u/ageofodds

Noob here! Finding it hard to navigate all the options.

Please see attached pictures of our treated cedar deck steps from the second floor. They're just over a year old and have not had any work done on them since they were built. Originally we were thinking of applying an opaque white stain on everything, but I'd like to get a second opinion.

Yesterday I applied an oxidizing wood wash. However, I was surprised that even this small job was a lot of work — it was very awkward to get all the angles, so when I started to think about sanding & staining next it began to feel like a huge job. There's also the issue of the vegetable garden beds underneath which would be difficult to move.

It left me with some questions about what exactly I need to seal/stain/paint. Do I need to stain everything? Can I get away with just doing the side panels for visual appeal? Maybe put a seal on the steps? Can I get away with leaving the bottom side untouched? What about solid vs. transparent stains?

One idea I had was to use a paint sprayer for the difficult underbody/sides and then stain the steps with an opaque stain like the author of this post.

I also am wondering about how serious that mildew looking stuff is in the third picture. Is it indeed mildew, and if so what should I do about it?

If it's helpful context, we live in British Columbia, Canada and it's fairly rainy.

Thanks in advance!

My 2yo daughter ripped off the door latch and tore the attached hinge on my E6. I ordered a replacement, but unfortunately it's not just the latch but I believe it's a small hinge on the cleaning head module itself that tore off. You can see this on the attached pictures — I've also included a picture of the new latch I ordered for comparison.

Currently, I've done a botch job of just taped the latch down with duct tape (see 4th picture). Unfortunately, the cleaning assembly is designed to flex up and down as it vacuums, so the tape quickly becomes weakened and the latch falls off again. I don't believe glue would be sufficient as the hinge needs to rotate, and if I glued the whole thing in permanently it wouldn't flex/ wouldn't be able to access the rollers.

Does anybody have any ideas of how I might solve this problem without ordering a whole new cleaning module? Thanks!

I am in no way handy, so please explain like I'm 5 :)

I was trying to install some drywall anchors behind my toilet. I predrilled and hit some resistance. Stud finder seems to indicate its a stud but it doesn't feel like wood, though I stupidly push through anyways and after not too much pressure, "pop" through and have no resistance. Pulling out I see little plastic shards on the drill (see picture). Looking through the hole I see a glimmer of light (see picture)

1. Have I identified the problem correctly?
2. Do I need to fix this/ how can I fix this myself as someone will little experience?

Context: I live in a 2022 home in British Columbia, Canada. See the picture of the wall I drilled into. (PS would love to know if I can install shelves/ drywall anchors safely here once I fix the issue)

EDIT: I enlarged the hole to see better: https://imgur.com/a/SWHJ220 Sticking a wire in the hole, it goes about 3 - 3.5 inches back before it hits a wall/other side of pipe.