In this episode:
Mason Mark McCullough shows Host Kevin O’Connor the difference between the traditional way of cutting stone and the modern way. Many tools can be used today to easily cut stone, but you risk losing the character of the stone.
Mark and Kevin compare an array of traditional hand tools versus modern power saws and grinders that many masons use today. Mark prefers to cut using traditional tools; however, he understands that it takes years of experience to properly cut a stone, not to mention more time. When a stone is cut using a power tool, it creates a manufactured, smooth look. To give some “old-school” character back to the stone, Mark demonstrates how to use a power tool and a few finishing touches to achieve the look.
Landscape Contractor then Jenn Nawada talks all about echinaceas and shares why you should have them in your garden. She explains how to identify them and gives a general overview of the perennial. Nawada demonstrates how to take care of the plant and why they are a great plant for even the inexperienced gardener.
Next, Kevin O’Connor joins Plumbing and Heating Expert Richard Trethewey in the workshop to learn how to replace a kitchen sink and faucet from start to finish. A relatively inexpensive way to upgrade the look and function of a kitchen is by simply replacing the kitchen sink. Richard goes through the step-by-step process of installing a new sink.
Afterward, Richard installs the new sink and faucet, demonstrating how it can be a homeowner-friendly job. As long as you find a sink with the same dimensions as your original basin and have the right tools, you can complete this project on your own.
Then, General Contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner finish her kitchen punch list. A punch list is a collection of the small, last-minute projects that need to be done in order to complete a construction project.
In this case, the homeowner re-tiled her floors and since then, the basement door gets stuck on the tile and doesn’t open fully. She is also looking for assistance in adding a finished piece to the kitchen cabinet toe kick.
To finish the toe kick, Tom opts for PVC boards as they are waterproof, easy to clean, and easier to cut than tile to match uneven floors. He goes through the process of cutting and installing the PVC for all of the cabinets.
Finally, Tom tackles the door by taking it off the hinges and demonstrating how to cut the bottom off to adjust to the new floor height from the tile.
How to Make Stone Cuts with a Power Saw Look Natural
Mark McCullough explains how stone edges are cut to fit into a wall and how to integrate those cuts seamlessly with the rest of the stone wall.
Where to find it?
Mark discusses various techniques for cutting and knocking down edges of stones. The hand tools he used were a variety of chisels that can be found at some home centers and most masonry supply stores.
To cut the stone with the grinder, Mark used a 1775E Tuck Pointing Grinder with a 9-gallon dust extractor HEPA vacuum with automatic cleaning, which are both manufactured by Bosch Tools. Using a grinder with dust collection helps keep silica dust down, which makes the job a lot safer.
All About Growing Echinacea
Landscape Contractor Jenn Nawada explains how to identify and care for echinaceas. She also shares a variety of ways to incorporate them in a garden.
Where to find it?
Jenn discussed a variety of echinaceas, which can be found at most home centers and nurseries.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Stonegate Gardens.
How to Replace a Kitchen Sink
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to replace a kitchen sink and faucet from start to finish.
Where to find it?
Richard replaced the kitchen sink with a T1823 Topmount Stainless Steel 3/4″ Radius Sink, which is manufactured by MR Direct. The replacement faucet was a Kleo Spot Resist Stainless One-Handle High Arc Pulldown Kitchen Faucet, which is manufactured by Moen and found at most home centers.
The other tools and materials Richard used to replace the kitchen sink and faucet, including the wrenches and plumber’s putty, can be found at home centers.
Finish Your Kitchen Remodel Punch List
General Contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner wrap up a few small projects towards the end of her kitchen renovation.
Where to find it?
To add trim to the toe kick underneath the kitchen cabinets, Tom used 1×4″ PVC trim boards, which are manufactured by AZEK Building Products. To secure the miters together, Tom also used a PVC glue that is manufactured by AZEK.
To cut the boards to size and make the miter cuts, Tom used a Kapex KS120 sliding compound miter saw, which is all manufactured by Festool.
To trim the door down to size, Tom used a TS 55 circular saw, which is also manufactured by Festool.
The other tools and materials Tom used for this project, including the spackle, finish nails and screws, can all be found at home centers.
Original Air Date: May 2, 2021 Season 19; Ep.21 23:42
Products and Services from this Episode
- Tuck pointing grinder and dust collection vacuum manufacturer: Bosch Tools
- Expert assistance: Stonegate Gardens
- Kitchen sink manufacturer: MR Direct
- Kitchen faucet manufacturer: Moen
- PVC trim and PVC glue manufacturer: AZEK Building Products
- Sliding compound miter saw and circular saw manufacturer: Festool
