Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The morning starts with the arrival of a 17-foot-long steel beam that weighs 900 pounds. It will carry the load of the house over the 16-ft. opening that was made in the rear foundation wall. Because the site is so hard to access, general contractor Tom Silva uses a crane to lift it up and over the house and place it carefully on a temporary wall near the installation site. Then, host Kevin O'Connor and Tom's crew lend a hand installing it.
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Master carpenter Norm Abram meets with product specialist Bill Gaines to see the insulated concrete forms being used not only for the foundations, but also for the above-grade walls on the new additions. Inside, Kevin welcomes Chris Kimball from America's Test Kitchen, to help us understand the "time capsule" of a kitchen that we have from 1940 and where the new design is headed for our homeowners in 2010. Back outside, the forms are complete and the concrete truck arrives to pour the foundation and walls. At the end of the day, Tom and Kevin discuss how the new lead laws affect interior work and how to properly test for it. Using proper protocol, the kitchen is gutted and the wall to the dining room comes down.
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About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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This Old House | Bringing in the Structure (S32 E3) | FULL EPISODE
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
The morning starts with the arrival of a 17-foot-long steel beam that weighs 900 pounds. It will carry the load of the house over the 16-ft. opening that was made in the rear foundation wall. Because the site is so hard to access, general contractor Tom Silva uses a crane to lift it up and over the house and place it carefully on a temporary wall near the installation site. Then, host Kevin O'Connor and Tom's crew lend a hand installing it.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Master carpenter Norm Abram meets with product specialist Bill Gaines to see the insulated concrete forms being used not only for the foundations, but also for the above-grade walls on the new additions. Inside, Kevin welcomes Chris Kimball from America's Test Kitchen, to help us understand the "time capsule" of a kitchen that we have from 1940 and where the new design is headed for our homeowners in 2010. Back outside, the forms are complete and the concrete truck arrives to pour the foundation and walls. At the end of the day, Tom and Kevin discuss how the new lead laws affect interior work and how to properly test for it. Using proper protocol, the kitchen is gutted and the wall to the dining room comes down.
Enjoying full-episodes of This Old House? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream every episode ever made of This Old House (over 1,000 hours), commercial-free. bit.ly/32CLaGe
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
This Old House | Bringing in the Structure (S32 E3) | FULL EPISODE
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse


![How to Install Granite Hillside Steps | Ask This Old House
In this video, mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner address sloped fire pit access by installing granite steps, proper drainage, and a gravel path in the yard.
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In a perfect world, every homeowner’s yard would be flat and ideal for hosting. But when a homeowner realized his yard wasn’t so ideal, thanks to the steeply sloped path from his driveway to his fire pit, he knew he needed help. Mason Mark McCullough offered a perfect solution: granite steps on the hillside.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
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Where to find it?
Mark uses granite as steps on the side of the yard. (Can be found at a local stone yard)
Mark uses a dolly [https://homedepot.sjv.io/dOEJJ2] to carry stones down the hillside.
Mark uses a pry bar [https://homedepot.sjv.io/oqGvRg] to break up the dirt below the stone’s intended area.
Mark uses a tape measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/XmWKAX] to measure the length and width where the stones will go.
Mark uses spray paint [https://homedepot.sjv.io/XmK93b] to mark where the stone steps are meant to land.
Mark uses a hand tamper [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R5YjLy] to flatten/level the dirt beneath the hole he created for the stone step.
Mark uses a wheelbarrow [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LKWdGo] to carry various materials such as granite, dirt, and tools. You can also rent them at Home Depot [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DyPaen]
Mark uses a level [https://homedepot.sjv.io/JKWda7] to ensure the stone step is level for safe walking.
Mark uses a shovel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/EEWdjQ] to dig the proper-sized hole for the granite step.
Mark uses granite chips [https://homedepot.sjv.io/vPO63y] to fill in the dirt surrounding the granite step.
Mark uses a mattock [https://homedepot.sjv.io/9LrdPj] to break up the dirt on the hillside.
Mark uses a rubber mallet [https://homedepot.sjv.io/nLVg7a] to tap the stones in place.
Mark uses a string line [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LKWdqL] to mark the step layout and keep everything aligned.
Mark uses stakes [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLR63d] to keep all of the stones aligned.
Mark uses landscape fabric [https://homedepot.sjv.io/jeB63v] to keep the weeds from sprouting between the rocks.
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Install Granite Hillside Steps | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Install Granite Hillside Steps | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3ytwopiFAkc/mqdefault.jpg)

![How to Paint an Accent Wall | Ask This Old House
In this video, paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner create a soothing accent wall for her baby, complete with hand-sketched arches.
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Accent walls can be more than just a solid color that contrasts with the rest of the room. When a homeowner wanted help redesigning her baby’s nursery with an accent wall, paint expert Mauro Henrique broke out some simple, easy tricks to create a beautiful, calming accent wall.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
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Materials:
String [https://homedepot.sjv.io/5599oN]
Nail [https://homedepot.sjv.io/qzbbYL] (to hold string)
Painter’s tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MAy50Y] (standard and low-tack)
Paint #1 [https://bit.ly/4lZ6M7W]
Paint #2 [https://bit.ly/4bNMnxK]
Paint #3 [https://bit.ly/4rT9ddq]
Paint sticks [https://homedepot.sjv.io/RGKOa2]
Cotton knit rags [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LKbbGo]
Tools:
Drop cloths [https://homedepot.sjv.io/YRQQGB]
Painter’s multi-tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/21bO4O]
Bucket [https://homedepot.sjv.io/yqdd6G]
Screwdriver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/YV9qWe]
Paint brush [https://homedepot.sjv.io/jeooA6]
Paint roller cover [https://homedepot.sjv.io/JzA0Gr]
Roller frame and extension pole [https://homedepot.sjv.io/zxLLmG]
Paint trays [https://homedepot.sjv.io/3JDD0n]
Tape measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/K073xa]
Level [https://homedepot.sjv.io/6e6vAq]
Pencil [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DKWJ3o]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Paint an Accent Wall | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Paint an Accent Wall | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4KzlH0oiQVc/mqdefault.jpg)




![How to Install a Porch Swing | Ask This Old House
In this video, with the majority of her renovation completed, the homeowner felt her front porch needed a porch swing. With a little help, carpenter Nathan Gilbert installs the perfect porch swing.
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In this video, with the majority of her renovation completed, the homeowner felt her front porch needed a porch swing. With a little help, carpenter Nathan Gilbert installs the perfect porch swing.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Materials
2x8 lumber [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4a5Drr]
Construction adhesive [https://homedepot.sjv.io/7a7Lvd]
Acrylic caulk [https://homedepot.sjv.io/WyLJzn]
Joist hangers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MKnxN2]
Assorted screws [https://homedepot.sjv.io/POZYgq]
Painter’s tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xL2jAv]
Porch swing kit (brackets, bolts, swing, and chain) [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rE4325]
Brackets [https://homedepot.sjv.io/e1GJ2Z]
Ceiling anchors [https://homedepot.sjv.io/mOBrvZ]
Tools
Tape measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Xm3P25]
Oscillating tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/aOQJrj]
End cutting pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/N93d2O]
Scraper [https://homedepot.sjv.io/k034nN]
Drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/B5EQj9]
Drill bits [https://homedepot.sjv.io/yZg5zD]
Prybar [https://homedepot.sjv.io/oqGvRg]
Hammer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/POJdrQ]
Miter saw, or circular saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/AWAyVj]
Rubber mallet [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GK36QB]
Caulking gun [https://homedepot.sjv.io/QjnAmz]
Impact driver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/aNRkyj]
3-point laser or plumb bob [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GbXBZr]
Staple gun [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Wy3jgn]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
How to Install a Porch Swing | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Install a Porch Swing | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5GAWAZX6VlM/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Install a Concrete Paver Walkway | Ask This Old House
In this video, Mason Mark McCullough helps a pair of homeowners renovate their front walk from uneven flagstone to smooth, flat concrete pavers.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Concrete pavers are an attractive and affordable way to create a long-lasting walkway for your home. They’re manufactured to mimic brick or natural stone, giving you a high-quality look at a fraction of the cost. Plus, most homeowners can install them themselves.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Materials
Mason’s string [https://homedepot.sjv.io/RG07W9]
Landscape spikes [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GmW6y2]
Rubber mallet [https://homedepot.sjv.io/nLVg7a]
1-inch pipes [https://homedepot.sjv.io/e1PWJ1]
Compaction media [https://homedepot.sjv.io/jeALVM] (crusher run or basalt)
Sand [https://homedepot.sjv.io/jeALVM]
Pavers [https://www.belgard.com/products/pavers/]
Aluminum edging [https://homedepot.sjv.io/ZdrRX]
6-inch spikes [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Pz6xkM] (for edging)
Polymeric sand [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GbZWq6]
Tools
Shovel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/jrb4De]
Pick axe [https://homedepot.sjv.io/oNyMBe]
Wheelbarrow [https://homedepot.sjv.io/aOQXjq]
Hand tamper [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLDGrO]
Finishing trowel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/q4eW5b]
Rake [https://homedepot.sjv.io/1rO1dR]
Hose [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rE2MBd]
4-foot level [https://homedepot.sjv.io/XY3nrb]
Broom [https://homedepot.sjv.io/raRLXQ]
Circular saw with masonry blade [https://homedepot.sjv.io/n42MVV] (if you need to resize any pavers)
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Install a Concrete Paver Walkway | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Install a Concrete Paver Walkway | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5NOGFLWjACQ/mqdefault.jpg)