Archives
How To Refinish Woodwork
Whether you're performing a quick cleaning or a complete strip-down, you can remedy a tired, old wood finish.
S7 E23: Basement Finishing, Knots, Tree Storm Damage
Tom prepares concrete basement walls for finished wallboard. Richard shows Kevin how to tie a few basic knots, the guys ask "What is it?" and Roger demonstrates how to care for storm-damaged trees.
S30 E23: Made In New York
Norm learns a faux painting technique to disguise old woodwork. Finished countertops arrive for the kitchen and is installed. A mud bed for garden tile and a mosaic bathroom floor are laid down.
How to Build a Table From Stair Parts
Create a space-saving central repository for keys, leashes, and mail in your front entry using vintage stair parts.
How to Open Up a Cramped Kitchen
A dark and dreary kitchen becomes a sun-filled showpiece and gathering spot
S7 E22: HVAC Zoning, Re-Grouting Tile
Richard helps a homeowner install a new type of "zoning" control for her forced-air heating and cooling system, the guys ask "What is it?" and Tom helps re-grout a homeowner’s bathroom tile floor.
S30 E22: Restoring and Replacing
Kevin finds vintage spiral stairs and the new plaster medallion being installed. Kevin lays down click-together linoleum floor tiles while ductwork over cabinetry is concealed.
How To Fix a Leaking Toilet
In this guide, we’ll walk you through identifying toilet parts, common issues, and solutions to get your toilet working properly again.
How to Install a Water-Powered Sump Pump
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install an emergency backup sump pump
10 Alternative Uses for Vinegar for any Room of the House
Vinegar can multitask in any room of the house. Here are 10 creative uses for this inexpensive kitchen staple in your home.
S7 E21: Dual-Flush Toilet, Sprinkler System
Richard helps a homeowner install a new "dual flush" water-saving toilet, the guys ask, "What is it?" and Roger and Kevin head install an in-ground sprinkler system any homeowner can install.
S30 E21: Making it Their Own
Norm checks progress in the owner's unit. Richard shows the showerhead combination. Carole shows Kevin paint color schemes. Norm sees progress on the kitchen’s woodworking. A new fence is installed.
S7 E20: Kids Show; Raised Garden Bed, Indoor Golf, Bottle Rockets
Our "kids" episode features projects parents and kids can build together! A raised bed for growing vegetables, an indoor mini-golf course and a model rocket launcher using commonly available items.
The Best Ladder Safety Accessories to Help You Work Securely
This guide breaks down some of the best ladder accessories available to help you finish your next project safely and securely.
How To Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves
This Old House expert Richard Tretheway shows you how to install a thermostatic radiator valve step by step in this video.
How To Set Up a Ladder Safely: A Comprehensive Guide
Accidents happen on ladders all the time. Setting up a ladder correctly is vital—here's what proper ladder placement looks like.
How to Create a Miniature Golf Course Step by Step
Bring the family together by building the green and then playing on it with this DIY miniature golf cart that both kids and adults can enjoy.
S30 E20: In with the New
Kevin inspects the new exterior paint job. White oak flooring with decorative cherry accents is laid down. Plaster crown moldings are replicated. A new retaining wall and brick patio is going down.
How To Build a Raised Vegetable Garden
Raised beds make vegetable gardening more convenient. Learn more about how to build them from This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.
How To Work Safely on a Ladder
Working on a ladder is dangerous, so it's important to know tips and safety precautions to prevent accidents.
How To Build a Water Rocket
Learn how to build and launch your own water rocket using a 2-liter bottle and PVC pipe with our guide and accompanying video.
S7 E19: Water Hammer Arrestor, Exterior Door
Richard helps a homeowner quiet his banging pipes by installing a water hammer shock suppressor, then the guys ask "What is it?" and Tom and Kevin install a pre-hung fiberglass exterior door.
S30 E19: Preservation & Planning
Kevin and Richard visit NY Harbor. Norm explores how to restore the house’s wood finishes. Designer Carole Freehauf shows period-appropriate tile combinations. Richard gets an update on plumbing.
Pull-Down Kitchen Faucets
Two nearly identical models offer a lesson: Cheap isn't always a bargain, and expensive doesn't always mean better in every way
Nontoxic Kitchen Cabinets
These days you can get cabinets with solid earth-friendly cred in a variety of styles and prices