Ask This Old House Season 3 Episode 16 Replicating Moldings; Fixing an Unlevel Patio; What Is It?; Stripping Wallpaper

In the season 3 episode 16 of Ask This Old House, the team delves into four different home improvement projects. The first project involves replicating moldings. A homeowner wants to replace some old, damaged moldings, but the molding profile is no longer being made. To solve this problem, carpenter Nathan Gilbert visits a local millwork company to learn how to replicate the profile and create custom moldings that are an exact match to the original. Gilbert takes the viewer through the process step-by-step, from measuring and selecting the appropriate wood to the use of specialized machines to cut the intricate molding shapes.

In the second project, landscape contractor Roger Cook visits a homeowner with an unlevel patio. The homeowner has tried various DIY methods to level the patio, but none have worked. Cook explains why the patio became unlevel in the first place and demonstrates how to fix the problem by digging and re-compacting the soil base, installing a drainage system to prevent future problems, and laying new patio pavers correctly to create a level surface.

The third segment involves a mystery object found in a homeowner's attic. Electrician Scott Caron meets with the homeowner to identify the object, which has a cord and a bulb but no discernible function. Through some investigation and an analysis of the wiring, Caron deduces that the object is an early model of a portable soldering iron used by tin-smiths.

Finally, the team tackles a common home improvement project: stripping wallpaper. Painter Mauro Henrique visits a homeowner who wants to remove old wallpaper before painting. Henrique demonstrates the proper tools and techniques for removing the wallpaper, including using a scoring tool and a wallpaper steamer. He also offers tips for repairing any damage to the wall caused by the wallpaper removal process.

Throughout the episode, the team provides clear instructions and useful tips for each project, making the tasks seem achievable for viewers who want to try similar home improvement projects on their own. From custom molding replication to leveling a patio, identifying mysterious objects, and stripping wallpaper, viewers will gain valuable insight into the world of DIY home improvements.