Archives
On the Road with Ask This Old House
There isn’t anywhere our intrepid This Old House crew won’t go to help people improve their homes and their lives.
Ask This Old House: Richard Trethewey’s Greatest Hits
Over the years, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey has helped hundreds of homeowners reduce their energy consumption and slash their monthly utility bills
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.
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
How Thermostat Setbacks Save Money
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how adjusting the thermostat can reduce energy consumption and save you money.
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.
How to Retrofit a Home for Accessibility
This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and Rick Castino from Operation Independence remodel a home for a wheelchair-enabled homeowner
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
How to Patch a Hardwood Floor
Tom Silva installs a patch in a hardwood floor and fills the gaps with a custom wood putty
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
What Is It? | White Disk with Tethered Light
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows off a handy garage accessory
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
How to Use and Carry a Speed Square
A speed square is a small but versatile tool, here are the many ways you can use it.
How to Repair a Squealing Shower
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner silence a shrieking shower