Episode 424
Removing Stumps; Painting a Metal Building (with a Twist!); The Impact of William Morris on Design
In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen tackles projects both practical and inspiring. First, he breaks down affordable and effective DIY methods for removing stubborn tree stumps and roots—covering hands-on techniques, chemical options, and safety tips. Then, he answers a listener’s question about calculating paint for a metal building when there’s no running water on site. Finally, the show shifts gears to explore the life and legacy of William Morris, the visionary behind the Arts and Crafts Movement, and how his ideas on beauty, honesty in materials, and dignity in craft continue to shape the way we design and decorate our homes today.
Resources Mentioned
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Introduction and show overview
00:28 – Why tree stumps are such a problem
01:49 – Hands-on DIY methods for stump removal
08:33 – Chemical and alternative removal options
12:00 – Answering listener emails
12:51 – How to prep and paint a metal building without water on site
18:08 – Who was William Morris?
18:36 – His early life and influences
21:53 – Founding Morris & Co.
23:33 – Five ways William Morris changed design
23:41 – 1. Rebellion against fakery
27:59 – 2. Design as morality
30:39 – 3. Transforming wallpaper
33:51 – 4. Making beauty accessible
36:58 – 5. Sparking a movement
38:53 – Morris’s lasting legacy
39:34 – Closing remarks
