Archives
What is Varnish?
Learn about varnish, a protective wood finish. Discover its types, uses, and tips for preserving your wood surfaces with This Old House.
This Tool Takes the Guesswork out of Picking Paint Colors
Deciding on the right paint colors for your home can be a challenge. The Datacolor ColorReader EZ makes it easy. The device has a color-sensing eye that works with a mobile app so you can scan a color you like and get its paint color match along with coordinating paint color options. Whether you’re moving into a new home and need a starting point for matching paint colors, or want to turn an object of inspiration into a room color palette, this tool does the job.
Mr. Rooter Reviews and Services
Read our Mr. Rooter review to learn about the company’s cost, services, availability, and more.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Review
If you’re looking for a moving company, read our College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving review to see if it’s the right moving service for you.
Matching Brickwork on a Historic Home | Ask This Old House Podcast Ep. 9
Sometimes a project in an old house is about making something work, but also look original. Listen as This Old House Mason Mark McCullough gives his thoughts on repairing rare brick in a historic home built in 1896.
Roto-Rooter Reviews and Services
In this Roto-Rooter review, we take an in-depth look at the company’s plumbing services.
Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Gardeners (2025 Guide)
If one of your family members or friends has a green thumb, find a gift that supports their love of gardening. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best gardening gifts to help you find the product that’s right for your loved one.
Best Gifts for a Carpenter (2025)
Carpentry projects call for a unique set of tools that can help woodworkers make intricate cuts, carve special patterns, and ensure the quality of their design. In this review, we’ll help you find the right gift for your carpenter by detailing 16 of the best carpentry tools and accessories available. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
Best Gifts for Pet Lovers (2025)
If you have a cat or dog lover in your life, or just want to spoil your pet rotten, read our guide below for some unique gift ideas for pet lovers.
5 Best Snow Blowers (2025 Guide)
In this buyer’s guide, the This Old House Reviews Team takes a look at today’s best snow blowers. From electric shovels to self-driving machines, there’s something here to get you through any winter storm.
Smart Tips for Choosing a Smart Thermostat
Learn more about how smart thermostats can help you use less energy—and spend less money.
International Van Lines Review
Learn about International Van Lines services, scheduling process, and customer reviews and determine if it’s the right company to assist you in your next move.
SERVPRO Restoration Review
With thousands of locations across the country, SERVPRO offers professional cleaning and restoration services for homes and businesses that require mold removal or have been damaged by flooding, fires, or other disasters. Learn about the benefits and the drawbacks of the company in this SERVPRO restoration review.
ServiceMaster Restore Review
When choosing a restoration company to preserve and protect your home after a crisis, it’s important to do your homework. In this ServiceMaster Restore review, we examine the company’s services, availability, and reputation to help you determine if it’s right for your restoration needs.
How to Clean Marble
Everyone knows marble is beautiful, but it requires some special care to keep clean—namely, mopping up spills immediately and avoiding acidic or abrasive cleansers. Learn how to clean marble in a variety of household locations with our list of tips and tricks.
How to Clean Upholstery
Read this guide on how to clean upholstery in your home in the most effective way.
S19 E7: All About Fireplaces
In this special episode of Ask This Old House, Tom Silva and Mark McCullough tell you everything you need to know about fireplaces; Tom builds a custom mantel for a homeowner; Richard Trethewey discusses fireplace inserts; Mark replaces the hearth of a fireplace with granite.
S42 E7: Chimney Straightener
Chimney bricks are cleaned and repurposed for a new, straight chimney. Staggered shingles are reapplied. Kevin O’Connor learns about glass orbs hidden on Block Island. Richard Trethewey shows a new shower drain.
Insider Q&A with Landscape Contractor Jenn Nawada (November 16, 2025 at 11 AM EST)
In order to view these Q&As, you must have access to YouTube or belong to our private Facebook group just for Insiders. You will need to provide your member ID or account email in order to be accepted into the Facebook group.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Pick a Paint Color
Whether you’re looking for a soothing hue for your living space or want some drama in your dining room, don’t pick a paint until you’ve read our expert advice
Landscaping Tips for a Steep Yard | Ask This Old House Podcast Ep. 8
Taking care of your yard can be a mystery, especially if it has a steep slope. What’s the best way to landscape a hilly yard? This Old House Landscape Contractor Jenn Nawada shares her best tips for choosing easy to care for plants that bloom throughout the year.
How to Paint Bare Wood
Want to save time and money when painting bare wood? House One’s Jenn Largesse shares her process for getting the best wood painting results.
The Best Black Friday Mattress Sales of 2025
Black Friday is an excellent opportunity to cash in on some of the best mattress offers of the year. Take a look at 11 of the best Black Friday mattress sales of 2023 to learn which product best suits your needs.
The Ultimate Tool for Paint: 17-in-1 Painter’s Tool
In this latest version of the 17-in-1 painter’s tool, the knife blade tackles more tasks than ever—and the handle gets put to use, too.
How to Get Squirrel-Proof Bulb Plantings
Few sights can make your heart sink like watching the spring-flowering bulbs you just planted become food for four-legged foragers. Read these tips to keep squirrels from eating your freshly planted bulbs.