Carpenter Nathan Gilbert takes us along as he helps a homeowner install a new recessed medicine cabinet in his bathroom. After laying out the dimensions on the wall, Nathan cuts a small inspection hole to see if it was safe to proceed. Once they’re in the clear, the two work together to remove or notch the studs that are in the way, reframe the opening, and install the new medicine cabinet.
Next, we head on a house call with mason Mark McCullough to help a homeowner bring their indoor charcoal grill back to life. While the grill was in good condition, the chimney was not, allowing water to penetrate the flue and cause issues. With the old chimney cap removed and the flue extended, the two pour a new concrete chimney cap that will allow the homeowner to enjoy their grill for years to come.
Finally, we meet Mark and host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop to talk about Mark’s found treasures. With a collection of items on the table, Mark explains what he has, some mason traditions, and more.
How to Install a Recessed Cabinet
A homeowner’s plans to upgrade his medicine cabinet came to a halt when he realized there may be pipes or wires in the wall. With the help of carpenter Nathan Gilbert, the two work together to ensure that the wall is safe and reframe the opening for a perfect installation. Here’s how it went.
Where to find it?
After making sure the wall is not a load-bearing wall and electricity is shut off, make a small hole to see what’s in the wall being worked on. This can be done using an oscillating tool with a drywall blade. Wear safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves—especially if you might be dealing with insulation. Use a dust extractor to clean up debris. If the wall cavity looks clear of electrical and plumbing vents—you are good to keep working.
Make a layout with the dimensions of the recessed cabinet (not the mirror dimensions if it’s different) using a pencil, measuring tape, and level.
Nathan didn’t want to fully take out the studs because they were attached to a brittle wall. He used an oscillating tool to make a series of relief cuts and a sharp chisel and hammer to remove the pieces. He cut the studs down ¾” past the drywall and cut up ¾” extra to have room to lay a 1×4” board at the top and bottom. A 2×4” was placed on each side.
Place the new recessed medicine cabinet into the wall. A magnetic torpedo level will attach to some mirrors to help you determine if it’s level. Install the recessed medicine cabinet according to the instructions.
How To Replace a Chimney Crown
When a homeowner wanted to start using his vintage indoor charcoal grill, the inspector dashed his hopes until it was inspected by a mason. Resident Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough answered the call, helping to identify the chimney crown as the issue. Luckily, Mark knew just what to do, and the two worked together to replace the concrete crown.
Where to find it?
Mark built scaffolding for a safe work area. They still wore harnesses for when they stepped onto the roof.
To demo the old concrete cap, they wore safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves. They used a mix of a sledgehammer, bricklayer’s hammer, chisel, and a masonry rotary hammer drill with a chisel bit.
To extend the flues Mark used clay flue liners that matched the dimensions of the existing liners. He used a brick trowel to add a layer of Type S mortar. He used a mallet to tap the new flue tile level. After, a little more mortar can be added around the flue joint and scraped flat.
To install the concrete cap—rebar and reinforcement metal lath should be cut to the size of the chimney and flues. First, lay pieces of rebar to the length of the chimney and the width. Use a wire twister with rebar tie wires at each crossing of rebar to hold in place. Place the steel mesh on top of the rebar, this will help stop the concrete from falling down the chimney.
After, start adding the concrete. Mark used a high strength concrete mix. To spread the concrete, they used a mix of a margin trowel, finish trowel, and a brick trowel. When they were halfway done adding the concrete, they laid 9-gauge reinforcement mesh on top. Then continued adding concrete.
After the concrete was added, Mark added a metal cap to the kitchen flue for better water protection than the screens the homeowner had on the other flues.
Mark’s Fun Finds
Mason Mark McCullough finds all sorts of fun items while excavating foundations, repairing block walls, and other typical masonry projects. He shares some of his favorite items with host Kevin O’Connor back at our shop.
Original Air Date: Oct 24, 2024, Season 23; Ep. 5 23:42