Ep 2. Between a Rock and Hardwood | Cape Ann

Between a Rock and Hardwood | Cape Ann

In season 42 episode 2 of This Old House, the team visits Cape Ann, Massachusetts, to help a couple renovate their 1800s home. The homeowners, John and Julie, purchased the property 20 years ago and have been slowly renovating it while living in it. The main focus of this episode is the living room, which has a unique challenge: a massive rock protruding from the floor.

The homeowners want to save the rock and incorporate it into the design of the room, but it poses some structural issues. To address this problem, the team brings in engineer Joe D’Agostino, who devises a plan to reinforce the ceiling and support the weight of the rock. A load-bearing beam is installed to take the weight off the rock, and metal brackets are used to securely anchor it to the floor.

Next, the team turns their attention to the flooring. The homeowners want to replace the existing carpet with hardwood, but the subfloor poses another challenge. The team discovers that the subfloor is uneven and not level, which will cause problems with the new flooring. To address this problem, they use a leveling compound to even out the surface and create a smooth base for the new hardwood.

Once the subfloor is prepped, the team installs the new hardwood flooring. They choose to use a white oak flooring, which complements the new paint color the homeowners have selected for the walls. The flooring is installed in a herringbone pattern, which adds a unique touch to the room.

With the structural and flooring issues resolved, the team turns their attention to the fireplace. The current fireplace is outdated and unattractive, so the team decides to give it a modern update. They install a new gas fireplace with a sleek design, which instantly transforms the look of the room.

Finally, the team adds some finishing touches to the room. They install new crown molding and baseboards to give the room a polished look, and they also install new window treatments and lighting fixtures. The result is a stunning living room that seamlessly blends old and new elements.

In addition to the main renovation project, the episode also includes a segment on how to select and use a drain cleaning machine, which may come in handy for homeowners with older plumbing systems. Overall, season 42 episode 2 of This Old House is an informative and entertaining look at the renovation process, with a unique project that showcases the team’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills.