Archives
Testing New Stud Finders
Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey tests out a new smart stud finder and explains how to use them effectively.
How to Plant Hardier Foundation Plantings
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada helps a homeowner replace and improve foundation plantings that have been crushed by snow piles
S40 E22: What’s the Miter with the Corner
Our Mid-century Modern house mixes stained and painted siding, typical of this style of architecture. Kevin finds Tommy using two methods for the corner edge detail.
S17 E22: Restore Fireplace, Porch Swing
Mark restores a fireplace; Richard and Ross discuss thermostats; Tom hangs a swing.
Reader Project | How to Build a Porch Pirate-Proof Bench
A reader shares his ingenious solution for safeguarding delivered packages
What’s your favorite memory from 40 years of This Old House?
We're getting ready for a special issue of This Old House magazine that celebrates the 40th anniversary of TOH TV, and we want YOU to be part of it!
How to Hang a Porch Swing through Vinyl
Learn how to safely hang a porch swing on a vinyl-covered ceiling with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How to Maximize Comfort with a Thermostat
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and home technology expert Ross Trethewey discuss improvements to thermostats and how they contribute to comfort in a home
Why is This Lawn Patchy? Professional Tips for Maintaining a Yard
Watch as Ask This Old House landscape contractors Roger Cook and Jenn Nawada share DIY tips for killing weeds without hurting the lawn.
Prep for Success: Tips for a Pro-Level Paint Finish
You’ve heard the saying before: Fail to prepare—prepare to fail. But whether it’s because prep work is viewed as an unnecessary expense or it just boils down to impatience, many home improvers fail to properly prepare their surfaces before applying paint. We sat down with TOH painting pro Nick Slavik to find out how important it is to take the time to prep and prime.
Insiders Visit the New Yankee Workshop
A group of lucky Insiders and guests had the experience of a lifetime, spending time with Norm Abram and Russ Morash inside the ultimate carpenter's paradise
S40 E21: Can We Cantilever
The final roof section of the house is over the new living room addition. It’s unique because it cantilevers out over a balcony. But as Kevin finds out from Tom, that means installing the rafters takes more care.
S17 E21: Stair Treads, Gas Stove Pipe
Tom replaces stair treads; Jenn discusses pruners; Richard shortens a gas pipe.
5 Weekend Projects To Get Your Yard Ready for Summer
These DIY projects can help you gear up for a summer of outdoor barbeques, s’mores around the bonfire, and kicking back with friends.
How To Choose and Use Pruners
Discover tips for choosing and using pruners, including the best types for your garden needs and how to apply precision in your pruning tasks.
How to Update Stair Treads and Risers
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his mid-century modern home.
How to Shorten a Gas Pipe to Fit an Oven
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shortens a gas pipe for a homeowner whose new stove does not fit against the wall because it is getting stuck on the pipe
GIFT GUIDE | Fan Picks for Mother’s Day
We asked you, our TOH fans, to share your wish lists. Here are some of our favorite responses, including gifts at a range of price points.
S40 E20: Eight Is Enough Stairways
Tips on how to calculate stair riser height, foundation insulation, radiant heat, and back to Santa Fe
S17 E20: Fix Foundation, Textured Ceiling
Mark repoints a crumbling fieldstone foundation; Tom discusses the proper disposal techniques for oily rags; and instead of scraping, Mauro smooths over a textured ceiling
Tom and Norm Build a Small Deck
Tom Silva and Norm Abram team up to make quick work of framing a small deck. Did the chisel come out of Norm's pouch? Of course it did
How to Install a Mudsill
Norm Abram teaches our apprentices Carly and Erick the basics of mudsill installation at our Brookline project
How To Control Dust During Demolition
Before you start a demolition project, check out our guide and video to learn how you can reduce dust for a cleaner and safer work space.
How to Safely Dispose of Oily Rags
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses the proper disposal techniques for oily rags to prevent spontaneous combustion.
How To Flatten a Textured Ceiling
Read our guide to easily flatten your textured ceiling and discover how to achieve a sleek, flat ceiling without scraping.
