Ep 9. Walkway Reset; Patch Chipped Floor
- January 6, 2018
In the 9th episode of Ask This Old House season 16, titled "Walkway Reset; Patch Chipped Floor," the team takes on two separate projects: repairing a walkway and patching a chipped floor.
First up, host Kevin O'Connor travels to Boston to help a homeowner reset her front walkway, which has begun to shift and become uneven over time. He meets with landscape contractor Roger Cook to discuss the project and explore possible solutions. The two decide to remove the existing bluestone walkway and replace it with a more durable and stable material: granite. With the help of a team, they carefully remove the bluestone and lay a new granite base, ensuring the walkway is level and secure.
Next, Kevin heads to Arlington, Massachusetts to meet with a homeowner who has a dining room floor that's seen better days. The homeowner is hoping to patch a large chipped area in the middle of the room, but isn't sure how to do it. Kevin brings in general contractor Tom Silva to assess the situation and come up with a solution. Tom suggests using a color-matched patching compound to fill in the chipped area and smooth it out. He demonstrates the process, showing how to apply the compound and sand it down to create a seamless repair.
Back in the Ask This Old House workshop, Kevin and Tommy answer a viewer question about the best way to insulate an attic. They discuss the different types of insulation and the pros and cons of each, as well as the importance of air sealing to prevent heat loss.
Finally, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada is in Houston, Texas to explore the world of bonsai trees. She visits the Houston Bonsai Society to learn about the art and how to care for bonsai trees. Jenn discovers the intricacies of shaping and nurturing these delicate plants, and realizes the importance of patience and attention to detail in creating a beautiful bonsai.
Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House offers a diverse range of projects and tips, from repairing a walkway and patching a floor to insulating an attic and exploring the art of bonsai. With expert guidance from the show's hosts and contractors, homeowners can learn the skills and techniques they need to tackle their own home improvement projects with confidence.
