Transforming discarded materials into functional home decor ranks among the most rewarding sustainable woodworking projects. An old wooden door, with its weathered grain and solid construction, provides excellent raw material for building a display case that showcases photographs, keepsakes, or decorative objects. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrated the process of turning salvaged […]
There is something deeply appealing about small towns where history is etched into the architecture. While digital connections keep us connected, real communities thrive on face-to-face encounters and a shared appreciation for craftsmanship. This Old House identified vibrant small towns across North America where period houses remain the centerpiece of daily life, from Alaska to
Building a birdhouse is one of the most rewarding woodworking projects you can tackle with children or beginner builders. The classic design from the Build It | Birdhouse project on This Old House offers a perfect weekend activity that teaches fundamental measuring, cutting, and assembly skills while producing a functional backyard feature. General contractor Tom
Whether you are hauling construction equipment, a boat, or a utility trailer, the connection between your vehicle and the trailer depends entirely on one critical component: the trailer hitch. Selecting the wrong hitch or setting it up incorrectly can lead to dangerous sway, poor braking, or even a detached load at highway speeds. This article
There is a quiet revolution happening in the world of old houses. While grand Victorians often steal the spotlight, a growing number of homebuyers and preservationists are turning their attention to something smaller, cozier, and arguably more livable: the classic American cottage and bungalow. These compact homes, built primarily between 1900 and 1940, offer efficient
In an era dominated by automated manufacturing and mass production, the story of Shelby Barnhart stands as a powerful reminder that traditional craftsmanship is alive and thriving. Barnhart, a metalworker based in Connecticut, turned a childhood fascination with her father’s tools into Arc and Hammer, a thriving metalworking business that ships handrails to customers across
A workbench is the heart of any workshop. It provides a stable surface for cutting, assembling, and finishing projects while keeping tools organized and within reach. Building your own workbench is an affordable DIY project that allows you to customize the size, features, and layout to match your specific needs. The project featured by This
General contractor Tom Silva has been a fixture on This Old House for decades, known for his meticulous approach to building and renovation. But what many fans may not realize is that one of his deepest passions takes place in a corner of his workshop, standing before a spinning piece of wood. Tom Silva is
Master carpenter Norm Abram has spent decades sharing practical woodworking wisdom that turns frustrating DIY moments into smooth, professional results….
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
