Adding a fire pit to your backyard is one of the most rewarding outdoor living projects you can take on. It extends the usable season of your patio or garden, creates a natural gathering point for family and friends, and increases the overall value of your property. Before you start digging, take time to explore […]
Choosing the right water supply piping is one of the most important decisions in any residential plumbing project. The pipes that carry fresh water throughout your home must be durable, safe, and compatible with local building codes. Homeowners today have several material options, each with its own advantages and limitations. Understanding these choices helps you
Window wells serve an essential role in protecting below-grade basement windows from water infiltration, soil pressure, and physical damage. Over time, these metal or plastic structures can rust, corrode, warp, or become detached from the foundation due to ground movement and constant exposure to the elements. Replacing a deteriorating window well is a manageable DIY
Transforming salvaged architectural elements into striking home decor is one of the most rewarding ways to blend history with personal style. A pier mirror, the tall ornamental glass that once graced Victorian-era foyers, can be recreated using antique door trim and modern materials. This project lets you build a statement piece that draws the eye
Dog beds are a fact of life for pet owners, but their bulky appearance rarely fits a well-decorated home. Instead of hiding your pup’s sleeping spot in a corner, you can build a clever folding bed that stows inside a handsome cabinet. This murphy bed design construction approach gives you a wall-mounted cabinet during the
Planning and Zoning the Spa Bathroom Layout Creating a spa-like bathroom begins long before any tile is laid. The layout must balance the emotional goal of relaxation with the practical demands of daily use, while respecting local building codes and existing plumbing constraints. A well-planned spa bathroom allocates distinct zones: the wet zone (shower and
Whitewashing brick offers homeowners a time-tested method for refreshing exterior and interior masonry surfaces while preserving the natural texture and character of the brickwork. Unlike conventional paint, which forms an impermeable film over the surface, whitewash creates a translucent finish that allows the brick’s color and texture to show through. This Old House mason Mark
Cork flooring has been quietly proving its worth for nearly a century, ever since it was installed at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in 1937. Today, that original cork is still largely intact, demonstrating remarkable durability that few flooring materials can match. Harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without harming the tree itself,
Keeping your workshop organized often means finding creative ways to store items that would otherwise pile up on the bench or floor. Plastic storage totes are a popular solution for everything from power tools and hardware to seasonal decorations and spare parts. However, stacking totes on top of each other creates a frustrating problem: the
Kevin O’Connor returns to Walpole, Massachusetts, in a finale that feels less like a renovation reveal and more like a family reunion. Season 47 of This Old House wraps with ‘A Double Homecoming,’ a deeply personal episode where a classic 1970s ranch house and a brand-new accessory dwelling unit finally become the forever home for
