Feb 21, 2015 2 min read

Q. Is a water-based stain as good as an oil-based stain on pine molding? When applying the prestain conditioner and the stain itself, is it best to use a brush or cloth? Is there a waiting period to apply the finish stain after applying the conditioner?

A. Water-based stains are getting pretty good, but they are difficult to apply without overlaps. I used a brush with a light touch and not much stain on the brush, and did fairly well. You can use a brush for the conditioner. Drying time is usually dry to the touch. Or check the label.

Q. We are building a three-season porch which will be screened in five to six months out of the year. The other months it will be glassed in. We would like to have a solid floor with foam insulation underneath. Our problem is deciding on what type of flooring to use. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

A. A good floor for a porch is concrete, installed over 6 inches of foam insulation. Such a floor needs a foundation going at least 4 feet into the ground to prevent heaving and cracking from frost. Another good floor is a wood floor, on a 4-foot foundation, or on 4-by-4-inch pressure-treated posts, with 6-inch insulation between the joists. In either case, you can convert this design to be a part of the house, not just a porch.

Q. I will be in Florida for all of February, so I will need to protect the house for 30 days or so. How? Shut down the heat, and water, or what? I heat by gas. My water heater has a “vacation” switch, so I can use that. And what else?

A. I think turning the heat to 55 or 50 will save enough fuel to make it worthwhile. But this is important: Hire or have a neighbor act as a house-sitter, checking everything in the house once or twice a day.