Platform Steps

(AFTER Picture- A Generous,Comfortable Platform Design)

Sometimes the old fashioned step design is not really adequate for the needs of the household.
A slight change of technique results in completely different user experience.

(Before Picture- Cramped, rotten, uneven stringer design)

ViviLnk

There are many ways to upgrade dysfunctional step designs in carports and backyards.

Four examples from the archives: CLICK LINK (Deck Over Backdoor Steps) CLICK LINK (Carport examples) CLICK LINK (Entry Stoop Rework Platform) CLICK LINK (Trex Replacement Treads)

Call me to redesign your problem steps! (919) 834-4833

A Different Kind Of Window Glazing

So factory replacement sashes are adrift in a blizzard of bureaucratic paperwork and the damaged sash on the house is literally melting into mush minute by minute in plain sight.

What to do? Board up the window for an interminable interim? Or find a tricky way to stabilize the damaged section? Choice the second was not that difficult. Ordinary stock off-the -shelf moulding ripped down to size and overlayed on solid sash pieces protected and stabilized the damaged part.

The channel formed by the overlay was filled with old timey glazing compound for an attractive and robust repair.

When the replacement sash finally arrives the damaged sash can be removed in one piece and the new sash dropped into place.

A unique and inexpensive solution for a somewhat intractable problem!

Shutter Accent Overlay Hinge

A unique way to accent ordinary vinyl shutters using overlay wrap hinges!

The hinge is deliberately visible to provide an accent and in most cases works as designed even if deliberately installed in an off label fashion.

Hinge installed here on vinyl shutter with wooden cleat attached.

Another Steel Doggie Door

Remember this? (Click LINK HERE)

Me Too! Seems like only yesterday, but actually 2 years of various projects have passed into the archives!

For some reason big dogs need to have doggie hatches installed in steel doors.

The only difference with this year’s new adventure was to encapsulate the old tiny doggie door in the cut out for the new BIG doggie door.

And, as with the previous installation, a custom shop made template was an invaluable guide for the oscillating multi-tool.

If you have a big doggie door hatch problem, give me a call. I have experience.

(919) 834-4833

Corona Covid19 Chronicle -Jobshop Work

The Corona Chronicles-like everyone else -work here at Handyman Headquarters in downtown
Raleigh sputtered along in 3/4 or even 1/4 time during the dreary Spring Incarceration of 2020.

Long hours alone surrounded by sawdust and powertools punctuated by explorations of
Buckminster Fuller’s Geodesic Dome for the Cabin Fever Crowd (CLICK LINK)

and, of course, the ever popular Gatorade Snaptop Canister made from 2 recycled Gatorade plastic bottles.(CLICK LINK)

Howsomeever, there were and continue to be JOBSHOP PROJECTS!

Similar to jobshop projects from the recent past

(CLICK LINK)(CLICK LINK) (CLICK LINK) (CLICK LINK)(CLICK LINK)(CLICK LINK)(CLICK LINK)

some part of this custom bathroom vanity lay on the work bench through most of March, April and May.

Big pieces of lumber and plywood cut into small pieces of lumber and plywood (Step 1)

Said small pieces of lumber and plywood reassembled into other larger pieces of lumber and plywood. (Step 2)

Hardware and fixtures assembled and installed! (Step 3)

Finally, the completely assembled unit at the jobsite!

Doors-Out With Old!

Doors. Out with old, in with the new!

Sometimes 20 year old doors are like rotten teeth- extraction and
replacement is the most sensible option. So this door was replaced
in toto.

DIY Cut Laminate Counter with Oscillating Multi-Tool

A classic conundrum.

The new appliance is just slightly larger than the old range top. Approximately one half inch must be trimmed from each side. The cuts must be neat, precise and accurate for best visual results.

Hardly a job for a Sawzall ,jig saw, circular saw or router. The Oscillating Multi-Tool however, is perfect. With a straight edge guide clamped in place the little finish tool slowly leaves a perfect kerf.

New range unit fits perfectly.

Other Multi-Tool applications:

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CLICK THIS LINK or

CLICK THIS LINK

Convert Wood Door to Dutch Door Style

While I am not necessarily a fan of major modifications to clear fir solid wood legacy doors,
this was a fun project and consistent with the type of work I was asked to do back when
when such doors were widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Do not try this with a foam filled hollow core fiberglass or steel door! While anything
is possible, solid wood remains the simplest and best choice for this type of modification.
Anything else could be cost prohibitive.

Now the wait for squirrel Godot begins!

Refurbish Steps with Trex Planks

Before picture:

After picture

Tired, beat up, worn out stairway treads refurbished with Trex planks and bottom extension step.

Garage Door Bullseye Moulding Crosshead

Remember old timey Bullseye Moulding Crossheads? Sure you do. You see them in every
old timey cowboy movie.

In the 21st Century Bullseye Moulding Crossheads can be used over every garage door where
water damage mysteriously chews up the siding with alarming frequency.

An otherwise tough repair can be fixed with nothing more complicated than a PVC
plank capped on each end with good old fashioned Bullseye Moulding.

Get yours today!(Click for large image)