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Woodworking Ideas & Inspiration

Explore inspiring woodworking ideas that will drastically make your home more efficient & appealing.

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Everything to Know About Wood Joints

General contractor Tom Silva teaches host Kevin O’Connor about the different wood joints, including their strengths and weaknesses.
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6 Practical Wood Shed Ideas

Firewood requires dry storage and plenty of airflow for optimal burning. These wood shed ideas offer options—and add a certain cozy, rustic touch to your property.
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Polyurethane vs. Polycrylic: Which Should You Use?

As tough as wood is, once it’s converted to some house part—a chair, a door sill, a cabinet, a floorboard—it needs to be protected against the elements and general wear and tear. When it comes to wood finish, which should you use? Read this guide to learn more about the differences between polyurethane and polycrylic.
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What is Varnish?

If you’re working on a project that involves wooden furniture or paneling, you’ll likely find yourself facing an important decision at the end: varnish or polyurethane for the finish? There’s a lot of confusion over the difference between these two popular wood sealants, and it’s important to know what sets them apart so you can choose the right topcoat for your project.
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Best Gifts for a Carpenter (2024)

Carpentry projects call for a unique set of tools that can help woodworkers make intricate cuts, carve special patterns, and ensure the quality of their design. In this review, we’ll help you find the right gift for your carpenter by detailing 16 of the best carpentry tools and accessories available. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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4 DIY Outdoor Projects You Can Make Out Of Real Cedar

Are you looking for a new project to tackle outside using cedar? We’ve rounded up four DIY wood projects that will enhance your outdoor living space. 
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Types of Plywood: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you unsure of what type of plywood to use for your next project? Read our guide to learn how to sort through all the plywood options.
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How to Build a Wall-Sized Frame for a Fabric Print

Do you love the look of wall murals, but are too hesitant to commit to the permanence of paint or wallpaper? This project will give you the look of a mural, without the commitment.
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Best Wood to Use For DIY Bookshelves

Before you grab a saw and begin a DIY bookshelf project, there are a variety of factors to consider. From wood selection to tools and materials, read our tips for building your own bookshelves.
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10 Alternative Uses for Sawdust

Don’t dump your sawdust! Here are some ways to put it to work.
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How to Use a Band Saw

Learn the basics of how to properly use a band saw.
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All About Building a Workshop

The details of your workshop depend on the projects you prefer and the space you’ve got available.
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Pro Restoration of Antique Wood Furniture

Pro painter Nick Slavik shows you how to spruce up an antique that is covered in thick shellac
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Best Gifts for Woodworkers (2024)

Choosing tools for first-time woodworkers or experienced carpenters can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best gifts for woodworkers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for the carpenter in your life. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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How to Cut a Pass-Through in a Load Bearing Wall

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a couple frame an opening between their kitchen and living room in a load-bearing wall.
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All About Interior Wood Paneling

From shiplap to salvaged barn board wood, simple interior wall cladding is making a comeback in home decor, giving rooms a style and texture boost, plus a dose of rugged charm. Here’s how to choose and use them.
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How to Make a Wall-Mounted Home Office

These space-saving shelves help you organize on a budget
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Build It | Salvaged Door Shadow Box

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a shadow box using wood recycled from an old door.
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Build It | Hawaiian Mango Keepsake Box

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva works with a local woodworker to build a keepsake box out of mango wood.
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An Inside Look at Nick Offerman’s California Woodshop

Nick Offerman is well-known as an actor, comedian, and author, but he’s also an accomplished woodworker. For 16 years, he’s owned the Offerman Woodshop in Los Angeles, a small collective of woodworkers and makers. Nick’s latest book Good Clean Fun offers readers an inside glimpse at the inner workings of his shop and even teaches some basic woodworking skills through step-by-step project instructions. Host Kevin O’Connor toured Offerman Woodshop for an episode of Ask This Old House. Here are some of the highlights from that visit.
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All About Bamboo Hardwood Flooring

Looking for the best bamboo flooring? Read our guide on what to look for, the difference in cost and durability compared to that of its rival hardwood, and how it delivers on style and versatility.
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How to Strip Paint From Wood

Our start to finish guide will help you decide how to remove paint from wood.
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All About Prefinished Wood Floors

With the classic good looks of solid wood in a DIY-friendly package, these floors are easy to love—and install
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How to Build a Home Bar

From our Hammer It Out series: Create a stately and sophisticated gathering place for mixing and serving drinks
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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
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Wood Entry Door Materials and Finishes

The wood you see beneath a clear finish determines whether your door's look will be rustic or refined
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An American Craftsman

Everything Sam Maloof touches — every chair, every table, every cabinet, every rafter, every molding, every window, every door, every latch — reveals his genius
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Beyond the Basic Floor

One of the big advantages of laminate flooring is the ability to combine a wide variety of colors and patterns. Here's how.