This Old House Archives
October 2006
10 Uses for a Copper Pipe
Give new life to plumbing job leftovers
2 Sinks + 2-Person Shower = 1 Happy Couple
Tired of fighting for shower time and bathroom space, this couple created an open, light-filled...
9 Steps to Getting the Kitchen You Want
The key: Learn how to work with your designer (start by downloading our comprehensive Kitchen...
A Stylish Clay Finish That You Can Apply
Natural earthen plaster looks good and offers no trowel trouble
Adjusting Toilet-Drain Height
Alternatives to raising a drain fitting beneath tile flooring
An Airy Bath Provides the Ultimate Escape
Seeking a private getaway in their high-traffic home, this couple added a second story with...
Bedbug Battler's Checklist
Tips for dealing with bedbugs before, during, and after an infestation. From someone who learned...
Bedbugs!
A perp sheet on the culprit in a nationwide epidemic, plus prevention and extermination options...
Brand New Bamboo
Finishes and furniture that are both stylish and sustainable
Building Character
Whether its crown, casing, or simply the most basic trim, wood molding adds style to any room&...
Building a Boardwalk
The best way to build a boardwalk
Compost for Lawns
How much compost should I spread on my lawn in the fall?
Cracked Sink
The cause of cracked sink
Editors' Picks: Our Favorite Home Offices Ever
Study up on the home offices we consider the cream of the crop.
Energy-Saving Bulbs
Compact fluorescents save big money and look good doing it
Extending Door Jambs
Adjusting pre-hung door jambs to match the thickness of old walls
Forever Green
5 traditional building products boast eco-friendly qualities
Green Products
These products get our thumbs-up for being both easy on the earth—and on the eye
Handrail for Winding Stairs
How can we install a handrail on our steep, curved stairs?
Haunted Houses
Supernatural advice on home renovation, from homeowners with centuries of experience
Heirloom Tools
Tools your kids will fight over when you're dead
Herb Gardens
Herbs not only boost your cooking and health; they green up your windowsill as winter approaches....
History of Grotesques and Gargoyles
Find out what makes them so significant, and spooky
Home Inspection Nightmares II
Home inspectors have the scariest jobs. The latest house horrors unveiled by the pros, courtesy...
Homes of the Dead
If you were off to your final resting place, wouldn't you want it to be in one of these grand...
How to Ghostbust Your Home
A real-life ghostbuster has some advice on what you can do to send spirits off to the sweet...
How to Lay a Cork Floor
An eco-friendly floor that's also easy on the feet
Outdoor Lanterns
The most popular lamps for lighting the American yard are electrified versions of the candle, gas...
Patching Vinyl Corner Trim
Can I repair a corner without taking off my vinyl siding?
Pendant Lighting
Fixtures that bring function and fashion to your kitchen
Radiant Floor Heating
Keeping your feet warm saves energy as it provides the ultimate in comfort
Recycling Katrina's Ruins
One of the Gulf Coast's hardest-hit communities deconstructs a battered 18th-century cottage to...
Return of a Southern Beauty
Uncovering the original details in an Arts and Crafts bungalow
Reusing Old Accent Windows
How to give vintage transoms, sidelights, and decorative sash new life in your house
Saving Up By Saving Water
Five simple ways for homeowners to save water
Side by Side
A master bath divided into his-and-hers spaces
accommodates both husband and wife
Space Invaders
How to prevent nonnative plants from running amok in your yard
Split Personality
A contemporary addition revitalizes one man's '30s bungalow
Stains on Shingles
Techniques for getting rid of stains on roof shingles
Stylish Hinges
Swap in these hinges to give old or modern cabinets a brand-new look.
Taking Care of Tools
Rust busting, repairing cracked handles and praise for the Yankee screwdriver
The Austin House
The renovation of a 1926 Craftsman Bungalow follows an eco-friendly path while adding space for a...
The Cleaner Cleanup
Asbestos, lead, and mold: How to responsibly rid your house of three major health and...
The Ghost in the Renovation
Acclaimed author Jennifer Egan's novel, The Keep, tells the story of the renovation of a "haunted...
The Half-Bath
A showcase for style
The Sum of Its Parts
A 165-year-old house reclaims its architectural integrity after
decades of additions.
The Three-Season Porch
How to cut costs on a new breezy retreat: Build it from screen doors with panels that swap out...
Updated Vintage Bath Before and After
Old-style fixtures and floor tile
create a vintage-bathroom look
for a traditional-style house
Water-Saving Landscape Strategies
The best practices and products for saving water in landscaping and gardening
Work Lights
In the dark on a project? These work lights provide illumination.