Annika's Carpentry

09/07/2026

Customers have repeatedly asked me questions about this handy tool. It goes by different names, mostly oscillator or multi-tool. It is indeed very handy as different attachments are available to use it for sanding, scraping, grout removal, flush cuts, plunge cuts, and generally cutting into a variety of materials.

I use it usually with a cutting blade. While they do come in different widths, I tend to buy wider blades and trim them with my tin snips if needed. Hardly any job goes by without this awesome tool being used! Once you have, you'll use it.

09/07/2026

It's been raining for 4 days and we are all tired of it🙁 but a few drier days are thankfully in the forecast. So hang in and stay dry.

Here are a few photos from a recent deck improvement when the sun was shining. The aluminum railing cost a lot more upfront than a wooden railing, however it is practically maintenance-free for many years to come.

09/04/2026

08/29/2026

During that rather hot week earlier in August I replaced 5 basement windows for two lovely families. On the outside, I sat on the ground to work on them. On the inside, I needed a ladder to reach!
The cool basements were a fantastic break from the heat.

08/29/2026

Just for giggles ... read the dimensions on the box.
Which one do you use more often - metric or imperial?
For me, it's definitely imperial.

08/28/2026

I recently stripped the cladding off this fireplace. It was an interesting project because the cottage has not changed much since it was built some 75 years ago.
The cottage has sunk around and away from the fireplace while the fireplace has stood steady. So the cottage will be lifted soon by another contractor and the fireplace may be rebuilt afterwards. Fingers crossed that all goes well.

08/03/2026

Remember that pile of trim? A planned and then postponed power outage by NS Power forced us to reschedule a couple of times, but today this pile finally found a new home and took on a useful shape.

07/31/2026

This bathroom received a partial makeover with new flooring, baseboards and vanity.

07/31/2026

This deck turned out very nice and strong. During construction, I test the deck for bounce and sway and add braces or blocking if needed.

07/31/2026

This pile of bifold doors and pine trim is ready to go and turn into a bathroom closet with shelving. Everything got a first coat of paint in my basement and will receive another one after installation in the customer's home.