In this episode:
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and carpenter Nathan Gilbert team up to help a homeowner to create space for and install a dishwasher. Richard received an email asking for help installing a dishwasher in a 1950s built home. Installing a dishwasher can be a straightforward job but if the kitchen has never had a dishwasher before, cabinetwork will need to be done. So, Richard enlists help from Nathan to tackle the project.
After, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada talks all about mulch with This Old House host Kevin O’Connor. Jenn explains why mulch is extremely important for a garden and how beneficial it can be. She goes over the various types of mulch that you might see and use then lays out the pros and cons of some varieties of mulch—including organic and non-organic types. Then, she shares her preferred choice of the material and demonstrates a few application techniques.
Then, on another Build It segment, Kevin joins general contractor Tom Silva in the workshop to learn how to make a French rolling pin on a lathe. A French rolling pin has handles that are fixed in place, whereas American rolling pins have handles that move independently from the roller. While this could simply be done with a slab of wood, Tom decides to create a pattern in the middle by using maple and mahogany veneer. He then shows off some of his lathing skills to make a sleek rolling pin with an ornate design in the middle. Tom shares tips and demonstrates how you could make your own French rolling pin using a lathe.
Installing a Dishwasher in an Old Kitchen
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and carpenter Nathan Gilbert, team up to help a homeowner retrofit a new dishwasher into an old kitchen with no room for one by adjusting the counter and cabinets.
Where to find it?
Richard installed a 55 dBA in Stainless Steel Front Control Built-In Dishwasher with Steam Clean by GE Appliances. To connect the dishwasher, Richard used a standard dishwasher hose, a Y tailpiece for the drain, and a push connect shutoff valve, all of which can be found at home centers and plumbing supply houses.
To adjust the cabinets to make room for the dishwasher, Nathan used a variety of tools, including a circular saw and a reciprocating saw, that can be found at most home centers.
To bridge the gap between the formica countertops and the sink, Richard actually re-used an old piece of butcher block that he salvaged from the Newton Generation NEXT House, but butcher block can also be found at most centers.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by William C Gilbert Carpentry.
All About Mulch
Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains the uses and purposes for different types of mulch and demonstrates how to spread it out in a garden.
Where to find it?
Jenn had a variety of different mulch types on the table that can all be found at most home centers and nurseries, though you’re more likely to find organic mulch at nurseries and garden centers.
Build It | French Rolling Pin
General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor, turn a French-style rolling pin with ornate detail in the center using a lathe.
Where to find it?
Tom used a REVO 12|16 110V lathe, which is manufactured by Laguna Tools. The tools Tom used to actually turn the rolling pin can be found at any specialty woodworking store.
To create the custom piece of wood for turning, Tom used leftover pieces of mahogany and maple that he had from other projects, but that lumber can be found at most home centers and woodworking stores. To cut the in-lays and secure it all together, Tom used a Kapex KS120 sliding compound miter saw by Festool and some wood glue from Gorilla Glue.
To finish the rolling pin, Tom and Kevin applied Odie’s Oil.
The other tools and materials Tom and Kevin used to turn the rolling pin, including the sandpaper and coping saw, can be found at home centers.
Original Air Date: May 16 2021 Season 19; Ep.23 23:42
Products and Services from this Episode
- Dishwasher manufacturer: GE Appliances
- Expert carpentry assistance: William C Gilbert Carpentry
- Lathe manufacturer: Laguna Tools
- Sliding compound miter saw manufacturer: Festool
- Wood glue manufacturer: Gorilla Glue
- Food-safe finish manufacturer: Odie’s Oil
