Ep 24. Detroit: Going Old School for Tile and Molding

Detroit: Going Old School for Tile and Molding is the 24th episode of season 34 of the popular home renovation show This Old House. In this episode, the team travels to Detroit, Michigan to tackle a perplexing home renovation challenge. They are tasked with updating a century-old home, which was abandoned for many years, to meet modern-day standards.

As soon as they arrive, the team realizes that the house is riddled with problems. The walls are uneven, the ceilings are sagging, and there are gaps in the floorboards. However, the team is undeterred and decides to tackle each issue individually.

The focus of this episode is on installing tile and molding in the home. The team opts to go "old school" on this project, using traditional methods to maintain the old-time feel of the house. They start by tearing down the old ceramic tiles in the bathroom and kitchen, which have been damaged beyond repair.

The team then explains how to create a "mud base" for the tiles, which involves mixing up a batch of mortar and spreading it evenly over the floor. They demonstrate how to lay the tiles on top, making sure they are level and spaced evenly apart. The team also goes over how to cut tiles to fit around corners and other obstacles.

In addition to the tile work, the team also tackles the molding in the house. They explain how to create custom moldings using a router and a variety of different router bits, which can be used to carve intricate patterns into the wood.

Throughout the episode, the team also touches on the history of Detroit and how it played a significant role in the development of America's auto industry. This background information adds an interesting dimension to the episode and makes it more than just a typical renovation show.

As with all This Old House episodes, there are some challenges along the way. In this case, the team discovers rotting wood in the walls, which will need to be replaced before the walls can be tiled. They also need to figure out how to install the new ceiling tiles, which are intended to cover up the sagging plaster.

Despite the challenges, the team manages to complete the project, and the end result is stunning. The tile work and molding add a touch of elegance and style to the old house, giving it a new lease on life. The homeowners are thrilled with the results, and it's clear that the team has once again succeeded in turning a house into a home.

Overall, Detroit: Going Old School for Tile and Molding is a fascinating episode of This Old House that offers practical advice for anyone considering a home renovation project. It's packed with information and tips, and the team's enthusiasm is contagious. Even if you're not planning to renovate your own home, this episode is worth watching for its insight into Detroit's rich history and the challenges involved in renovating an old house.