Landscaper Lee Gilliam lets us tag along as he heads to Washington state to learn how grass seed is bred, harvested, and cleaned. Lee visits the fields where grass seed is grown and then tours a plant facility, getting a firsthand look at how it is processed.
Next, we head back to the shop to talk about pavers with host Kevin O’Connor and mason Mark McCullough. Mark shows Kevin different types of pavers, including brick, concrete, and natural stone. He explains the pros and cons of each and even helps Kevin figure out how to order the right amount from a stone supplier.
Finally, carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner put a finishing touch on her renovation. With a little help from the homeowner’s little boy, he installs a porch swing and the framing to support it, ensuring it will last for years to come.
Inside a Grass Seed Cleaning Facility
Landscaper Lee Gilliam travels to eastern Washington state to see where the majority of Kentucky bluegrass seed comes from. He talks to a grass breeder, and the researcher then tours a grass seed-cleaning facility.
Where to find it?
Dr. Michael Neff, a turfgrass researcher and professor at Washington State University, provided expert knowledge and assistance.
Filming locations and grass seed facility tour provided by Jason Miller, owner of Himark Farms Inc. in Connell, WA.
Paula Lundt of Washington State Department of Agriculture provided expert consultation and production connections.
How to Choose the Right Pavers
Like many building goods, pavers are anything but standard. There is a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and core materials. Mason Mark McCullough took the time to show host Kevin O’Connor the different types of pavers and even explained what he likes about each and how to order the right quantity for a project.
Where to find it?
Mark showed the following materials; all are available at your local stone yard.
- Concrete Pavers
- Brick Pavers
- Bluestone Pavers
How to Install a Porch Swing
Porch swings are timeless, and they can turn a standard porch into a work of art. When a homeowner had her heart set on one of her own, she called the Ask This Old House team for help. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert set to work, installing the required support and finally hanging the swing (with a little bit of help from his new apprentice).
Where to find it?
Nathan uses an oscillating multi-tool in order to cut the fascia out in the ceiling of a homeowner’s porch.
Nathan uses measuring tape to measure the ceiling, fascia, joists, porch swing, and boards.
Nathan uses end cutting pliers to adjust the screws and nails in the beam board.
Nathan uses a pry bar to take down the fascia and beam bars.
Nathan and the homeowner use a rubber mallet to put the beam bars and fascia back in the porch ceiling.
Speed Square (metal triangle ruler)
Nathan uses a speed square to accurately measure the ceiling.
Nathan and the homeowner use a drill/driver to both remove and reattach the ceiling beams.
Nathan uses the staple gun to put the joists and beams back in the ceiling.
Nathan uses assorted screws to secure the porch swing.
Nathan uses the screws and ceiling anchors to secure the porch swing.
Nathan uses the brackets to secure the joists and beams in the porch’s ceiling.
Nathan uses a caulking gun to glue the fascia back to the beam board.
Nathan uses Caulk to glue the fascia back to the beam board.
Original Air Date: Feb 19, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 16, 23:42
Products and services
Grass seed expert assistance: Washington State Department of Agriculture
All other tools and materials provided by Home Depot.
