Tom Silva

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Build It | Outdoor End Table

Nov 18, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

Outdoor end tables are great for taking on the boat, to the patio, or anywhere else one might enjoy a cold drink and a bowl of chips. When general contractor Tom Silva wanted to replicate an outdoor end table made from teak, host Kevin O'Connor wanted to be part of the process. Here's how to build it. How to Build an Outdoor End Table Start by choosing an outdoor-hardy wood species like teak.
Install a New Window in an Old Wall

Nov 12, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, and one of the framers frame the rough opening for windows in the Glen Ridge project house laundry room. They explain to Kevin why they don't need a header in this particular instance and why it's such a pretty straightforward thing to do. Kevin O'Connor, Tom Silva, and one of the framers frame the rough opening for windows in the Glen Ridge project house laundry room.
How to Install a Sleeper Slab

Nov 12, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

By Tom Silva Part of old addition consists of a concrete slab that needs to seamlessly integrate with the new floor system. Tom Silva helps Zack Dettmore finish the floor framing so the new floor can run over the slab. At the Glen Ridge, NJ house, general contractors Tom Silva and Zack Dettmore install sleepers to the existing addition slab to make it level with the new floor system. A rigid insulation board is added for a thermal break.
All About Combination Squares

Oct 21, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Sal Vaglica |Tom Silva

This Old House general contractor, Tom Silva, teaches host Kevin O'Connor everything he needs to know about combination squares, how they work, and what they're used for. What Size Are Combination Squares? Combination squares come in various sizes: 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, and 24 inches. They have a steel ruler that slides back and forth over the slide handle, which has two built-in angles: 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
What Is It? | Black Inflatable Square

Oct 7, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

When general contractor Tom Silva brought a new tool to the shop, no one knew what it was. It's black, flexible, square, and has a ball attached to the end. Safe to say, none of the other crew members knew what it was. Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada said it's her "fresh air purse." She fills the bag outside by pumping the ball, and when she needs some fresh air during a day in the office, she releases the air valve and breathes in her stored fresh air.
How to Mud and Tape Drywall Corners

Aug 15, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Tom Silva

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How to Mud and Tape Drywall Corners

Aug 15, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

Whether you're finishing a new construction project or repairing existing walls, properly mudding and taping corners can make the difference between a professional-looking result and a DIY disaster. This guide walks you through the process of mudding and taping both inside and outside drywall corners with tips courtesy of This Old House 's Tom Silva.
Build It | Segmented Bowl

Feb 5, 2024 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

General contractor Tom Silva has been turning projects on lathes for years but has recently started to focus on the craft now that he has more free time. He's tackled many projects, including ornaments, baseball bats, and more. In this project, he will show host Kevin O'Connor how to turn a segmented bowl on a lathe, from stock prep to turning. How To Turn a Segmented Bowl Start breaking the material down into thinner strips. For the base, cut the material about 6 inches wide.
Build It | Miter Saw Station

Nov 20, 2023 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

Project detailsMost folks with workshops would agree that they don't have nearly enough space or storage. When our shop started to feel a little crowded, general contractor Tom Silva came up with a solution. With the help of host Kevin O'Connor, the two build a perfect miter saw stand with all the storage they'll need. Here's how it's done. Building a miter station Position the two toolboxes far enough away from each other that the miter saw will fit between them.
How to Repair a Double Pane Window

Nov 6, 2023 | thisoldhouse.com | Tom Silva

Project detailsDouble-paned windows are all about efficiency. These glass assemblies feature two panes of glass sandwiched over a metal frame. Between the panes is an inert gas that prevents heat transfer and helps the glass insulate the home. If one of those panes cracks, the gas escapes, and the window is inefficient. When a homeowner called general contractor Tom Silva for just this issue, he knew who to call to get the window repaired. Here's how it went.