Today’s Homeowner Radio Show Podcast | February 25, 2023

Hour 1

Hear how to remove carpet from stairs, our advice on switching from a gas water heater to an electric one and more.

Removing Carpet from Stairs

A homeowner wants to know: “How do you remove carpet from the stairs without damaging the wood under the carpet?”

Since this house was built in 2006, the hardwood you see on the ends might not extend across the entire step. Oak is expensive, so to save money, some builders just leave plywood under the carpet. If that’s the case, then you’ll have to remove the end caps and put an all-new layer of oak hardwood over each step. 

Lift up the edge of the carpet with some pliers to see if it continues on. If the oak does continue across the steps, here’s how you can remove the carpet: 

1. Start by using pliers to lift up the edge of the carpet on the top step. Then, work your way down the stairs, pulling up the carpet as you go.
2. Once the carpet is removed, you may notice tack strips along the edges of the stairs. Carefully pry these up using a pry bar or pliers.
3. If there’s any leftover adhesive or residue from the carpet, use a scraper or putty knife to remove it. You can also use a solvent such as mineral spirits or adhesive remover to help loosen it.
4. Use wood filler or putty to patch any holes or damage left behind from the tack strips.
5. After allowing the filler to dry completely, sand the stairs before painting or staining them to match the rest of the room.
6. Finish by staining or painting the stairs so they match the rest of the room.

With some patience and the right tools, your stairs will have a whole new look.

Should You Switch from a Gas Water Heater to an Electric One?

Wendy in California needs a new water heater, and she wants to know if she should switch from gas to electric. 

Read: Comparing Gas and Electric Water Heaters

“Gas is so expensive now. Our bill is four times higher than it was last year or even a couple of months ago!” she says.

With gas prices skyrocketing, it’s understandable to consider switching to an electric water heater. However, you first need to consider the significant electrical work involved. 

If you don’t have space currently in your sub-panel to accommodate a water heater, then that will require a fair amount of electrical work. 

Electric water heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit with a specific voltage and amperage. You’ll need to ensure that your home can accommodate the necessary electrical requirements before purchasing an electric water heater.

It’s also a challenge to route that water heater’s power line from point A to point B, and you’ll want it to be hidden. That means you’ll have to consult with an electrician to give you an assessment of the work’s feasibility. 

One of the simplest and easiest ways to go is to go right back to what you have — gas — and know that the newer unit is far more efficient than anything produced even a few years ago.

In the meantime, one thing you can do to help ease utility costs is to check with your utility company to see if they offer any climate credit to help lower your bill. 

Hour 2

Hear our tips for keeping spaces in tongue-and-groove flooring clean, how to seal a butcher block countertop, how to restore oak hardwood flooring, and more.

Keeping Spaces in Tongue-and-Groove Flooring Clean

A homeowner’s tongue-and-groove maple hardwood flooring has separated in some spots, leaving spaces between a lot of the boards. 

“There is dirt down in the spaces; how do I get that out? And what do I use to fill up the spaces?” he asks. 

Some say having a space here and there is part of the character of hardwood floors because filling in the spaces isn’t easy to do. 

Some have tried caulking or filling these spaces with sawdust and glue. But the problem with that is it becomes rigid and when the hardwood inevitably expands and contracts, it pops out of the space. 

To remove the dirt that’s already accumulated, use a thin blade putty knife and scrape along that joint, and at the same time, vacuum as you go. 

The best approach is to regularly clean the floors and prevent tracking in dirt in the first place. Try these tips:

1. Invest in doormats: Place doormats both outside and inside your home to help capture dirt and debris before it is tracked inside.
2. Establish a shoe-free policy: Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before entering the house. Provide a designated area for shoes to be stored, such as a shoe rack or basket.
3. Use door seals: Install door seals around exterior doors to prevent dirt and debris from entering under the door. This can also help with energy efficiency by preventing drafts.
4. Groom pets: If you have pets, regularly groom them to prevent excess fur and dirt from being tracked inside. Keep a towel near the door to wipe your pet’s paws after they have been outside.

Sealing a Butcher Block Countertop

A homeowner wants to replace her countertops with a butcher block, but she’s concerned about using it around the sink. 

“Is there a type of wood that is better to use, and will it need to be sealed with something like polyurethane?” she asks.

Butcher block is a popular, cost-effective choice for kitchen countertops. But it is important to choose the right type of wood and to properly maintain it, especially around the sink area where it can be exposed to moisture.

When it comes to choosing a type of wood for butcher block countertops around the sink, select a hardwood that’s durable and resistant to water damage. Some popular options include maple, walnut, cherry, and oak. These woods are dense and hard, which makes them less likely to absorb water and become damaged.

It’s also important to properly seal the countertop to protect it from moisture. Polyurethane is a common sealer that can be used to protect the wood from water damage, stains, and scratches. However, choose a food-grade polyurethane that is safe for use on countertops and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and maintenance.

Another option for sealing butcher block countertops around the sink is to use a food-grade wax or mineral oil, like Woodcraft Clear Butcher Block Oil. These products penetrate the wood to protect it from moisture and can be reapplied periodically to maintain the finish. However, they may not provide the same level of protection as polyurethane.

Finish Options for a Non-Shiny Hardwood Floor

A homeowner says a tornado damaged the roof of her home, and as a result, her 100-year-old oak hardwood floors suffered from some water damage.

“I have spoken with a hardwood floor refinishing and they want to fill in with filler and sand and stain and polyurethane my wood floor. I really don’t want polyurethane on the floor because the rest of the flooring does not have polyurethane on it. Do you know of other options to restore my oak hardwood flooring?” she asks. 

One option is to use a natural oil finish. This type of finish penetrates the wood and provides a protective layer without creating a shiny or plastic-looking surface.

Natural oil finishes are typically made from plant-based oils, such as linseed oil, tung oil, or hemp oil, and can be applied with a brush or rag. These finishes can give your floor a more matte or satin appearance, which may be more consistent with the look of the rest of your flooring.

Another option is to use a wax finish. This type of finish provides a soft, natural look that enhances the wood’s grain and texture. However, it is not as durable as polyurethane and requires more maintenance.

Lastly, you can try a water-based finish. Unlike oil-based finishes, which can give the wood a slightly yellow or amber tone, water-based finishes are clear and don’t change the color of the wood. They are also less likely to yellow over time.

Water-based finishes are often less toxic than oil-based finishes and may dry faster, which can be a benefit if you need to move back into your home quickly.

Best New Products

Don’t let leaking pipes ruin your day! Check out this water leak and freeze detector from Kidde, your new hero for peace of mind.

Simple Solutions

Pool Noodle Water Hose — Next time you need to fill a water bucket that’s too big to fit under the sink or tub faucet, try this trick:

• Take a pool noodle and slip one end over the end of the faucet.
• Take the opposite end of the noodle and place it in the bucket.
• Turn on the faucet and water will flow through the noodle and into the bucket.

This Simple Solution is particularly helpful when you don’t have hot water at an outside faucet, and you’re preparing to wash your car or dog.

Watch: Using a Pool Noodle as a Water Hose

What to Do with Old Paint — Donate partially filled paint cans to a school’s art department, drama department, or the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Or, drop them off at your town’s Hazardous Waste Day.

If you must dispose of the paint, fill the can with cat litter or sawdust. Leave the lid off until all the paint has been absorbed, then toss it out with your household trash.

Further Reading

• New Study Shows Potential Impact of Gas Stove Regulations by State
• Tips to Lower the Utility Bills in Your Home
• How to Prevent Warping and Cupping on Hardwood Floors