Ep 13. Fire Pit Plan, Window Restoration

In season 21, episode 13 of Ask This Old House, the team is back with two exciting projects. The first project is a fire pit plan. Kevin O’Connor is in Rhode Island with homeowner Sarah to build a new fire pit in her backyard. Sarah wants a large fire pit that she can use to entertain her friends and family during those chilly nights. Kevin and Sarah try to select the perfect site for the fire pit and chose the perfect materials. Kevin explains the necessary safety measures that need to be taken and shows Sarah how to lay out the fire pit foundation.

Next, the team heads to Detroit, Michigan, where Tom Silva is restoring the windows of a beautiful Victorian-style home. Tom teaches the viewers how to restore old windows to their former glory rather than replacing them with new ones. Tom emphasizes the importance of preserving historic homes and maintaining their original character. The homeowners, Kim and Paula, want to preserve the original character of their home and asked Tom to restore their windows. Tom shows them how to remove, repair and replace the glass panes, window sashes and seals. He also explains how to restore the window frame and install energy-efficient glass.

After that, Kevin is back in Rhode Island with Roger Cook, who is helping homeowner Eric install a new fence. Eric liked the rustic charm of his old fence, so Roger shows him how to recreate the old look and install it. Roger demonstrates how to prepare the post holes, install and mount the pickets, and cap the fence to protect it from water damage.

Lastly, Mauro Henriquez is in Orlando, Florida, helping homeowners repair their stucco wall. The homeowners, Lucy and Andre, had a handyman attempt to repair their stucco wall, but it resulted in an uneven and lumpy finish. Mauro demonstrates how to prepare the wall, apply the stucco, and finish it with a coat of paint. He also shows viewers how to apply a coat of primer and texture to blend in with the surrounding walls.

Ask This Old House season 21 episode 13 offers a vast range of DIY projects from building a fire pit to restoring old windows and installing a new fence. The team does an excellent job of providing in-depth and easy-to-follow instructions that even novice DIYers can easily understand. The episode embodies the spirit of sustainability and preserving historic architecture while staying true to the show's goal of DIY projects.