Archives

A white porch swing hanging below a large American flag.

How To Hang a Porch Swing: A Complete Guide

Installing a porch swing can be a rewarding home improvement project. This guide shows you how to safely install and maintain yours.
charlestown_x

The Art of Graining

For his next trick: master refinisher John Dee transforms MDF into wood.
wood_deck_hero
Play

How to Build a Deck: Step by Step Instructions & Video

Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to build a professional-looking on-grade home deck.
winchester_after

The Winchester House

Healthy but tired, the 1920's Colonial Revival in Winchester got an improved kitchen and master suite, an updated heating plant, and a cosmetic freshening inside and out.
zoning_x

How to Make Sense of Zoning

Local codes can be complicated, and running afoul of them costly. Here are ways homeowners can protect themselves from zoning hassles.
install_toilet_xl_alt

How To Install a Toilet

This Old House's recommended method for installing a new toilet or replacing an old one quickly and safely.
gfci_receptacles_x

How GFCI Receptacles Keep You Safe

Two-thirds of all electrocutions in U.S. homes could be prevented if people installed GFCI receptacles. Here's how to do it.
brushes_x

The Right Brush

For the perfect paint job, invest in the best.
landscaping_slopes_x

Landscaping a Sloped Lot

Retaining walls, decks, and native plants give the finishing touch to a timeless home.
mortar_x

What to Know About Repointing Brick

Touching up like a pro means using the right mortar. Lime-based putties take longer to set but they won't break bricks.
split_level_makeover_01

Renovating a '60s Split Level Without Divorcing It From Its Roots

The update of a '60s-era kitchen increases the room's efficiency while retaining its period flavor
whole_house_vacuum_x_0

How Whole House Vacuums Work

Wondering if installing a central vacuum system is worth it? Here’s everything you need to know about them.
clear_coats_hero

All About Clear Coats for Home Improvement

Clear coats are a great way to improve the look and durability of wood, metal, and concrete surfaces in your home. Read this guide for ideas.
squeaky_wood_floors_x

The Silent Treatment

Taking the squeak out of wood floors
A picture of wooden squeaky stairs inside a residential home

How to Fix Squeaky Stairs

Tired of squeaky steps? Identify the source of the sound and learn how to fix it to get quiet stairs.
This Old House contractor Tom Silva posting in a construction site where new flooring will be laid soon.

Picking the Perfect Floor

Learn which type of flooring is best for the rooms in your home. Our guide covers popular choices and their pros and cons.
floods_02

Spring Flood Watch

Learn how to keep your basement dry and your yard puddle-free
image of Tom Silva demonstrating how to install beadboard wainscoting

How To Install Beadboard Wainscoting

This Old House contractor Tom Silva shows us how to install beadboard wainscoting step by step in this guide.
howto_tile_13
Play

How to Install Ceramic Tile Flooring in 9 Simple Steps

Here are simple installation tips on bathroom flooring and floor tile that’ll keep what’s underneath your feet solid and long lasting.
richard_sink
Play

How To Install a Pedestal Sink

Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey shows you how to install a pedestal sink to save space in small bathrooms.
coffered ceiling built by Christopher Beidel

6 Great Looks for Your Ceiling To Spruce up a Room

Try one of these new ceiling treatments to improve the space overhead. Most homeowners can get these projects done in a weekend.
wood_flooring_faq_x

The Real Thing

Confused about wood flooring and which type works best? We've got answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Stairs descending into a wet basement that needs to be dried out.

Everything You Need to Know to Dry out a Wet Basement

Got water in the basement? Prevent mold and other problems from occurring by using a few simple, low-cost steps.
A room that uses contrasting laminate flooring styles to create a border around the floor of the room.

Laminate Flooring Styles

Laminate is a budget-friendly flooring option that can take your space to the next level. Learn about laminate flooring options in our guide.
Green wall with interior design

Tips for Working With an Interior Designer

Learn some of the most practical tips for working with an interior designer to get the most out of your interior design process.