murder Weapons, Murder Rooms, Murder Tigers, Murder Puppies. Nope. Nothing with “murder”  in front  is good.

Well, we sit down with David Popp from Rose Pest  solutions and talk about these insects. And fortunately, right now,  David says, we have  a  long  time to go before we’ll see these in West Michigan . . . if they even can survive in the U.S.

Bonus Segment: Fiascos

Betsy stumbled onto a  great podcast from This American Life. It was a collection of stories about fiascos–true fiascos. And we talk about a couple of our own….

 

 

EP159: Lawn Mower Tune-Up, Spring/Summer Design Trends, Deck Materials, and Hardwood Deck Coatings

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Segments 1: Lawn Mower Tune-Up

The snow has been gone for a while and with all the rain we’ve had, it might be time to mow your grass. And, because we’re all stuck at home, it’s the perfect time to tune up you mower before you need it. We cover the tune-up portion in the show but here are some other things you might want to consider doing as long as you’re at it.

CLEAN IT

  • Scrape off grass caked on underside of mower deck
  • Brush off grass clippings, etc.
  • Be careful about using too much even with the clean out ports
  • And let it run a few minutes after you’ve done that.
  • Also, you could apply an automotive wax to the deck to potentially stop grass from sticking there — 
    • But you’re better off to just not mow when it’s  wet if you can help it.

 

OLDER MOWER, RUSTING DECK?

  • Slow the deterioration down
  • Wire brush the rust, clean it up
  • RepcoLite’s 449 Metal Primer and Met’l Clad can be used

 

LUBRICATE MOVING PARTS

  • Use a spray lubricant on the front wheel adjusters
  • Grease the wheel bearings as necessary

 

  • Do the maintenance — it’s a huge investment
  • JUST DO IT ALL WITH THE SPARK PLUG DISCONNECTED
  • Consult the owners manual for the recommended steps and procedures specific to your equipment
  • Look online if you don’t have one
  • Check YouTube for How-Tos

Segment 2: Spring/Summer Design Trends from High Point

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, High Point, NC didn’t hold their annual spring market this year. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! And just a heads up, don’t throw everything in your basement away because you think it’s out of style. That old wicker peacock chair from the 60’s and 70’s….yup! Back. In. Style!

Segment 3: Deck Materials

We sat down with Jason Slenk, one of the owners of Overisel Lumber in Holland, before the pandemic to talk about the different decking materials that are available.

Segment 4: Hardwood Deck Coating

Following our conversation with Jason, we decided it might be beneficial to discuss what type of stain to put on a hardwood deck and what to do if you have an old Trex deck that has seen better days after years of fade.

 

 

EP155: Quarantine Prep for Projects, Deck Questions, & Renovation Loans

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Segment 1: Quarantine Prep for Projects

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about prep work people can do now, with the supplies they have on hand, for a project they’ll do when they can go out again. We got the most common project questions.

Segment 2: Deck Questions

We also know that a lot of people have been thinking about doing their deck, now that the weather has shown us some warmer, sunny days. But there are a few things to consider before you just jump right in.

Segments 3 & 4: Renovation Loans

There’s a special loan out there for people looking to buy a house that may need a bit of fixing up. We have never heard of it before and we’re guessing a lot of other people haven’t either! Jen Aalderink and Amanda Lehman from Stockton Mortgage fill us in on the details of this special loan and exactly how it works.

EP151: OnFloor Machine, Buckingham Palace Wallpaper Preservation, and Home Show Preview

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Segment 1: OnFloor Machine

We’ll give you the scoop on a machine we rent that will have your deck looking like new in now time! And it’s so easy to use, you can control it with just one hand!

Segments 2 & 3: Buckingham Palace Wallpaper Preservation

Betsy missed her calling when it came to this! Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a HUGE renovation and update. All of the treasures are being moved out. And even the historic wallpaper is being painstakingly taken down and restored.

Segment 4: Home Show Preview

We taking you on an audio walking tour of the 41st Annual West Michigan Home and Garden Show. We talk about some of our favorite displays and tell you the booths not to miss!