Ask This Old House

Maintaining stone countertops
Up in the loft, Kevin is joined by stone countertop expert Jason Keefe, who explains how to clean countertops and prevent stains. Jason shows a type of "silicone impregnator" that is applied to stone countertops to seal the surface and help prevent liquid from being absorbed. For stains that do occur, Jason uses a mixture of solvents and limestone called a "poultice." The poultice sits on the stone for 48-72 hours and absorbs the oil from the stain into the poultice. For cleaning, Jason recommends soap and water, not abrasive products or citrus-based cleaners, which can damage the surface.

Where to Find It
Advice and technical assistance was provided by:
Jason Keefe
World Class Marble & Granite
275 Lenox Street
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
781-769-0504

Jason used a poultice and silicone-based countertop sealer manufactured by:
StoneTech
877-786-6383

Other countertop care products can be purchased at your local home center or stone countertop store.

What is it?
The guys try to guess the intended purpose of an unusual-looking products.

Where to Find It
Tom shows a green plastic tool used for spacing exterior deck boards during installation.

DECKIT
866-988-1390

Installing a chain link fence
Roger and fence installer Mike McLaughlin help a homeowner install a short length of chain link fence in her backyard. The yard is already fenced in on three sides, but the homeowner wants the fourth side fenced so she can get a dog. The homeowner also wants a gate, so Mike begins by marking the location of the end posts and the gate posts with spray paint. Roger and Mike then use standard post hole diggers to dig 2-foot deep holes for each post. Once the holes are dug, Mike inserts the posts into the holes and pours concrete into each hole to secure the posts and keep them plumb. After the concrete has cured, Roger and Mike attach the necessary hardware to each post. The posts are then cut to length using a portable band saw and a loop cap is installed on top of the line post. Mike then installs the top rail. Roger and Mike then measure and cut the chain link using fence pliers. One end of the chain link "fabric" is fastened to the end post using tension bands and the top of the "fabric" is secured to the top rail with steel ties. The other end of the chain link is then stretched to the opposite post using a fence stretcher. Once the chain link is pulled taught, the end is fastened to the tension bands. Mike then installs end caps on the top of the end posts and uses more steel ties to secure the chain link to all the posts. The gate is then attached to the posts with steel hinges and the installation is complete.

Where to Find It
Installation was provided by Mike McLaughlin of PRO Fence, Inc.
781-933-1234

Many fencing supplies can be purchased at your local home center or fencing contractor.