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 […]
Water intrusion around windows is one of the most common sources of hidden damage in modern homes. Even the best-insulated, most energy-efficient window units will fail at keeping moisture out if the flashing around them is poorly installed or completely absent. Flashing a window may sound like a job best left to seasoned professionals, but
Turning salvaged door knobs into a functional wall-mounted coatrack is one of the most satisfying weekend projects a homeowner can tackle. It requires minimal materials, basic tools, and a bit of creativity. Best of all, the result is a custom storage solution that adds vintage charm to any entryway or mudroom. This Old House editor
If you have noticed a sash lock on one of your vinyl windows that is broken, stiff, or missing entirely, you might be surprised to learn how quickly you can fix it yourself. Sash locks are the small mechanisms at the meeting rail of double-hung windows that secure the upper and lower sashes together. When
Wood doors add warmth and character to any home, but they can develop a frustrating problem over time: sticking. When a door refuses to open or close smoothly, it is often a sign of underlying issues ranging from humidity fluctuations to hardware wear. Fortunately, most sticking doors can be repaired with basic tools and a
Garage door springs are essential components that support your garage door’s weight and make it easy to open and close. Over time, these springs wear out or break, leaving you with a door that either will not budge or slams down with dangerous force. While many homeowners call a professional, replacing garage door springs can
Bypass sliding doors offer a practical solution for closing off pantry spaces without sacrificing valuable floor area. Unlike swinging doors that require clearance to open, bypass doors glide along a track and overlap when opened, making them ideal for tight kitchens and narrow hallways. This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates the full installation process,
Adding a vintage screen door to a residential project delivers outsized curb appeal for a modest investment, and builders who can offer this budget-friendly upgrade differentiate themselves in a competitive market. While authentic antique screen doors and their high-end custom reproductions can easily run several hundred to over a thousand dollars, a thoughtful approach using
Steel entry doors are a popular choice among homeowners because they deliver superior security and better thermal performance compared to traditional wood doors. Their durable construction resists warping and weathering, making them a solid investment for any home. However, even these robust doors are not immune to accidental damage. A stray baseball, a dropped tool,
Drafty exterior doors are one of the most common sources of energy loss in a home, but the fix is surprisingly straightforward. Weatherstripping your exterior doors is an easy DIY project that takes about an hour to complete and can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills. Before you start replacing materials, it helps to
