Ep 19. Fireplace Restoration; Porch Swing

Ask This Old House is a renovation and home improvement show that focuses on helping homeowners with their DIY projects and home repair issues. In season 17, episode 19, entitled "Fireplace Restoration; Porch Swing," the team address two different home improvement projects.

The first project involves restoring an old fireplace in a home that was built in the early 1900s. The homeowners love the character and charm of their old fireplace but want to give it a fresh update while preserving its historic features.

To tackle this project, host Kevin O'Connor meets with masonry expert Mark McCullough at the house. Mark begins by removing the old mantel and brick around the fireplace to reveal the original brickwork underneath. He then cleans the brick using a combination of water and a low-pressure sprayer.

Once the cleaning is complete, Mark repairs any cracks or missing mortar using a custom mortar mix that matches the color and texture of the existing brickwork. He then builds a new mantel out of reclaimed wood that matches the style of the home.

Finally, Kevin and Mark apply a new finish to the brickwork to protect it and give it a fresh look. The homeowners are thrilled with the results, and the restored fireplace brings new life to their living room.

The second project featured in this episode involves building a porch swing. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert meets with a homeowner who wants to add a cozy and inviting feature to her front porch.

Nathan begins by measuring the porch and creating a design plan for the swing. He then cuts the wood to size and assembles the frame of the swing. Using a combination of screws and wood glue, Nathan creates a sturdy frame that will support the weight of the swing.

The next step is to install the seat and backrest of the swing. Nathan uses reclaimed wood for this, which gives the swing a rustic and charming look. He finishes by sanding the swing to eliminate any rough edges and applying a protective coat of stain.

Once the swing is complete, Nathan and the homeowner hang it from the porch ceiling using chains and hardware. The swing looks beautiful and adds a cozy and inviting touch to the front porch.

Overall, season 17 episode 19 of Ask This Old House offers two different DIY projects that homeowners can tackle themselves. The fireplace restoration project demonstrates how to restore and update an old fireplace while preserving its historic features, while the porch swing project shows how to create a beautiful and functional feature for a front porch.