Ask This Old House Season 2 Episode 13 Squeaky Hardwood Floors; What Is It?; Building Timber Stairs

In season 2 episode 13 of Ask This Old House, the team tackles three different home improvement projects: fixing squeaky hardwood floors, identifying an unknown object found in a backyard, and building timber stairs.

The first segment focuses on a common homeowner problem: squeaky hardwood floors. Host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva visit a home with creaky floors and demonstrate how to fix the issue. They explain that floors squeak when the wood rubs against the subfloor or other surfaces, causing friction and noise. To fix the problem, they use a special drill bit to create a pilot hole and then screw down the boards to the subfloor. They also discuss why some floors might squeak more in certain spots and provide tips for preventing future squeaks.

The second segment is a bit of a mystery: a homeowner found a strange object buried in their backyard and wants to know what it is. Kevin brings in landscape contractor Roger Cook, who helps to identify the object as an old grinding wheel used for sharpening tools. Roger explains the history of grinding wheels and how they were used in agriculture and carpentry. He also provides tips for safely removing the sharp edges of the wheel and turning it into a decorative garden feature.

In the final segment, Kevin and Tom team up again to build a set of timber stairs for a homeowner looking to replace their old, unstable set. Tom explains how to design and lay out the stairs, including measuring the rise and run and choosing the appropriate materials. They then demonstrate how to cut and assemble the pieces of the stair treads and risers using traditional mortise and tenon joints. Throughout the process, they provide helpful tips for DIYers looking to tackle similar projects.

Overall, season 2 episode 13 of Ask This Old House offers a diverse range of home improvement tips and tricks, from fixing squeaky floors to identifying historical artifacts to building custom stairs. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, this episode provides valuable insights and techniques for tackling your own home improvement projects.