Ep 1. Sliding Barn Door, Drywell

In the first episode of the 18th season of Ask This Old House, the team takes on two separate home improvement projects.

The first project involves installing a sliding barn door in a home that previously had a standard hinged door. To accomplish this, host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva begin by removing the existing door frame. They then install a metal track on the ceiling and guide the door onto it, ensuring that it hangs level and operates smoothly. The team also adds a catch to hold the door in place when it’s closed. Finally, Kevin adds a finishing touch by painting the door a glossy black.

The second project involves addressing a problem with standing water in a homeowner’s backyard. To solve this, landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey install a drywell – a structure designed to collect and distribute excess water into the ground. The team begins by digging a hole and lining it with landscape fabric to prevent soil from clogging the well. They then add layers of gravel and sand, creating a permeable filter for the water to seep through. Finally, Richard connects a new gutter downspout to the drywell, ensuring that rainwater is efficiently collected and drained away from the house.

Throughout the episode, the team offers helpful tips and tricks for tackling similar projects in viewers’ own homes. For instance, Tom explains the importance of shimming the sliding barn door to prevent it from sagging over time, while Richard shares a clever way to corral excess gravel when filling the drywell.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House offers a valuable resource for homeowners looking to improve and maintain their properties. By demonstrating step-by-step instructions and providing expert advice, the team helps viewers feel confident in taking on similar projects themselves.