Season 20 - Ask This Old House
Season 20 of Ask This Old House celebrates 20 years of helping homeowners tackle their toughest home improvement projects.
How Tom Silva Became a General Contractor
This Old House’s favorite general contractor tells us all about how his career in the trades began.
S20 E39: Pizza Oven Repair, What Is It?
Nathan explains the anatomy of track saws; Mark repoints an outdoor pizza oven; The Ask This Old House team comes together for a 20th Anniversary "What Is It?"
S20 E38: Pond Maintenance, Demilune Table
In this episode, Mark explains finishes for brick and concrete; Jenn shows how to maintain a small backyard pond, and Tom builds a three-legged Demilune table.
S20 E37: Deck Chairs, Damp Basement
In this episode, Tom shares a trick to evenly space balusters; Heath shows how to drill holes in studs to run wire; Jenn Largesse builds DIY deck chairs; Richard explains how to deal with a damp basement.
S20 E36: Soil Testing, Adding a Receptacle
Mauro shares why he became a painter and what he loves about his job; Jenn shows how to test soil at home; Heath adds a receptacle to a kitchen island.
S20 E35: Crown Molding, Future of Solar
In this episode, Heath Eastman shares why he became an electrician, and Mauro Henrique shows a trick for applying caulk in gaps. Then, Tom Silva demonstrates how to install crown molding around corner angles, and Ross Trethewey explains the future of solar at MIT.
How Kevin O’Connor Became Host of Ask This Old House
Host Kevin O’Connor explains how he landed one of the most important jobs on the staff—without even trying.
S20 E34: Light Fixture, Finish Nailers
In this episode, Kevin O’Connor shares how he became the host of Ask This Old House, and Tom Silva shows a trick for drawing a perfect ellipse. Heath Eastman moves a light fixture, and Mauro Henrique patches the ceiling. Then, Nathan explains the basics of finish nailers.
S20 E33: Celebrating Fathers as Mentors
In this episode, the Ask This Old House team members talk about their fathers as mentors. Then, Richard and Ross Trethewey explain airflow in buildings, and Tom Silva finishes a baseball bat display case.
S20 E32: Electrical Tools, Energy Audit
Watch as Heath demonstrates using common electrical tools. Later, Ross conducts an in-depth home energy assessment, and Mauro shares one of his favorite painting tips.
S20 E31: Succulents, Water Filter
In this episode, Jenn talks about different types of succulents. Richard installs a reverse osmosis under-sink water filter, and then Tom builds a classic milk stool.
S20 E30: Toilet Seat, Lockset Repair
Richard shows how to replace a toilet seat; Jenn Largesse builds a pergola for her backyard; Nathan repairs a century-old full mortise lockset.
S20 E29: Hydrangeas, Deck Railing
Watch as Jenn shows off different varieties of hydrangeas; Heath explains the types of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and their functions, and Mauro refinishes deck railings and posts.
S20 E28: Garage Door, Plumbing Fixes
In this episode, Ross shares why he became an engineer. Tom talks about different types of hammers, and Richard shows how to control common plumbing emergencies. Then, Nathan removes and replaces a garage door.
S20 E27: DIY Birdbath, Newel Post Repair
In this episode, Nathan shows how to mount a flat-screen TV on a wall, Mark builds a stone birdbath, and Tom repairs a newel post damaged by a dog.
S20 E26: Outdoor Vinyl Fence, Beehive
Jenn Nawada suggests houseplants for areas of shade, partial shade and sun; Jenn Largesse shows how to put up an outdoor vinyl fence; Tom Silva builds a beehive out of wood.
S20 E25: Wobbly Toilet, LED Lightbulbs
Nathan shares how he became a carpenter and what he loves about the trade; Heath talks all about different LED lightbulbs; Richard fixes a wobbly toilet and repairs a sticky faucet handle.
S20 E24: Fence Gate, Container Pool
Nathan demonstrates how to fix scratches on wood furniture; Jenn Largesse oversees the installation of a shipping container pool in her backyard; Tom shows how to re-secure a sagging fence gate.
S20 E23: Window Boxes, Smart Panels
Tom shares how he became a general contractor; Heath and Ross explain what smart electric panels are and how they work; Jenn and Nathan build and fill new window flower boxes.
S20 E22: Fireplace Repairs, Simple Clog Fixes
In this episode, Heath Eastman breaks down the basic voltages of cordless tools. Then, Richard Trethewey explains how to fix simple clogs in sinks and toilets. Finally, Mark McCullough repairs a fireplace and replaces its cover.
S20 E21: Hall Closet, Block Retaining Wall
Watch as Jenn Nawada explains composting, and Jenn Largesse and her landscape contractor install a concrete block retaining. Later, Tom constructs custom built-in drawers, cubbies, and shelves for a front hall closet.
S20 E20: Concrete Driveway, Spray Paint
Watch as Nathan Gilbert shows how he organizes his work truck. Richard Trethewey explains different bidets, and Mauro Henrique spray paints a handrail. Then, Mark McCullough helps a homeowner replace an old patched driveway.
S20 E19: Harvesting Shrubs, Box Joint Jig
Jenn visits a fourth-generation nursery to learn how shrubs are grown; The team shares cost-effective ways to seal existing windows; Tom builds a sturdy serving tray with box joints.
S20 E18: Porch Column, Smart Thermostats
In this episode, Richard shares what he loves about the plumbing trade; Ross talks about smart thermostats and their features; Heath explains how to understand switch legs; Tom replaces a rotted porch column base.
Understanding Supply Chain Shortages
The entire Ask This Old House team sits down to discuss how supply chain shortages affect their businesses and customers.
S20 E17: Water Fountain, Supply Chains
Jenn and Mark show how to make a stone water fountain; In Tool Lab, Nathan breaks down miter saw blades; The team discusses the challenges they’ve faced dealing with ongoing supply chain issues.
S20 E16: Replace Vinyl Floor, Heating Bill Savings
Jenn Nawada shares how she became a landscape designer; Richard and Ross Trethewey explain cost-effective ways to save money on your heating bill this winter; Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner replace a vinyl kitchen floor.
S20 E15: Celebrating 20 Years
The entire cast reflects on how the show was made, what they’ve accomplished, and what they think the legacy of the television program will be moving forward
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Ask This Old House
Don’t miss a special 20th-anniversary episode of Ask This Old House, premiering on PBS and The Roku Channel this week.
S20 E14: Patch Plaster, Sinking Drywell
In this episode, Heath explains why finish electrical work is his favorite stage of the job; Mauro demonstrates how to repair a crack in plaster; Mark raises a drywell in a driveway that is sinking below grade.
S20 E13: Rot Repair, Heat Pumps
Watch as Mark shares the story of how he became a mason; Tom explains why wood rots on houses, how to prevent it, and how to repair it if it occurs; Ross explores heat pump technology.
S20 E12: WiFi Extension, Tub Drain
In Tool Lab, Nathan explains the different table saw blade types; Ross extends WiFi service in a house; Richard replaces a faulty tub drain; the team shares their New Years’ Resolutions.