Ask This Old House Season 10 Episode 16 Fence Stain, Window Box
- TVG
In season 10 episode 16 of Ask This Old House, the team takes on a couple of outdoor projects, focusing on a fence stain and window box. Host Kevin O’Connor and landscape contractor Roger Cook visit a viewer’s home to help test different fence staining methods. The homeowner is tired of the dull and weathered appearance of their wooden fence and wants to find the best method to restore its natural color and protect it from future weather damage.
First, the team tests a DIY method using a pressure washer and a store-bought stain. While the stain helps bring out the fence’s natural wood tones, they note that the pressure washing method caused some damage to the wood and suggest using a lower pressure for future attempts. The next round of tests include a more natural solution using vinegar and steel wool and a professional spray-on stain. While all methods had their pros and cons, the team concludes that a professional application will last longer and provide better protection against the elements.
In the second part of the episode, Kevin and Roger team up with gardening expert Jenn Nawada to build a window box for a viewer’s home. The homeowner wants to add some curb appeal to their house, but doesn’t have any outdoor space for a garden. The team walks through the steps of building a simple window box, drawing up a design, cutting the lumber, and assembling the box with screws and exterior adhesive.
Once the box is complete, Jenn shares some tips for planting and caring for flowers and herbs in the box. She recommends using a mix of garden soil and potting mix and suggests plants that will thrive in the box’s location, including petunias, herbs, and trailing vines. The finished product adds color and life to the exterior of the home and is a great solution for homeowners without a lot of outdoor space.
Throughout the episode, the team also provides helpful tips and tricks for basic fence maintenance and ways to ensure the longevity of outdoor projects. From keeping an eye out for rot and decay to properly watering and fertilizing plants, the experts demonstrate the importance of regularly maintaining outdoor spaces. Overall, the episode provides practical advice and inspiration for homeowners looking to spruce up their outdoor areas and tackle basic maintenance tasks.
