Archives

A deck with yellow lights hanging over the rop of it.

Adding the Perfect Mood Lighting to Your Deck: A Guide

Use energy-efficient LEDs to cast a warm glow on the deck, stairs, and trees, and you can extend the party (safely) into the night.
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How To Patch a Porch Floor

Weather and heavy use can damage a porch floorboard. Learn how to replace it and make your porch safer by following our expert tips.

True Colors for an Interior Designer's 1930s House

A pro channels the past of her 1930s house—and comes up with its meant-to-be paint scheme
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How Thermostat Setbacks Can Save You Money

Learn from plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey how using thermostat setbacks can help you save money.
Two men removing a large tree stump from the ground.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Removing Tree Stumps

Learn two different ways to remove a troublesome tree stump from your yard with Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Retrofit a Home and Make it More Accessible

This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and Rick Castino from Operation Independence remodel a home for a wheelchair-enabled homeowner.
Two men installing wooden stairs up to a porch.
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Everything You Need to Know to Build Porch Stairs

This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a safe and solid set of porch steps that are more accessible for someone with mobility issues.
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Understanding Solar Power

Thinking about installing solar panels on your house? Watch as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the complexities of modern solar-power systems.
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How To Tune Up Your Lawn Mower

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares his top five tips for keeping your lawn mower running smoothly.
Image of a home with double hung windows. It is important to choose the right window types for your home.

How To Choose the Right Window Style for Your Home

Discover how to choose the perfect window style for your home, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency.
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How to Install a Secret Door

Tom Silva installs a bookcase that also serves as a door, concealing the entrance to a closet. He also demonstrates how to use a "scribe" to cut filler strips for an uneven floor.
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How to Install Decking

On a new front porch, Tom Silva shows Kevin O'Connor how to install mahogany decking with hidden fasteners and perfectly mitered joints
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How to Patch a Hardwood Floor

Tom Silva installs a patch in a hardwood floor and fills the gaps with a custom wood putty
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How to Install a Porch Column

Tom Silva shows the proper way to install a structural and decorative column on a front porch. He also demonstrates several ways to install weatherproof flashing
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How to Build a Tree House

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Silva build a great backyard treehouse using special hardware that will allow the tree to continue to grow for many years
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Twice as Nice Family Kitchen Makeover

Doubling the size of the island and adding a banquette with two tables makes a kitchen welcoming to kids—and their teammates, too
A home with windows on a hot summer day.

Hot Weather Tips for Windows to Keep Your Home Cool

Stay cool with our hot weather tips for windows. Explore solutions to reduce interior heat and improve energy efficiency.
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How To Build a Tree Fort

Use specialty hardware and a mix of lumber and branches to create a tree fort sturdy enough to support your kids’ wildest imaginations.
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Top Flooring Solutions for Dog-Friendly Homes

Dog-friendly flooring needs to be durable, easy to clean, and attractive, too. Here's what you need to know if you have pets.
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What Is It? | White Disk with Tethered Light

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows off a handy garage accessory
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What Is It? | Big Green Ball on Wheels

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva stumps the guys with a very odd-looking but innovative tool
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How to Use and Carry a Speed Square

Learn how to use a speed square—expert Tom Silva's favorite tool—and make your own holster to carry it with you on the job.
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How to Repair a Squealing Shower

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner silence a shrieking shower
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How To Start Plants from Seed to Spruce up Your Home

Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook discusses foolproof tips and techniques for starting plants from seeds.
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How to Install Your Own Security System

Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor helps a homeowner install a wireless alarm system.