Archives
What You Need to Know to Restore a Butcher-Block Countertop
When wood counters lose their good looks, here’s how to make them beautiful again and keep them looking that way.
How To Build and Preserve a Reclaimed Heart Pine Bench
Add sturdiness and stylishness to your home by building your own reclaimed heart pine bench. Our step-by-step guide will lead you through the process.
Future House | How To Install a Robotic Wall
Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps install a robotic wall to maximize space for a small, urban apartment in Future House.
Lush Life in a California Garden
An artful mix of curved terraces, vibrant flowers, and luxuriant succulents transforms a challenging backyard
S38 E6: One Brick at a Time
Starting a new chimney. A 100-year-old brick factory. Designing the kitchen of the homeowner’s dreams. Tommy changes the pitch of the two back dormers to match the pitch of the new gable.
S15 E6: Room Zones, Wall Patch
Richard learns about a way to heat and cool a house using a new room-by-room ventilation system. The guys ask, "What is it?" And Tom explains the best ways to patch a small hole in the wall.
What Is It? | Motorized Plastic Cylinder
The guys from Ask This Old House look at a motorized, plastic cylinder and ask, "What is it?"
23 Things You Didn't Know You Could Fix Yourself
Expand your DIY repertoire and save money by making bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor repairs yourself. Here are 20+ easy fixes you can make.
How To Patch and Repair Holes in Your Drywall or Plaster
Do you have damaged drywall or plaster? Follow these expert tips and step-by-step instructions to repair holes in your wall.
How to Install Room-By-Room Zoning in an HVAC System
Ask This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey learns about an HVAC system that allows each room to be zoned out using smartphone technology.
Small Evergreens, Big Impact
Combine dwarf conifers in pots for a fresh look—and year-round color
From Cramped Bath to Relaxing Retreat
A shed dormer bumpout creates more breathing room in a tight, low-ceilinged bath
All About Ceiling Fans
These air movers keep you cool and look cool doing it. Here’s how to choose a model that’s right for your space
Designing a Craft Room for $397
This budget redo by Rachel Beach of Craving Some Creativity uses Craigslist cabinets, recycled countertops, and a wall of DIY storage to turn a spare room into a well-organized workspace.
How To Replace and Maintain a Broken Front Porch Board
Homeowners can easily replace broken floorboards on their front porches to keep themselves safe. Learn how to complete the project in our step-by-step guide.
How to Identify and Treat Soft Water
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey answers an email about a shower stained green and why it may be linked to soft water
How to Conceal Electrical Wires with Crown Molding
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron uses crown molding to conceal wiring and bring more electrical outlets to a bedroom.
S15 E5: Deck, Conceal Wiring
Tom repairs a broken board on a front porch. Richard analyzes a homeowner’s green-stained shower. Scott brings more power to a bedroom and is able to conceal the wiring with crown molding.
S38 E5: A Steely Den
Steel beam fabrication and erection on the house. HVAC plans for the second floor. Front porch demo’ed with heavy machinery and new footings for a new porch. Working on the firebox and chimney.
Really Smart Homes
There are a lot of choices these days in the way of connected devices for a safer, more secure, and more convenient home. Maybe too many. To help you figure it out, here are 5 starter kits tailored to 5 very different types of homes and homeowners
What To Know Before You Buy a Toilet
Keep these key parts and new features in mind on your next toilet shopping trip.
Family Love Sustains Three Colonial-era Homes in Newport
As part of a unique preservation program, three siblings living in a cluster of historic houses enjoy a close connection to the 18th century—and each other
Winter Weatherproofing Tips
A few quick fixes will keep chilly breezes from seeping into the house. These three are sure to make you more comfortable this winter
S38 E4: Foundation Fundamentals
The new concrete foundation is poured. Finding mature specimen trees for the yard. A precast concrete bulkhead is installed. The old rubble foundation gets waterproofed with synthetic rubber spray.
S15 E4: Orchard, Water Heater
Roger helps plant a home orchard using apple and pear trees. Tom shows Kevin how to choose and use a circular saw. Richard installs a new tank water heater and discusses new regulations on them.