Ep 14. Dog Dish Stand, Gas Lantern

In season 18, episode 14 of Ask This Old House, the team tackles two very different projects: building a dog dish stand and installing a gas lantern. The first segment features host Kevin O'Connor and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey as they help a homeowner create a custom stand for her dog's food and water dishes.

The homeowner explains that her aging dog has difficulty bending down to reach his bowls on the floor, so she wants to build a stand that will elevate them to a more comfortable height. Kevin and Richard begin by measuring the dog's height and the height of his shoulders, then calculating the ideal height for the stand. They settle on a height of 16 inches, which will allow the dog to eat and drink without straining his neck or back.

The team then heads to a local lumberyard to choose materials for the stand. They opt for pressure-treated pine, which is durable and weather-resistant. Back at the house, they get to work cutting and sanding the pieces for the stand, then assembling it using screws and wood glue.

While they work, Kevin and Richard offer plenty of tips and tricks for aspiring DIY enthusiasts. They explain the importance of clamping and gluing boards together before screwing them in place, and demonstrate how to use a circular saw and a jigsaw safely and efficiently. They also discuss the benefits of using a pocket hole jig to create strong joints, and explain how to use wood filler to cover up any gaps or imperfections.

Once the stand is complete, the homeowners are delighted with the result. Their dog is finally able to eat and drink comfortably, and the stand looks attractive and fits in perfectly with their decor.

The second segment of the episode sees Kevin and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada traveling to New Orleans to help a homeowner install a gas lantern on the exterior of her home. The lantern will not only add an attractive design element to the house, but will also provide a source of light and security.

The team begins by investigating the existing gas line and determining the best location for the lantern. They settle on a spot near the front door, which will provide plenty of visibility and allow the homeowner to easily access the lantern for maintenance.

Next, they begin the installation process, which involves connecting the lantern to the gas line and securing it in place. They explain how to use a pipe cutter to cut the gas line to the correct length, and discuss the importance of using thread sealant to prevent leaks.

They then demonstrate how to wire the lantern to the electrical supply, which will allow the homeowner to turn it on and off as needed. They explain how to safely thread the electrical wires through the lantern's mounting bracket and connect them to the house's wiring.

Finally, they test the lantern to ensure that it is working properly and provide the homeowner with some tips on how to maintain and clean it in the future.

Overall, season 18, episode 14 of Ask This Old House is a great resource for anyone looking to tackle some DIY projects around the home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DIYer, you're sure to learn something new and get inspired to try out some new ideas.