In this episode:
Jenn Nawada teaches us all about groundcover plants, offering a creative alternative to mulch and rocks. Jenn points out that many different plants can grow in places where mowing or erosion are issues and can add some interest throughout the yard. She teaches about juniper, microbiota, pachysandra, sedum John Creech, lilyturf, and other ground-covering plants. Jenn explains how she likes to use each of these plants, highlighting where and how they perform best.
Then, Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor meet at the shop to discuss patching holes in drywall, noting that almost every homeowner will deal with this issue at some point. Tom shows Kevin some of the most common ways he likes to patch these holes, including using tape, metal-reinforced patches, and a few types of custom-cut patches.
Tom and Kevin also discuss the differences between joint compound and spackling compound and when to use one or the other. Tom shows Kevin just how to fit one of the custom patches and details the patch’s steps.
That’s not the “hole” story; Kevin then meets mason Mark McCullough to discuss how to patch holes in brick surfaces. After explaining how holes in brick might come to be, Mark shows Kevin a selection of mortar sticks and compounds. Mark explains that they’ll use these materials to match the color of the existing brick and fill the holes.
Mark shows Kevin how to mix both the compound and the mortar, explaining how to achieve the right consistency for the job. Mark shows Kevin a secret for filling the hole entirely and then finishing it off for barely noticeable repair with an eye for neatness.
Finally, Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner deal with a gap at their front door caused by new hardwood flooring. After assessing the issue, Nathan explains that cutting the door and raising the threshold is the homeowner’s solution. Nathan shows the homeowner the red oak he plans to use and how he’ll mill it to fit both the doorway and the hardwood floor.
Nathan shows the homeowner how to mark the door for the ideal cut before removing it from the doorway and cutting it to length. Setting to work on the new threshold, Nathan cuts the board to length, explains how to transfer the measurements from the doorway to the board, and then mills the new threshold to shape and size with a table saw and jigsaw. Finally, Nathan shows the homeowner how to secure the freshly milled threshold in place before adding a spring-loaded sweep for an airtight seal.
All About Ground Cover Plants
Landscaping expert Jenn Nawada explains how ground cover plants are a creative alternative to rocks and mulch and then tells us about some of her favorite varieties.
Where to find it?
Stonegate Gardens provided expert assistance with this segment.
How to Patch a Drywall Hole
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in drywall, covering holes of all shapes and sizes.
Where to find it?
To patch a small hole, he suggests using a spackling compound along with a putty or drywall knife. Sand the hole after applying a few thin layers and allowing for drying time.
To patch a medium-size hole, Tom suggests using either heavy-duty mesh drywall joint tape or a drywall self-adhesive wall repair patch, which come in a variety of different sizes, like 4″ x4″, 6″ x6″ and 8″ x8″. Cover the tape or patch with spackling compound using a putty or drywall knife, and sand down after applying a few thin layers and allowing for drying time.
For large holes, Tom suggests cutting a patch from a stock sheet of drywall. You can anchor the patch to the wall in one of three ways: using a scrap piece of wood, using drywall repair clips, or by leaving the paper backer on the drywall. Cover the tape or patch with spackling compound or joint compound (for larger holes) using a putty or drywall knife, and sand down after applying a few thin layers and allowing for drying time.
All materials can be sourced at a home center.
How to Fill Anchor Holes in Brick
Mason Mark McCullough teaches Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in a tough surface.
How to Make an Exterior Door Threshold
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows how to close the gap caused by a new floor in an older home with a new threshold.
Where to find it?
To bridge the awkward gap between the original threshold and the new flooring, Nathan cut to size a piece of ¾” oak stock lumber, which can be found at any home center.
To cut the board to size, Nathan used a combination of saws, including a TS 55 circular track saw manufactured by Festool and a sliding compound miter saw manufactured by Dewalt.
Nathan secured the threshold to the floor using Gorilla Glue construction adhesive and brad nails.
To help the new threshold blend in with the oak flooring, Nathan applied a polyurethane finish. While most finishes will do the trick, Nathan decided to use a Varathane Clear Semi-Gloss Polyurethane Spray, which Rust-Oleum manufactures.
The weatherstripping Nathan used was KC500 1-¼” x 84″ Gray Triangular Gasket and Aluminum Screw On Door Weather Strip, which is manufactured by Simply Conserve.
Original Air Date: Oct 14, 2021, Season 20; Ep. 3 23:42
Products and Services from this Episode
- Expert assistance: Stonegate Gardens
- Track saw manufacturer: Festool
- Sliding compound miter manufacturer: Dewalt
- Construction adhesive manufacturer: Gorilla Glue
- Polyurethane finish manufacturer: Rust-Oleum
- Door weatherstrip manufacturer: Simply Conserve