Ask This Old House

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Season 2 Show Descriptions

Showing results for "Season 2"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #226
Replacing a storm door, identifying a paint mixer and gutter nail driver, and choosing garden tools … more
Episode #225
Corroded copper pipes, old-fashioned sheet metal cutter, and worn-out weather stripping
… more
Episode #224
Track lighting, drywall repair clips, and noisy baseboard heaters… more
Ask This Old House #223
Radiant heat, a cable saw for PVC, and painting aluminum siding… more
Episode #222
Installing curved baseboards, buying wire by the foot, a "Nite Ize Flashlight Friend," and making maple syrup… more
Episode #221
Fixing a steam radiator, a "Molemover" and an invisible nailing kit, and preparing a raised garden bed for winter… more
Episode #220
Installing a programmable thermostat , a snowball maker and garage stopper, and fixing a plaster and lath wall… more
Episode #219
Cutting glass, planting vines, a stud finder and tile spacers, and venting a portable air conditioner… more
Episode #218
Deterring deer, making PVC connections, pipe plugs, and fixing a sagging shower door… more
Episode #217
Wiring for outdoor speakers, a Japanese chalk line, and planting a tree… more
Episode #216
Testing water quality, a duster and downspout diverter, and replacing a damaged floorboard… more
Episode #215
Repairing sliding doors, an electrical cord connector and ellipse marking tool, electric radiant heat, and selecting paint colors… more
Episode #214


Original Air Date: Week of January 8

Landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner install a brick walkway at the front entrance to his house. Back in the loft, Roger, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and host Kevin O'Connor try to guess "What is it?" Then Tom shows Kevin different ways to cut a perfect miter in wood trim.



Installing a Walkway
Roger and the homeowner used concrete pavers similar to clay bricks for the new walkway. Together they excavated the existing site, laid down a three-inch base of "pack," measured the slope, added a layer of sand, laid the pavers in a "running bond" pattern, and installed plastic edging.

Where to Find It
Roger created the foundation for the walkway with a layer of pack (a mixture ¾-inch crushed stone and stone dust) and another layer of sand. These materials were provided by:
Benevento Sand & Stone
978-658-4762

The plate compactor can be rented for about $70/day from:
Power Tool & Equipment Rental
781-933-1902

Roger used pre-cast concrete pavers for the surface of the walkway. The pavers cost about $2 per square foot and are available in several colors. They are manufactured by:
Ideal Concrete Block Company
978-692-3076

The plastic edging and spikes Roger used along the edge of walkway are manufactured by:
Pave Tech, Inc.
800-728-3832

What Is It?
Roger, Richard, Tom, and Kevin examined an unfamiliar object and tried to guess how it's used.

Where to Find It
Roger demonstrated a maple sugaring "spile." This device is simply a metal spout that is driven into a sugar maple tree to collect sap.

For more information on maple sugaring, contact: Massachusetts Maple Producers Association
413-628-3912

To order maple sugaring supplies, contact: Leader Evaporator Company
802-524-4966

Stayed tuned for an upcoming episode of "Ask This Old House" in which Roger demonstrates how to collect maple sap and turn it into delicious maple syrup.

Kevin demonstrated a "Sand Anchor" umbrella holder manufactured by:
J&S Innovators, Inc.
410-388-8313

Cutting Accurate Miters
Tom demonstrated how to cut a miter by using a hand miter box and back saw, a circular saw and a speed square, and a compound miter saw with a laser guide.
Episode #213
Quieting hardwood floors, a garden sieve and heavy-duty twist-tie, and building timber steps… more
Episode #212
Drip irrigation repair, a "Sander Sitter" and "Forearm Forklifts," and fixing a leaky tile in a tub… more
Episode #211
Adding a stairway handrail, a grout saw and tile cutter, and transplanting a rhododendron… more
Episode #210
Installing a chimney liner, a proportioning tool, and a toilet anti-sweat valve… more
Episode #209
Removing poison ivy, a steel center square and pencil leash, and shingling an outside corner… more
Episode #208
Installing an engineered wood floor, and replacing a sink's pop-up drain… more
Episode #207
Planting ground cover, and opening stuck windows… more
Episode #206
Installing window trim, landscape camouflage, a "tape dolly," and fixing a kitchen spray hose… more
Episode #205
Installing a drywell, a spray paint shaker and magnetic pickup tool, and adding a shower grip bar… more
Episode #204
Patching drywall, sanding blocks and an antique clapboard gauge, and replacing an aged toilet… more
Episode #203
A slate walk, EZ Lift handles and eye-bolt driver, and repairing a shower stall leak … more
Episode #202
Securing a newel post, a nut splitter and paint scraper, and replacing a water heater… more
Episode #201
Installing a deadbolt, trimming a hedge, and installing an indirect hot water heater… more