Woodworking How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our woodworking step-by-step tips & ideas.
How to Build a Three-Tiered Side Table
It holds much more than a reading lamp—and takes less time to make than shopping for a look-alike
Finding the Right Finish for Interior Woodwork
Staining interior woodwork is a process of trial and error. Here's how the TOH TV pros got the look they were after—and how you can get great results every time
Jigsaw 101: How to Use the Shoe to Cut a Beveled Curve
Pro tips on cutting curved scribe lines at an angle
Jigsaw 101: How to Make a Plunge Cut
Pro tips on cutting into the center of your material
Jigsaw 101: How to Cut Shapes
Pro tips on making tight-angle or curve cuts
Jigsaw 101: How to Use the Speed Setting
Pro tips on maintaining speed and control when cutting
Jigsaw 101: How to Use the Orbital-Action Setting
Pro tips on setting the blade to cut through different materials
How to Hide Screwheads on Stair Treads and Other Wood Surfaces
Mask fasteners easily with a simple wood plug
How to Build a Storage Ottoman
Use plywood, foam, and fabric to create a handsome custom piece
How to Patch Wood
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make an undetectable repair in rotted wood
How to Create a Pickled Finish on Wood
A rag and a bit of primer can give plain wood the whitewashed look of driftwood
How to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to safely cut open up a wall.
How to Pick Materials for a Workbench
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva gives tips for selecting lumber for building a workbench
How to Build a Home Bar
From our new Hammer It Out series: Create a stately and sophisticated gathering place for mixing and serving drinks
How to Stain and Finish Wood Furniture
Wood finishing expert Bruce Johnson shares tips for refinishing new and old furniture
How to Install a Floor Medallion
A guide to creating a beautiful inlaid ornament in a wood floor
Choosing & Using Random Orbit Sanders
How do you use an orbital sander? What’s the difference between an orbital sander vs palm sander? Learn about the tool that takes the hassle out of sanding wood.
How to Read a Lumber Stamp
Translating the letters and symbols imprinted on wood products
How to Refinish Hardwood Floors
Clean and refinish hardwood floors without sanding down to the bare wood.
Wainscoting Designs
This traditional half-wall paneling comes in all shapes and sizes. Here's how to pick the right one to make your room stand out
How to Stop a Wood Door from Sticking
Try these antisagging remedies, arranged in order from easiest to most difficult
Clean Grime from Woodwork
Refresh your tired wood furniture and trim without having to strip and refinish
How to Refinish Woodwork
Whether it's a quick cleaning or a complete strip-down, you can always remedy a tired, old wood finish
How to Build a Table From Stair Parts
Create a space-saving central repository for keys, leashes, and mail in your front entry using vintage stair parts
How to Strip a Hardwood Floor
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows the proper and safe way to remove an old finish from a hardwood floor
How to Refinish Hardwood Floors
Applying a new finish to an old floor with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
Using Chemical Strippers to Prep a Wood Door for Refinishing
Pro secret for rejuvenating weather-beaten wood
How to Refinish a Door
A pro's secrets for rejuvenating weather-beaten wood.
How to Give It a Shellacking
Spot repairs on woodwork are easy when the finish is shellac
How to Make a Doorknob Coatrack
Use vintage doorknobs and salvaged trim to make a showpiece coatrack in less than two hours
How to Read the Stamp
An easy way to identify the right framing lumber for your needs
How to Repair a Damaged Doorjamb
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva makes an undetectable repair to a damaged doorjamb