Ep 3. Driveway, Shaker Table

In season 14 episode 3 of Ask This Old House, titled Driveway, Shaker Table, the team brings in some innovative projects sure to interest anyone looking to improve their home's exterior and interior aesthetics.

The host, Kevin O'Connor, starts the show by heading to Idaho to meet Jake and Daniela, a couple who are looking to improve the curb appeal of their driveway. Kevin connects with Roger Cook, the show's landscaping expert, to come up with some ideas for improving the driveway's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Together, they discuss the different options, including a new asphalt pour, stamped concrete, and even pavers.

However, the challenge is that the existing driveway has good drainage, and changing the surface could negatively impact that. The team decides to go with a stamped concrete overlay that will not only improve the look of the driveway but is also more cost-effective than other options. Roger and his crew get to work, using a custom stamp to create a design that fits with the couple's tastes and the home's architecture. The end result is a beautiful driveway that enhances the home's curb appeal, with improved drainage and added functionality.

Back in the studio, Tom Silva, This Old House's master carpenter, shows Kevin how to build a shaker table. The table is a gravity separator used by gold prospectors to separate gold particles from soil or sand. Tom starts with a sheet of pre-primed MDF, which he cuts to size, and then he begins assembling the table, using pocket screws to secure the legs and the aprons. The design is simple but effective, and it can easily be modified to fit specific needs. Tom highlights how important it is to accurately measure and cut the pieces to get a sturdy and level table.

Finally, Richard Trethewey, the show's plumbing and heating expert, travels to Newton, Massachusetts, to help a homeowner with a water pressure issue. The homeowner is experiencing a drop in water pressure in the shower when someone uses water elsewhere in the house. Richard investigates and suspects that a pressure-balancing valve might be the culprit. He replaces it with a new one, demonstrating how to install the valve correctly. Afterward, he tests the shower, confirming that the new valve has fixed the issue.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 14 episode 3, Driveway, Shaker Table, is a great mix of exterior and interior home improvement projects that are both practical and creative. Each project highlights the importance of functionality and design, providing practical solutions for everyday problems homeowners face while giving their spaces a fresh look. The episode is sure to inspire viewers to begin their own home improvement projects, whether on the outside or inside of their homes.