Ep 2. Durable Landscape, Cutting Board

Ask This Old House is a home improvement show hosted by Kevin O'Connor, Richard Trethewey, Tommy Silva, and Roger Cook. In the season 20 episode 2 titled Durable Landscape, Cutting Board, the crew visits a home in Pembroke, Massachusetts, where the homeowners are looking to make improvements to their backyard.

The first segment focuses on creating a durable landscape in the backyard. The crew meets with hardscape contractor Dave Arling, who recommends using permeable pavers to create a patio. Permeable pavers allow water to drain through them and into the ground, which helps prevent erosion and runoff. Dave demonstrates how to lay the pavers and fill in the gaps with stone dust. He also shares tips for creating a level surface and ensuring proper water drainage.

Next, the crew visits a wood shop in Newton, Massachusetts to learn how to make a cutting board. Master woodworker Tom McLaughlin shares his techniques for selecting the right wood, cutting and gluing the pieces together, and sanding and finishing the board. He also shows how to add a juice groove and handle to the board for added functionality.

In the final segment, the crew returns to Pembroke to help with a few more landscaping projects. Roger Cook demonstrates how to install a drip irrigation system, which allows for precise watering without wasting water. He also shares tips for choosing the right plants for the yard and creating a low-maintenance landscape. Tommy Silva shows how to build a trellis, which can be used to support climbing plants or provide privacy.

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer helpful tips and advice for homeowners looking to tackle their own home improvement projects. From selecting materials to using tools and techniques, viewers can learn a lot from the Ask This Old House crew. Whether you're looking to upgrade your backyard, create a new cutting board, or simply improve your DIY skills, this episode has something for everyone.