Ep 19. Quartz Countertops; Firepit Kit

In season 18 episode 19 of Ask This Old House, the team of experts tackle two projects, starting with installing quartz countertops in a kitchen. Host Kevin O’Connor heads to a countertop fabrication shop to learn about the process behind cutting and shaping quartz slabs to fit any kitchen design. He then meets up with contractor Mark McCullough to remove the old laminate countertops and install the new quartz ones. Alongside the installation, they offer tips on how to properly care for and maintain the new countertops.

Next, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada joins Kevin to build a fire pit kit for a homeowner. They start by selecting the right location, marking off the area, and digging the foundation. The kit is made up of interlocking concrete blocks that easily stack to create a fire pit. Jenn and Kevin also install a fire-rated ring, a grill grate, and a fire screen to safely contain the fire and cook food over it. With the project complete, they give tips on the best firewood to use and how to safely put out the fire.

In addition to the main projects, Ask This Old House also features a segment about home maintenance and repair. In this episode, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows a homeowner how to replace a faulty diverter valve on a tub and shower faucet. Along the way, he explains the different parts of the faucet and what function they serve, as well as giving tips on maintaining and fixing common faucet issues. Overall, the episode offers a wealth of practical knowledge for homeowners looking to improve their kitchen countertops, outdoor entertaining space, and general plumbing know-how.