Archives

A man spray his lawn with compost tea.

How to Make and Use Compost Tea

Read our guide to learn how to make and use compost tea so that you can improve the look and health of your lawn.
affordable_upgrades_xl_crop

28 Ways to Refresh Your Bath on a Budget

Reviving a tired bathroom needn't require a total overhaul. Learn how to add style and character at an affordable price.
HOUSE_iStock_153139903

19 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Home’s Next Remodel

Remodeling costs can add up quick, but there are plenty of ways to save cash. Check out 19 ways you can save money on your home's next remodel, from attending auctions to donating materials.
norm_fixing_sliding_door_rail_8

Top 20 Essential Tools From the This Old House Pros

When tackling home improvement or repair projects, having the right tools can make all the difference.
best_of_10_uses_xl

Best of "10 Uses" for Common Household Products

Put extra materials—and even stuff destined for the trash heap—to work in your home with these ideas from TOH's 10 Uses column
A newly renovated bathroom.

Read This Before You Redo a Bath

Learn what to consider when remodeling your bathroom and how to plan for a successful, cost-effective renovation.
A backyard pond surrounded by stones and green vegetation. There are colorful flowers in the background.

Everything You Need to Know to Build a Backyard Pond

Want an attractive pond in your backyard? Our guide explains what it takes to create a thriving aquatic centerpiece for your home.
bungalow_remodel_x

How to Make Home Upgrades That Pay

How a couple of hands-on homeowners took a bungalow from dilapidated to delightful, using home-center finds
charming_kitchen_x

Top 10 Budget Kitchen and Bath Remodels

See how a few thrifty DIYers got the kitchens and bathrooms of their dreams without breaking the bank
timeless_appeal_xl

How to Create a Modern Bath in a Vintage Style

If you want to add vintage charm to a new washroom or polish to a period one, look to Victorian, Craftsman, and Art Deco designs for inspiration.
A table with a yellow herringbone pattern.

How To Create a Herringbone Pattern Tabletop for Your Home

Learn how to transform an old, tired surface with glaze, tape, and a toothy tool to make an elegant herringbone pattern.
A car in front of a home with a lightning strike in the background.

Top 10 Disasters That Can Hit Your House While You're on Vacation

An empty house is a vulnerable house. Learn how to keep your home safe and sound when you take off for your holiday.
vintage_cottage_style_x

Spare Bedroom Becomes Spacious Bath

Relocating the only bath allowed for a claw-foot tub and separate shower, plus a vintage cottage look that matches the house
a mix of bright flowers and plants in a garden

How to Get Late-Summer Color in Your Garden

A strategic mix of annuals and perennials yields a brilliant garden when the heat is really on
impact_drivers_xbanner

Tool Test: Impact Drivers

TOH readers put six selectable-speed impact drivers and 11 single-speed ones to the test
reader_ponds_x

Best Ponds from Readers' Yards

These tales of outdoor transformations may just inspire you to build a pond of your own
easy_runner_x

How To Install a DIY Stair Runner

Installing a stair runner can transform your staircase, adding style and safety to your home. Let's go through the steps.
queen_anne_s

Save This Old House: Goldsboro, North Carolina

Find out more about the historic 1901 Queen Anne house located on a spacious lot in North Carolina
chopsticks_x

10 Uses for Chopsticks

Even if you prefer a fork, these simple wood utensils are worth saving. Read about a few creative uses for chopsticks around your home.
furniture_treasures_x

From Trash to Furniture Treasures

TOH reader Cheryl Demartini shares how she turns salvaged doors, barn boards, and hardware into one-of-a-kind furnishings
heat_loss_and_gain
Play

How to Manage Heat Gain and Loss Year Round

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips for saving energy throughout the year.
load_bearing_wall_x
Play

How to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to safely cut open up a wall.
Web_ricochet_a033_c053_21245504

13 DIY Backyard Games and Play Structures

Follow these simple steps to create backyard games and play structures and turn your home into the ultimate fun zone!
safety_gear_x
Play

How to Choose and Use Safety Gear

This Old House host Kevin O'Connor and plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey discuss various types of DIY safety gear
An image of a pressure and fan flow gauge indicating a leaky duct.
Play

A Step By Step Guide to Fixing Leaks in Air Ducts in Your Home

Leaky air ducts waste energy, costing you money. Learn how to identify and fix an air duct leak in our comprehensive guide.