For homebuyers who value character, culture, and community, few settings rival the college town. When This Old House set out to identify North America’s best old-house neighborhoods in 2011, the editors zeroed in on college towns because these places preserve architectural heritage better than most. Whether you are searching for a Victorian fixer-upper in the […]
Table saws are the backbone of any professional woodworking shop or job site, but they also remain one of the most dangerous tools in construction. Each year, thousands of serious table saw injuries send workers to emergency rooms across the country. A new generation of smart table saws is tackling this problem head-on by combining
Locating studs, pipes, and wires behind walls is essential for countless home improvement projects, from hanging heavy shelving to running new electrical circuits. Traditional stud finders have served homeowners for decades, but a new generation of devices is changing how we detect what lies behind our walls. As demonstrated by This Old House home technology
The 2025 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas brought together manufacturers from around the world to showcase their latest innovations for professionals and homeowners. Walking through the 600,000-square-foot exhibition hall revealed practical solutions for home improvement, gardening, outdoor entertaining, and workshop productivity. Whether you are refurbishing a concrete patio or upgrading your outdoor cooking setup,
For two decades, the “What Is It?” segment has been a standout feature of This Old House, delighting audiences with its unique blend of mystery, craftsmanship, and good-natured humor. Hosted by the ever-knowledgeable Tom Silva, the segment challenges the show’s crew to identify obscure tools and household contraptions, often with hilarious and humbling results. As
One of the smartest habits any homeowner can develop is keeping a well-stocked tool belt within reach whenever tackling projects around the house. Having essential hand tools readily accessible improves efficiency and produces better results. Whether you are handling carpentry, plumbing, or electrical repairs, the right tools make every task more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Having the right hand tools within easy reach can dramatically improve both the speed and quality of your work around the house or on a job site. While power tools often steal the spotlight with their speed and flash, it is the humble hand tool that solves most everyday problems. Whether you are hanging trim,
Creating a dedicated outdoor cooking area transforms how you entertain in your backyard. A grilling station keeps all your tools within reach, provides a sturdy surface for platters, and adds structure to your patio or deck layout. The good news is that you do not need expensive cabinetry to build one. With basic DIY experience,
Building a backyard sandbox is one of the most rewarding woodworking projects you can take on as a family. A well-constructed sandbox gives children hours of creative outdoor play while adding a charming feature to your landscape. The classic car-themed design from This Old House transforms a simple wooden box into an imaginative vehicle that
Green is a calming, centering color, ideal for creating a tranquil bathroom retreat. Whether you use it as wall paint, floor tiles, cabinetry, or fixtures, green brings a natural, grounding quality to any bath. The shade you choose dramatically affects the mood: yellow-greens energize while muted blue-greens soothe and relax. This Old House editors gathered
