Ask This Old House Season 11 Episode 2 Bluestone Patio, Bikes

The second episode of season 11 of Ask This Old House features a Bluestone Patio and Bikes. The show begins with host Kevin O'Connor who visits a homeowner in Rhode Island who wants to renovate her backyard patio. Throughout this episode, experts will guide viewers through the process of building a bluestone patio, installing an outdoor shower, and organizing a bike storage in a garage.

First up, Kevin meets with expert mason, Mark McCullough, who will lead the construction of the bluestone patio. The homeowners have already done their research and have selected the perfect stone for their patio. Mark starts by laying out a trench for the base of the patio and putting in the necessary drainage pipes. After the trench is prepped, gravel and sand are added to give the patio a sturdy foundation. Mark and his team of experts then carefully lay out the bluestones, paying close attention to fitting each piece together like a puzzle. They also make sure that the patio is level and sloped correctly for proper drainage. To finish the patio, they apply mortar to secure the stones in place. Kevin watches the transformation as the patio comes together and becomes a beautiful addition to the backyard.

Next, Kevin meets with expert Chris McBeath who will guide viewers on how to install an outdoor shower. The homeowners wanted a shower in their backyard to rinse off after swimming in their pool and to clean up after working in the garden. Chris selects a spot under a nearby tree for the shower and digs a hole for the base. He then adds a layer of pea gravel and sand before inserting the shower base. To make sure the base is level, Chris uses a spirit level to check that the base is even on all sides. He then installs the plumbing and showerhead and attaches an outdoor spigot to the exterior of the house. The shower is now complete and the homeowners can use it to cool off on hot summer days.

Finally, Kevin meets with expert carpenter, Nathan Gilbert, who will help organize a bike storage solution for the homeowners. The couple has a growing collection of bikes that clutter up the garage and they need a system to store them neatly. Nathan starts by measuring the dimensions of the garage and selecting a suitable wall for bike storage. He then constructs a simple yet functional bike rack using plywood and 2x4 lumber. The rack is designed to securely hold multiple bikes at once and can be adjusted to accommodate different size bicycles. After mounting the rack to the wall, Nathan paints it with a weather-resistant exterior paint. The homeowners are thrilled with their new bike storage solution as it not only declutters their garage but also keeps their bikes safely organized.

The Bluestone Patio and Bikes episode of Ask This Old House is packed with useful tips and practical projects for homeowners. The show offers a step-by-step guide to building a bluestone patio and installing an outdoor shower, as well as providing an easy solution for bike storage. Viewers will learn from the experts and be inspired to tackle their own backyard projects.