Archives
S1 E7: Ask This Old House
Tom repairs a sagging floor in a three-family house. The failing beam is jacked up, new concrete footings poured, and several new lally columns installed. Roger works with chainsaw expert Tim Ard to sharpen and maintain his saws.
How to Install a Stair Runner
Follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to install a carpet runner on stairs to boost the safety and design of your home.
S1 E6: Ask This Old House
Tom repairs a cracked plaster ceiling in a condominium. Richard and Steve rebuild a toilet to prevent it from continuously filling. Roger uses a stump grinder to remove an old tree stump. Tom replaces a broken pane of glass and reglazes a window sash.
S1 E5: Ask This Old House
Tom and Steve demonstrate two types of floor sanders: a traditional drum sander and a random orbital sander. Roger and Steve dig post holes for a new fence. Richard replaces a corroded pipe on a a boiler. Tom gives Steve a lesson in proper caulking technique.
Fall Furnace Maintenance
Now's the time to service your heating system
How To Scrape Old Paint Off a House
What stands between an old house and new paint? Many tenacious coats of the old stuff. But you can get it off with these tools and techniques.
U.S. Architecture: Where Did American Second Empire Come From?
We have Napoleon III to thank for the style known as American Second Empire.
S1 E4: Ask This Old House
Richard installs an air eliminator valve on a hydronic heating system. Tom shows how to remove nails without damaging trim. Steve and Roger maintain a snow blower. Painting contractor Jim Clark shows ways to clean and maintain old paintbrushes. Tom shows how to use sisal and jute rope to fill the gaps in a 160-year-old pine floor.
A Comprehensive Guide to Grout: Texture, Color, and Resistances
Grout comes in a variety of different textures, colors, and resistance levels. Read on to figure out which grout is right for your project.
S1 E3: Ask This Old House
Tom helps to hide an ugly back stoop. He shows the different adhesives and fasteners used, as well as more traditional types of decking. Steve and Roger demonstrate a new product that could rid backyards of mosquitoes. Richard Trethewey shows the proper technique for installing a thermostat on an old radiator.
A Guide to Choosing and Using Hand Planes for Your Projects
Few tools are better for smoothing and shaping wood than a plane tool. Here we share the different types of bench tools, block tools, and maintenance tips.
S1 E2: Ask This Old House
Roger demonstrates different ways to mend a damaged garden hose. Richard shows plumbing tools he recommends for homeowners. Tom explains how to use a square as a guide for cross-cutting. Tom fixes a noisy garage door opener. Roger helps with a muddy lawn under swings.
S1 E1: Ask This Old House
In the debut episode, host Steve Thomas joins Richard , Roger, and Tom in the Ask This Old House loft to give viewers a chance to ask questions and get expert advice about their homes.
Adding an Eyebrow to Your Roof
Eyebrow windows can dramatically improve your home's look and thermal performance. Learn all about this unique window style.
Choosing and Using Sandpaper For Any Home Project
Sandpaper comes in a variety of materials and grit ratings. Learn more about which type to choose for your project from our experts.
Looking for Clues to a House's Origin
There are always clues about how a house has evolved. But there are red herrings, too.
How to Install a Picket Fence
Follow this link for our step-by-step guide on installing a picket fence in your yard. A picket fence can improve the look of your home.
Closing Your Vacation Home for the Season
It was a blast relaxing in your home away from home but now it's time to winterize it. Here are the steps you need to take.
How to Design Small Baths So They Feel Roomier
Our tips range from the practical—use a pocket door to the psychological—choose one large mirror