Dear James: Whenever we use our great room fireplace, some smoke comes out into the room. I am going to add one to the master bedroom. How can I keep the new fireplace from being smoky? -- Ron T. Dear Ron: You definitely are not alone with the problem of a smoky wood-burning fireplace. More than half of fireplaces cause some smoky conditions inside homes, and it is difficult … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Build a Wood Burning Fireplace – Minus the Smoke
Home Remodel
Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim
Dear James: I have old aluminum siding trim on the sides of my house, but it looks bad. I would like to replace it with wood siding. Can I just nail wood over the old siding? What is the best method to do it? -- Andre B. Dear Andre: New aluminum or vinyl siding looks good and is practically maintenance-free, but neither has the sharp crisp look of real wood siding. Since you … [Read more...] about Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim
Need More Space? How to Install Space-Saving Sliding and Folding Doors
Dear James: Our swinging doors use a lot of wall space when open. Our house is small, so we want to install sliding or folding doors. Which design is better and how are they installed? -- Marcia L. Dear Marcia: Hinged doors do take up a lot of space. Since they are normally in the fully opened or closed position, it may not be apparent how much open space they actually … [Read more...] about Need More Space? How to Install Space-Saving Sliding and Folding Doors
Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood
Dear James: I seldom use my old noisy range hood. I thought about making a new one from decorative wood myself. Does this make sense or should I buy a standard metal one? -- Kent F. Dear Kent: People often don't realize how important it is to use a range hood when cooking. Odors are the least of the concerns. Without at range hood running, vaporized grease eventually will … [Read more...] about Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood