Otis in the Suburbs (2 Viewers)

[corpcow]

does the shovel work better with the sticker removed?

If the shovel was worked, the sticker would be removed. So, yes the shovel does work better with the sticker removed.

I just laugh because, like Otis apparently, I go to Home Depot and buy #### that I think I should probably have... I bought a shovel, and I don't know what to dig up with it. But I have a mother####ing shovel.

 

[Otis]

I HATE BUGSHow do I get rid of these things? I'm not just talking about citronella etc. when we are sitting out back and looking to avoid mosquitos. But especially on these nasty hot muggy days, there are all these damn gnat-type flies all over the place. They drive me bananas. They latch onto you and follow you around, and you look like a moron waving your hand all over to swat them away every 20 seconds. What attracts them? Is it the foliage and crap? I notice when we walk down our front walkway in the morning, there is a point halfway down, next to this large flowering bush thing, where I get ambushed every day by a pack of them. I'm wondering if maybe tearing out all these big stupid bushes and planting some nice grass, maybe some small flowers in beds, might be less likely to attract all these things. If I had the money, at this point I might just consider paving the whole damn property. There are some things I miss about the city...

Is Killingsworth Environmental anywhere near you? If so, call 'em

Negative. But if there's a place in the NY area that can fix this, I'm game to call them...

 

[YSR]

I HATE BUGSHow do I get rid of these things? I'm not just talking about citronella etc. when we are sitting out back and looking to avoid mosquitos. But especially on these nasty hot muggy days, there are all these damn gnat-type flies all over the place. They drive me bananas. They latch onto you and follow you around, and you look like a moron waving your hand all over to swat them away every 20 seconds. What attracts them? Is it the foliage and crap? I notice when we walk down our front walkway in the morning, there is a point halfway down, next to this large flowering bush thing, where I get ambushed every day by a pack of them. I'm wondering if maybe tearing out all these big stupid bushes and planting some nice grass, maybe some small flowers in beds, might be less likely to attract all these things. If I had the money, at this point I might just consider paving the whole damn property. There are some things I miss about the city...

Our bug problem is so bad that I cannot go into the backyard. Granted, we live on the Intracoastal Waterway (rather, a canal leading to it) so I understand our issue. But I'm really susceptible to bites, unlike my husband. It's a real ##### on a nice evening when you want to grill and eat outside. Wish I had a solution for you, but I'm just here to this for when you find one.

 

[Otis]

I HATE BUGSHow do I get rid of these things? I'm not just talking about citronella etc. when we are sitting out back and looking to avoid mosquitos. But especially on these nasty hot muggy days, there are all these damn gnat-type flies all over the place. They drive me bananas. They latch onto you and follow you around, and you look like a moron waving your hand all over to swat them away every 20 seconds. What attracts them? Is it the foliage and crap? I notice when we walk down our front walkway in the morning, there is a point halfway down, next to this large flowering bush thing, where I get ambushed every day by a pack of them. I'm wondering if maybe tearing out all these big stupid bushes and planting some nice grass, maybe some small flowers in beds, might be less likely to attract all these things. If I had the money, at this point I might just consider paving the whole damn property. There are some things I miss about the city...

Our bug problem is so bad that I cannot go into the backyard. Granted, we live on the Intracoastal Waterway (rather, a canal leading to it) so I understand our issue. But I'm really susceptible to bites, unlike my husband. It's a real ##### on a nice evening when you want to grill and eat outside. Wish I had a solution for you, but I'm just here to this for when you find one.

We're just a couple blocks from a large body of still water as well. Our neighborhood is very green -- it was essentially a dense, hilly forest right on the Long Island sound before it was populated 100 years ago, and a lot of the trees and other vegetation remain. So I get why it's not the best location for bugs. But I have to imagine there is some way to limit them -- either by avoiding the types of plants they like and just using grass, or spraying some stuff to murder the whole lot of em.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I also wonder, at least with respect to the yard, if the rotting wood deck, and all the dirt and dark crevasses beneath it, might be a good festering spot for all these bugs. The good news is that is getting ripped out and replaced with sand and pavers in about a week. I'm hoping that makes a difference. #IHATEBUGS

Trained Bats.That's what you need.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I HATE BUGSHow do I get rid of these things? I'm not just talking about citronella etc. when we are sitting out back and looking to avoid mosquitos. But especially on these nasty hot muggy days, there are all these damn gnat-type flies all over the place. They drive me bananas. They latch onto you and follow you around, and you look like a moron waving your hand all over to swat them away every 20 seconds. What attracts them? Is it the foliage and crap? I notice when we walk down our front walkway in the morning, there is a point halfway down, next to this large flowering bush thing, where I get ambushed every day by a pack of them. I'm wondering if maybe tearing out all these big stupid bushes and planting some nice grass, maybe some small flowers in beds, might be less likely to attract all these things. If I had the money, at this point I might just consider paving the whole damn property. There are some things I miss about the city...

Our bug problem is so bad that I cannot go into the backyard. Granted, we live on the Intracoastal Waterway (rather, a canal leading to it) so I understand our issue. But I'm really susceptible to bites, unlike my husband. It's a real ##### on a nice evening when you want to grill and eat outside. Wish I had a solution for you, but I'm just here to this for when you find one.

We're just a couple blocks from a large body of still water as well. Our neighborhood is very green -- it was essentially a dense, hilly forest right on the Long Island sound before it was populated 100 years ago, and a lot of the trees and other vegetation remain. So I get why it's not the best location for bugs. But I have to imagine there is some way to limit them -- either by avoiding the types of plants they like and just using grass, or spraying some stuff to murder the whole lot of em.

did you try that stuff someone posted that you spray on the grass/foliage? I think Cutter makes it, attaches to hose, ect.I have a bottle in the garage and haven't tried it. Get a fire pit/chiminea and some liquid citronella filled torches (table top or "tiki").We are in the middle of the woods and our situation is mostly under control

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

http://www.amazon.com/Cutter-Backyard-Repellent-Concentrate-HG-61067/dp/B000PGE032

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

http://www.housesforbats.com/

lmao, I was only joking.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=Bat+House&x=0&y=0

 

[Garrett]

I HATE BUGSHow do I get rid of these things? I'm not just talking about citronella etc. when we are sitting out back and looking to avoid mosquitos. But especially on these nasty hot muggy days, there are all these damn gnat-type flies all over the place. They drive me bananas. They latch onto you and follow you around, and you look like a moron waving your hand all over to swat them away every 20 seconds. What attracts them? Is it the foliage and crap? I notice when we walk down our front walkway in the morning, there is a point halfway down, next to this large flowering bush thing, where I get ambushed every day by a pack of them. I'm wondering if maybe tearing out all these big stupid bushes and planting some nice grass, maybe some small flowers in beds, might be less likely to attract all these things. If I had the money, at this point I might just consider paving the whole damn property. There are some things I miss about the city...

Our bug problem is so bad that I cannot go into the backyard. Granted, we live on the Intracoastal Waterway (rather, a canal leading to it) so I understand our issue. But I'm really susceptible to bites, unlike my husband. It's a real ##### on a nice evening when you want to grill and eat outside. Wish I had a solution for you, but I'm just here to this for when you find one.

We're just a couple blocks from a large body of still water as well. Our neighborhood is very green -- it was essentially a dense, hilly forest right on the Long Island sound before it was populated 100 years ago, and a lot of the trees and other vegetation remain. So I get why it's not the best location for bugs. But I have to imagine there is some way to limit them -- either by avoiding the types of plants they like and just using grass, or spraying some stuff to murder the whole lot of em.

One thing that might help (only at night) is the yellow bulbs for any outdoor lighting.http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/faqs/incandescent.htm#5They literally look like yellow light bulbs, so they might look odd, but they do work very well for not attracting any bugs that are drawn in by lighting.

 

[shuke]

I also wonder, at least with respect to the yard, if the rotting wood deck, and all the dirt and dark crevasses beneath it, might be a good festering spot for all these bugs. The good news is that is getting ripped out and replaced with sand and pavers in about a week. I'm hoping that makes a difference. #IHATEBUGS

Trained Bats.That's what you need.

Build a bat house.

 

[Copeman]

I hate those little gnat things. I found that they like to congregate around anything moist. So try and make the ground where you see them a little better as far as drainage. Also, and it's a big one, is never go near these things if you have too much deodorant or cologne or anything like that on. They will follow you and stay with you.

 

[Otis]

I hate those little gnat things. I found that they like to congregate around anything moist. So try and make the ground where you see them a little better as far as drainage. Also, and it's a big one, is never go near these things if you have too much deodorant or cologne or anything like that on. They will follow you and stay with you.

This is exactly what happens to me during my morning walk to the train. I picked them up at our walkway, and they follow me for blocks, buzzing around my head as I spastically swat at them. I must look totally insane.

 

[Otis]

A bat house actually sounds totally awesome.

I was doing some work in the garage the other night and realized that we have tons of little spider nests in there. I saw the spiders with little spider eggs in the web. My first instinct would be to bring a blowtorch down there and clean house, but I remembered that spiders supposedly kill all the other bugs.

A lot of good they're doing in my effing garage.

 

[Reaper]

So far I'm Ok with My Thermacell Unit(s)

My backyard has been unbearable for the past 3 years - So, I bought 3 Units...

I've turned 2 on at a time AND sprayed Off bug spray and I've been able to actually get some use out of my yard...

We're thinking of a Chiminea as well... SUCK IT BUGS!!!

 

[Copeman]

Also regarding those little gnats......spray them with hairspray and watch them plummet to the ground as their wings freeze up.

 

[offdee]

Otis, stop covering yourself in cheap cologne every morning before work.

 

[squidrope]

I hate those little gnat things. I found that they like to congregate around anything moist. So try and make the ground where you see them a little better as far as drainage. Also, and it's a big one, is never go near these things if you have too much deodorant or cologne or anything like that on. They will follow you and stay with you.

This is exactly what happens to me during my morning walk to the train. I picked them up at our walkway, and they follow me for blocks, buzzing around my head as I spastically swat at them. I must look totally insane.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Got home after a long day of work. Sweated my way through putting together the patio set. What a PIA. But it came together OK. Also we did our first BBQing. The bacon-wrapped asparagus came out WAY better than in the oven. The turkey burgers with feta cheese in them were dried out. I'll need to work on that. Regular burgers next time...

Mrs. TF and I are contemplating the same set.How long did it take to put together? Can you post some pics? Thx

Was a PIA to put together, but not the end of the world. Most of the work was in pulling off all the packing covering. The actually building was fairly painless. Maybe took me a couple hours last night. Quality seems good, everything is HEAVY. Chairs are comfortable, table decent. We still need to get an umbrella. All in all, we're very happy with it so far. I'll take some more pics for you tonight.

thx. All the reviews on Home depot were very positive. I was skeptical of how quick the seats would dry if they got wet. Any initial impressions?

I suspect pretty quickly. I'm not sure what they are made out of or what you call the material, but it is thin and doesn't feel like something that will retain much moisture. Seems like you could wipe it off and it would dry fairly quickly.I posted a pic of this set up above here in the last page or so, not sure if you saw that yet. It captures it pretty well.We also bought based on the favorable reviews online. Be prepared for it being heavy as hell, but it's worth it for what seems like pretty good quality.

Hopefuly still holding up ok? Just ordered the set yesterday. Picked up an umbrella at Sam's today

Mrs. TF called....set came in today. Excited to get it set up tongiht

 

[Otis]

Got home after a long day of work. Sweated my way through putting together the patio set. What a PIA. But it came together OK. Also we did our first BBQing. The bacon-wrapped asparagus came out WAY better than in the oven. The turkey burgers with feta cheese in them were dried out. I'll need to work on that. Regular burgers next time...

Mrs. TF and I are contemplating the same set.How long did it take to put together? Can you post some pics? Thx

Was a PIA to put together, but not the end of the world. Most of the work was in pulling off all the packing covering. The actually building was fairly painless. Maybe took me a couple hours last night. Quality seems good, everything is HEAVY. Chairs are comfortable, table decent. We still need to get an umbrella. All in all, we're very happy with it so far. I'll take some more pics for you tonight.

thx. All the reviews on Home depot were very positive. I was skeptical of how quick the seats would dry if they got wet. Any initial impressions?

I suspect pretty quickly. I'm not sure what they are made out of or what you call the material, but it is thin and doesn't feel like something that will retain much moisture. Seems like you could wipe it off and it would dry fairly quickly.I posted a pic of this set up above here in the last page or so, not sure if you saw that yet. It captures it pretty well.We also bought based on the favorable reviews online. Be prepared for it being heavy as hell, but it's worth it for what seems like pretty good quality.

Hopefuly still holding up ok? Just ordered the set yesterday. Picked up an umbrella at Sam's today

Mrs. TF called....set came in today. Excited to get it set up tongiht

Saw that you posted and was wondering what happened with this.

 

[Otis]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

 

[squidrope]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

The kitchen came out great!

 

[gianmarco]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

Looks awesome, Oats, Huge improvement. And big fan of that railing. For about $4k, I can get you some nice chairs and a table and install them up there for you. Let me know.

 

[corpcow]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

Wow... makes such a huuuuge difference. :thumbsup:

 

[Chaos Commish]

 

[Britney Spears]

That kitchen turned out real nice. I don't see any reason for a bigger remodel there?

 

[Otis]

That kitchen turned out real nice. I don't see any reason for a bigger remodel there?

Yeh we won't touch it for some years now. We would eventually like something real nice and big -- one of those big gourmet kitchens with the island in the middle etc. But we will wait 5-10 years at which point we plan to build a big extension out that side of the house, turn it into a brand new high end kitchen + great room open floor plan. But until we plan to do something major like that, this will be all good.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Kitchen looks great! Nice to see those same asscabinets that I have can be prettied up.

I would have gone with a contrasting color on the railing, but it looks like a great place to chill out.

 

[Guster]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

Looks great! A couple of these up on the roof and you'll have a great spot to escape to while they are redoing your patio.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

Jambo approves.

 

[ODoyleRules]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

I replaced my kitchen faucet recently to something similar to what you have. Love it.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

I like what Otis did with the wood panels.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Kitchen looks great! Nice to see those same asscabinets that I have can be prettied up.

I would have gone with a contrasting color on the railing, but it looks like a great place to chill out.

 

[Leviathan]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

Very nice! The counter tops look really good. I want to do something similar to my kitchen.

The fridge looks like mine. Is that a Samsung?

 

[Otis]

Granite countertops and new sink were installed yesterday, finishing out our "cheap" kitchen renovation. We probably ended up spending near 10k on the kitchen anyway once you factor in the new appliances, but it's a lot better than the 50k+ we were originally considering, and we're still happy with the result given that everything is "new" (or at least painted/resurfaced) and it looks a bunch better than the disaster it was originally:

BEFORE

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

AFTER

Kitchen 1

Kitchen 2

Kitchen 3

Wrought iron railing installed on the flat roof. We may have to pull out a small table and chairs there to sit out and have some morning coffee...

This week they start the outside masonry project to rip up the rotting wood deck out back, install a patio, and redo the front steps and entryway. Should make a big difference, I'm trying to be better about getting the BEFORE shots on this one.

Very nice! The counter tops look really good. I want to do something similar to my kitchen.

The fridge looks like mine. Is that a Samsung?

Yup. Fridge is a monster, but it's great.

 

[Otis]

Kitchen looks great! Nice to see those same asscabinets that I have can be prettied up. I would have gone with a contrasting color on the railing, but it looks like a great place to chill out.

Yeah in retrospect we should have gone with black for the railing. My folks coerced us into going with white, since they thought it would make the house look more extended, bigger? Hell if I know. I don't have very strong opinions about most of this stuff since I have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[Britney Spears]

Otis, can I ask how much for countertops?

 

[mr. furley]

I know shuke said bug zappers are white trash but do they work?

get some Cutter Bug Free Backyard. works great.eta: what JTG said

 

[Otis]

Otis, can I ask how much for countertops?

About $2300 plus a few hundred more for install and new sink. Granite costs what it costs, so I don't think there's much out there in the way of a "deal." Home Depot would have cost a couple hundred more overall --we went straight to a granite and marble place (where the contractors would go).

 

[OC Zed]

Kitchen looks great! Nice to see those same asscabinets that I have can be prettied up. I would have gone with a contrasting color on the railing, but it looks like a great place to chill out.

Yeah in retrospect we should have gone with black for the railing. My folks coerced us into going with white, since they thought it would make the house look more extended, bigger? Hell if I know. I don't have very strong opinions about most of this stuff since I have no idea what I'm talking about.

This is a fair point. The black gates would have provided a nice contrast, but it may have also appeared to be boxing in the space.

 

[Otis]

Long day of labor, which included painting the lamp post out front and buying/installing a new light at the top. Looks fantastic. (it's a nice metal (cast iron?) one with glass windows, as opposed to the plastic junky one they left us, with scuffed up, plastic windows, and about a billion dead moths inside).

But my favorite accomplishment was taking this rickety old bench left by the previous homeowners and rebuilding it. The back and sides are super heavy, must be cast iron. But the thing looks like crap and was wobbly and half falling apart. Went to home depot, got some new hard maple, gave it a nice cedar-colored stain, sanded and washed down the iron, couple coast of rustoleum, some bolts, nuts, hole drilling, and screws.

The end result?

After

And it only cost me 5k about 20 bucks, along with an afternoon, some Otis Redding station on Pandora, and a coupe light beers.

I have a spot planned for this out front, near the front entrance of the house, where there is a little nook where I'm going to have the masonry guy branch out to a small paver patio, with the bench on it, and I'll do a flowerbed surrounding.

SUCK IT FRED!111

 

[Otis]

This bench is heavy as hell. Wife can't even help me move it out front.

 

[Battles]

You'll need a couple coats of poly on the stained wood if you want it to last a tad longer. Did you use the poly and stain combo?

Oh, and it's looks good! :gianthandsputtogooduse:

 

[Otis]

You'll need a couple coats of poly on the stained wood if you want it to last a tad longer. Did you use the poly and stain combo?

Yeah the stuff I got was the wood stain + weatherproofer all in one. I put a few coats, and it was on top of already-finished maple, so it didn't bleed in too badly. Still I'm wondering if there is something else I should put on top. (I got a can of spray-on Thompson's water seal, but today noticed the directions say it shouldn't be used on freshly-stained wood. )

 

[Rohn Jambo]

The end result?

After

I didn't think it would be possible for Otis to be more awesome.

 

[squidrope]

Long day of labor, which included painting the lamp post out front and buying/installing a new light at the top. Looks fantastic. (it's a nice metal (cast iron?) one with glass windows, as opposed to the plastic junky one they left us, with scuffed up, plastic windows, and about a billion dead moths inside).

But my favorite accomplishment was taking this rickety old bench left by the previous homeowners and rebuilding it[/b]. The back and sides are super heavy, must be cast iron. But the thing looks like crap and was wobbly and half falling apart. Went to home depot, got some new hard maple, gave it a nice cedar-colored stain, sanded and washed down the iron, couple coast of rustoleum, some bolts, nuts, hole drilling, and screws.

The end result?

After

And it only cost me 5k about 20 bucks, along with an afternoon, some Otis Redding station on Pandora, and a coupe light beers.

I have a spot planned for this out front, near the front entrance of the house, where there is a little nook where I'm going to have the masonry guy branch out to a small paver patio, with the bench on it, and I'll do a flowerbed surrounding.

SUCK IT FRED!111

He's starting to get it.

 

[belljr]

OATS serious question.

We pianted our bathroom cabinets. Your kitchen did you (they) strip and paint them or just paint them. I'm close to either hiring someone to redo my entire kitchen, OR paint cabinets and do my own stuff minus the counter top. I just have wallpaper to take off etc.

 

[Uwe Blab]

OATS serious question.We pianted our bathroom cabinets. Your kitchen did you (they) strip and paint them or just paint them. I'm close to either hiring someone to redo my entire kitchen, OR paint cabinets and do my own stuff minus the counter top. I just have wallpaper to take off etc.

FYI, we had our kitchen redone about 2 years ago and the guy simply painted the cabinets (no stripping) with oil-based paint. Its tougher to find nowadays (we got it at Sherwin Williams), but it supposedly adheres a bit better and it still looks great.

 

[belljr]

OATS serious question.We pianted our bathroom cabinets. Your kitchen did you (they) strip and paint them or just paint them. I'm close to either hiring someone to redo my entire kitchen, OR paint cabinets and do my own stuff minus the counter top. I just have wallpaper to take off etc.

FYI, we had our kitchen redone about 2 years ago and the guy simply painted the cabinets (no stripping) with oil-based paint. Its tougher to find nowadays (we got it at Sherwin Williams), but it supposedly adheres a bit better and it still looks great.

Cool. Yeah I think we did oil base for our bathroom, came out great compared to before, but we stripped and all. If I can "skip" that step will save a lot of time, the wall paper is going to suck....

 

[Otis]

OATS serious question.We pianted our bathroom cabinets. Your kitchen did you (they) strip and paint them or just paint them. I'm close to either hiring someone to redo my entire kitchen, OR paint cabinets and do my own stuff minus the counter top. I just have wallpaper to take off etc.

The cabinets didn't have much of a finish on them beforehand. I know he did something with them, because I saw them the day after prep and they looked a little less glossy -- my guess is they did some kind of stripping. But we had him do a real basic job -- didn't paint the insides of the cabinets or anything like that. We just didn't see the point. Exterior surfaces only. Totally a doable job on your own -- we were planning to but given that the guy was already painting the kitchen anyway and I knew would do a better job than us, it was sort of a no-brainer to pay him for the add on.

 

[Arizona Ron]

Otis, any plans to replace the deck? I looks like it's waiting for someone to fall through the wood!