Was having issues with imgur, finally got an upload to work! Here are a couple pics, https://imgur.com/a/ORHDFJk

Thank you, I definitely will - I was scared to do it for some weird reason, I thought it would be really messy and dusty and I have kids with additional needs so I was scared to start. It’s really easy though so that’s fine :)

Sometimes I cut a line in the top of what's left of the screw with a rotary tool or hacksaw blade and use a Stanley screwdriver to get it out.

That's definitely differential absorption by grain. You can see a couple of staves with glossy/matte stripes, and I'm sure those are either xylem/phloem or different years. It may be impossible to 'fill up' those areas, because the oil can literally flow through to the other side of the top.

In my experience, oil finish on butcher block is not usually glossy. That is, I would interpret the glossy areas as places where you have not wiped enough of the oil off. But I've always used mineral oil (food-safe, non-curing) for that kind of countertop. If you're using a curing oil, or an oil-varnish, then gloss might be ok.

I’d still have to find somewhere to put the stuff I dig out the pond, although at least that would be soil rather than rubble

Former plasterer here. If you can post a picture I can walk you through it

Plumbing and electrical is crazy here. They charge $200 just to come to your house. Then if the job is 5 minutes max (like just changing an outlet or a simple shutter valve) they’ll charge another $300 for labor. And charge you $500 total.

Keep in mind though, the boss is keeping all the money. The workers are just getting paid a low hourly wage and maybe some commission.

Many of the plumbers here, have no licenses or insurance.

Even the others, only the head of the company is a licensed and insured plumber. All their workers have no licenses.

I've seen several times, too, when they are building a new neighborhood around here they dig a pit and put up a sign saying "concrete washout". They wash out concrete mixers, dump concrete rubble, etc. They then cover this it and it gets paved over as a road or made into a lawn in a common area or something.

https://www.codot.gov/programs/environmental/water-quality/assets/images/concrete-washout-good4.jpg/@@images/image

Lmaooo you think the plumbers I called are licensed and insured?? That would cost even more.

Removed.

Do not link to pictures hosted on your personal Google account.

Use Imgur.com.

> It wouldn't let me add a pic when making the post

We absolutely do allow it. You need to put the picture link IN THE TEXT OF YOUR POST.

You could always just dig the pond deeper and put it all there too.

I hope future you doesn't get mad at past you. :)

I’ve never been happy with those stain-and-varnish-in-one finishes. They are the most difficult to deal with. The best use I’ve found for them is for blending in runs of already finished moulding when you join pieces end to end.

Keep putting on more oil until it evens out. The wood is likely soaking it all up because it is so dry.

Oil them lightly once a month after this.

Can usually pick up free hardcore from gumtree or marketplace from someone else getting rid of stuff if I ever needed more

That’s future me’s problem haha.

I’d only be talking about raising the garden up about 1-2 bricks high and getting it completely flat and re-turfing it. Probably barely notice it

Ah, I generally have just seen people put "Edit:" for that.

Meh, I don't really care. Anyone could still DIY this and it's a great guide, with easily available parts. Guy is obviously knowledgeable and didn't try to sell his product. Why are you trying to ruin a good thing?

The shed will be done at some point and need a new base, along with a summerhouse etc, so I’ll have plenty of use for the old bricks. I believe the mortar is no good though as hardcore because it is basically sand though, whereas hardcore needs to be more solid bits? The mortar being buried under grassy bits will be a big help though

Filing the pond, probably not an issue..... I would stay away from raised features though. If you(or anyone) ever decides in the future to remove them, it will be a pain in the butt to deal with.

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Not that I ever thought about this before but this must be why it's totally safe to stick a 9V battery on your tongue. Not that I ever did that... Multiple times... In middle school...

To add on to this, if you just want to get rid of them throw up an ad on Craigslist. Somebody's going to have a use for them.

Oh i guess i wired that lamp wrong then

If you take the top soil of any new build garden, it's full of rubble.

Nothing "wrong" with doing it. Just a little bit cowboy.

I'd save them and use as a sub base material for exterior paths, shed bases. That sort of thing .