Ep 11. Coffee Table; Grass Paver

In Episode 11 of Ask This Old House season 14, the team tackles two different projects: building a custom coffee table with hidden storage and installing grass pavers to improve water drainage in a backyard.

The first project involves host Kevin O'Connor and furniture maker Matt Wajda as they work together to create the perfect coffee table for a family in need of both extra storage and a stylish centerpiece for their living room. The table includes a built-in compartment that can be accessed by lifting the tabletop, providing ample space for storing items like magazines, remote controls, and board games.

To make the table, Kevin and Matt begin by cutting down a sheet of plywood to the desired size and then building a frame out of 2x4s. They then attach the plywood to the frame using pocket screws and reinforce the corners with angled brackets.

Next, Matt creates a face frame for the table using a combination of hardwood and plywood. He attaches the face frame to the table using glue and brad nails, and then adds trim pieces to the corners for a finished look. Finally, Matt and Kevin apply a coat of stain and polyurethane to the table, allowing it to dry overnight before delivering it to the homeowners.

The second project in this episode focuses on drainage solutions for a homeowner with a backyard that tends to flood during heavy rainstorms. To address the problem, Kevin works with landscape contractor Roger Cook to install grass pavers, a type of permeable pavement that allows water to drain into the ground rather than pooling on the surface.

To begin, Roger and Kevin mark out the area where the grass pavers will be installed and then excavate the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. They then add a layer of crushed stone and compact it using a plate compactor to create a level base for the pavers.

Once the base is prepared, Roger and Kevin lay the grass pavers in a herringbone pattern, filling the gaps between the pavers with a soil mix that includes grass seed. They then compact the pavers again to set them in place and water the area thoroughly to encourage grass growth.

The end result is a beautiful and functional solution that enhances the look of the backyard while also providing effective water drainage.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House provides helpful tips and inspiration for anyone looking to add smart storage solutions to their home or address drainage issues in their outdoor space. With detailed instructions and clear explanations, viewers will come away with the knowledge and confidence to tackle these projects on their own.