Building

4 Real Cedar Wood DIY Projects for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Even as modern construction site digital technologies reshape the industry, shaping wood by hand remains deeply satisfying. Few materials reward that effort like western red cedar. This Old House recently featured four projects that showcase real cedar: a raised planter box, a garden arbor with bench, a picnic table, and an ice chest cooler. Each

What Makes Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati a Model for Urban Neighborhood Revitalization

Over-the-Rhine, a historic Cincinnati neighborhood, has undergone one of the most remarkable urban transformations in the United States. Once a neglected district of vacant buildings and shuttered storefronts, it is now a vibrant community known for preserved 19th-century architecture and a thriving food scene. The revival offers valuable insights for urban planners and construction professionals

Where History Lives: Exploring the Midwest Best Old House Neighborhoods

The American Midwest offers an extraordinary concentration of historic neighborhoods where old houses are abundant, varied, and surprisingly affordable. From the stately Queen Annes of Chicago Bronzeville to the tidy Craftsman bungalows of Topeka College Hill, the region is a treasure trove of residential architecture spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whether you

Discovering America’s Best Small Towns for Old House Enthusiasts

For old house lovers, the search for the perfect historic home often leads to well-known cities. But some of the most rewarding discoveries lie in places you might never have considered. In 2011, This Old House tracked down seventeen of North America’s most timeless small towns, places where lovingly crafted old houses have extraordinary pasts

Discovering Historic Neighborhoods Where America Past Lives On

Across the United States and Canada, certain neighborhoods preserve the architectural soul of a continent. These are places where the Civil War, the Gold Rush, the Alaska Purchase, and the birth of a nation left permanent marks on the streetscape. The homes in these districts tell stories no history book can fully capture. For old-house

Essential Woodworking Tips Every Builder Should Know: From Pilot Holes to Crown Molding

Whether you are a seasoned contractor or a dedicated DIY homeowner, mastering fundamental woodworking techniques can dramatically improve the quality and efficiency of your projects. Professional builders rely on precision measurement tools and drilling techniques to ensure every cut, joint, and fastener lands exactly where it should. In this guide, we draw from decades of

Best Old House Neighborhoods 2011: Where College Town Charm Meets Historic Architecture

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

How New Smart Stud Finders Are Changing Wall Detection

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

Don’t Get Nailed: Essential Nail Gun Safety Tips for Every Builder

Nail guns have transformed construction and DIY work, enabling builders to drive fasteners in seconds rather than minutes. But this speed comes with a serious trade-off. Approximately 14,800 nail gun injuries occur each year in the United States, ranging from minor puncture wounds to bone fractures and penetrating head traumas. Whether you are a seasoned