In this episode:
Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed beam from an old barn in Vermont into a fireplace mantel.
Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace a bathroom faucet.
In Future House, Ross Trethewey travels to Albany, New York to explore ways to make drilling for and installing geothermal heat pumps more affordable for average homeowners.
How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel
The homeowner found the reclaimed beam at the Brimfield Antique Flea Market, but materials like the beam can be found at most flea markets and also at reclaimed lumber yards. The two-person crosscut saw belonged to Nathan’s grandfather, but similar saws can also be found at flea markets and antique tool shops.
Where to find it?
To secure the beam to the fireplace, Nathan used ⅝” threaded rods, which can be found at any home center, and Thixo 2:1 Epoxy System, which is manufactured by TotalBoat.
The other tools and materials Nathan used to secure the mantel to the fireplace, including the drill, block plane, and sandpaper, can all be found at home centers.
How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet
Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace a bathroom faucet.
Where to find it?
Richard installed a Glacier Bay 4 in Centerset 2-Handle Low-Arc Bathroom Faucet, which can be found at The Home Depot. The plumber’s putty and wrench sets Richard used can be found at any home center.
The specialty faucet wrench Richard used to break the connections underneath the sink is an EZ Change Faucet Tool, which is manufactured by Rigid.
Future House | Affordable Geothermal
Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey travels to Albany, New York to explore ways to make drilling for and installing geothermal heat pumps more affordable for average homeowners.
Cost: $18-22,000
Where to find it?
Ross saw drilling for a geothermal ground source heat pump by Dandelion Energy.
Original Air Date: Jan 3, 2021 Season 19; Ep.9 23:42
Products and Services from this Episode
Reclaimed beam:
Brimfield Antique Flea Market
Thixo 2:1 Epoxy System manufacturer:
TotalBoat
Bathroom faucet:
The Home Depot
Specialty faucet wrench:
Rigid
Geothermic drilling:
Dandelion Energy