In this episode:
Kevin O’Connor builds a hexagon planter with maker Jenn Largesse, who demonstrates how to take advantage of the bevel cut feature on a miter saw; Jenn Nawada travels to Brooklyn to revive a stoop that has been taken over by weeds; the team shares more Home Inspection Nightmares; Mark explains what to understand when buying a home with a wood burning fireplace; Heath installs an electric fireplace insert into an unconventional opening with zero clearance.
How to Make Wood Hexagons with House One’s Jenn Largesse
Kevin builds a hexagon planter with maker Jenn Largesse, who demonstrates how to take advantage of the bevel cut feature on a miter saw.
Where to find it?
Jenn demonstrated the bevel feature of the Kapex KS120 sliding compound miter saw by Festool, though she mentioned that any miter saw with a bevel feature will work for the projects she discussed.
To make the hexagon, Jenn used ½-inch 1×4 hobby boards, which can be found at any home center. To secure them together, she used 3M painter’s tape and wood glue from Gorilla Glue.
Jenn Largesse is the editor of multiple DIY blogs, including House One and Build Basic.
How to Revive a City Stoop
Jenn Nawada travels to Brooklyn to revive a stoop that has been taken over by weeds.
Where to find it?
Jenn recommends removing weeds by hand or with a spray of vinegar, salt, and dish soap.
Jenn used fiberglass planters for durability outside. She started with a layer of marble chips for drainage, then filled the containers with a mix of potting soil and compost.
For the plants, Jenn used two kousa dogwoods underplanted with coleus. On the stairs, she planted a dwarf crape myrtle.
Jenn added low voltage landscape lighting under the trees for safety and drama.
All of the tools and materials for this project can be found at garden centers and nurseries.
Home Inspection Nightmares | Duct Tape Vent
The team shares more Home Inspection Nightmares.
Where to find it?
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Open House | Wood Burning Fireplaces
Mark explains what to understand when buying a home with a wood burning fireplace.
Where to find it?
Besides discussing the general operation of a fireplace, Mark also mentioned burning creosote cleaning logs, which can be found at any home center.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert in an Unconventional Opening
Heath Eastman installs an electric fireplace insert into an unconventional opening with zero clearance.
Where to find it?
Heath installed an Allure 32 Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace Insert, which is manufactured by Napoleon Fireplaces.
Since Heath was unable to find an insert that perfectly matched the strange dimensions of the opening at the house, he built up a frame for a “fake hearth” to fill in the rest of the hole. For this, he used regular pocket screws and 2×4″ lumber, which can be found at any home center. Heath got the granite cutoff from LA Tiles | Marble and Granite Design, though he mentioned that any stone yard would most likely be willing to cut and edge a piece of stone if they were provided with the correct dimensions.
The other tools and materials Heath used to install and connect the electric fireplace insert, including the wiring, fish tape, wire nuts, and screwdriver, can all be found at home centers and electrical supply houses.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Eaton and Eastman Electric.
Original Air Date: January 19, 2020 Season 18; Ep.11 00:30
Products and Services from this episode
3M painter’s tape
Manufacturer: 3M
Allure 32 Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace Insert
Manufacturer: Napoleon Fireplaces
DIY blogs
Expert assistance: House One Expert assistance: Build Basic
Fireplace insert install
Expert assistance: Eaton and Eastman Electric
Granite cutoff
Supplier: LA Tiles | Marble and Granite Design
Home Inspection Nightmares
Expert assistance: American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
Kapex KS120 sliding compound miter saw
Manufacturer: Festool
Wood glue
Manufacturer: The Gorilla Glue Company