Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam shows host Kevin O’Connor the basics of cutting a lawn. Lee compares gas-, battery-, and reel-powered mowers, explaining their pros and cons. Then he shows Kevin how he likes to mow a lawn.
Next, we head to the shop where the Ask This Old House team breaks down how to vet and hire the right contractor for your home. From licensing, permits, certifications, and bids to referrals, red flags, and knowing who to hire for the job. They share expert advice to help homeowners avoid costly mistakes and find a contractor they can trust.
Finally, mason Mark McCullough travels to eastern Washington state to help a pair of homeowners replace their bumpy flagstone walkway with a durable concrete paver walkway. Mark shows them how to lay out the new walkway, prepare the base, and install the pavers for a perfect installation.
How to Mow a Lawn
When it comes to learning how to properly mow your lawn, who better to ask than a professional landscaper? When host Kevin O’Connor had some questions about mowing, he turned to Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam for a breakdown on the basics.
Where to find it?
- Gas mower: DeWalt 21” Gas self-propelled walk behind lawn mower
- Electric mower: Milwaukee M18 Fuel brushless cordless 21” walk behind dual battery self-propelled mower
- Manual mower: Walk Behind Push Reel mower
- String Trimmer:
Gas string trimmer
Cordless battery powered string trimmer
How to Vet a Contractor
For most people, their homes are their biggest investments, and it can be hard to find a contractor you can trust to work on it. Host Kevin O’Connor met with some of the team to talk about how to vet a contractor before hiring them for a project.
How to Install a Concrete Paver Walkway
Concrete pavers are an attractive and affordable way to create a long-lasting walkway for your home. They’re manufactured to mimic brick or natural stone, giving you a high-quality look at a fraction of the cost. Plus, most homeowners can install them themselves.
Where to find it?
Extra assistance, tools and materials provided by: Greenscape Landscaping
Remove old walkway/Prep base
- Shovels
Mark dug down about 8 inches. - Wheelbarrow
- Hand tampers or compactor
To compact dirt.
Install base
- 5/8” Minus Crushed Basalt
Mark layered about 6” of crushed rock for the base. The amount will depend on the paver’s thickness. The pavers used were about 2” thick. - Two ¾” PVC Pipes
Used to help level the paver sand by using the PVC pipes and a long level, will create a cheaper version of a screed bar. The diameter of a ¾” PVC is about 1” to help create a 1” layer of paver sand. - Long level
- Paver sand
Mark added 1” of paver sand. This helps level and set the pavers. - Finishing trowel
To smooth out paver sand.
Install walkway
- Belgard Catalina Grana
In color Rio - Belgard 3”x9” Catalina Charcoal Course
Pavers are used for a decorative border. - Example Paver Patterns
Paver patterns can be found on various websites. Check with the manufacturer to see if they offer laying pattern templates. - String line
To use as level line. - Rubber mallet
Final Touches
- Aluminum paver edging
- Polymeric sand
For the paver joints. Make sure all sand is removed from the pavers’ surfaces before activating with water. A hard-bristle brush and/or leaf blower can be used. - Push broom
Original Air Date: May 7, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 23 23:42
Products and services
- Extra assistance: Greenscape Landscaping
- Paver manufacturer: Belgard
All other tools and materials can be found at Home Depot.
