Woodworking
To take your woodworking to the next level, get inspired with these projects across all levels.
How to Build a DIY Cedar Potting Bench
This Old House DIY expert and House One editor, Jenn Largesse, shows how to build a potting station made from naturally weather-resistant wood.
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Belt sanders are a must-have item for woodworkers of any experience level as they allow for quick and easy sanding on any wood type.
Build It | Shaker End Table with Char Miller-King
Host Kevin O’Connor meets maker Char Miller-King in her community’s workshop while she simplifies the challenging aspects of building a shaker-style table.
How to Build a Boot Cleaning Station
You can build this handy boot station with just a few essential tools and some lumber. Park it right outside your door, so you can effortlessly scrape off any muck and snow on your shoes all fall and winter. This simple DIY project only takes an hour to complete, plus no more tracking dirt into the house. Win-win!
How to Build a Little Free Library
Host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva visit a local school. The pair enlist the help of Tom’s daughter, Kate, to build a Little Free Library.
How to Build a Small Firewood Rack
Create a firewood rack that fits your storage needs using simple 2x4 construction. This pressure-treated rack will last for years outside. And paired with a cover, it will keep your firewood dry and ready to use in fireplaces, pizza ovens, or firepits.
The 5 Best Random Orbital Sanders (2023 Review)
Random orbital sanders are a must-have item for any woodworker, as they allow for wood to be sanded without worrying about the direction of the grain. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best random orbital sanders on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
Build It | Walnut Serving Tray
Inspired by an antique milk crate, TOH general contractor Tom Silva and TOH host Kevin O’Connor use box joints to assemble this simple but smart-looking project.
How to Build a Self-Watering Planter
Create a raised garden bed that you won’t have to babysit. With this simple DIY, you’ll use naturally rot-resistant cedar, fitted with some clever planter inserts, to make a low-maintenance container that automatically distributes water on its own.
The Cost of Lumber is Decreasing: What This Means For Your Summer Projects
The average price of lumber is declining from historic highs during the pandemic. That might be good news for homebuilders and homeowners alike. But will these prices continue to drop to pre-2020 levels? And how will lower lumber prices affect the homebuilding and home improvement industries—and DIYers—moving forward?
Build It | Demilune Table
General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor walk us through the process of building a demilune table.
Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: What’s the Difference?
You can confidently repair holes, cracks, or scratches in your woodwork when you know which product to use for the job. This guide will help you understand what makes wood putty and wood filler different, and when to use each so you can restore damaged trim, molding, or even furniture to its original glory without fear of doing harm.
The 5 Best Wood Glues (2023 Review)
Wood glue creates a permanent chemical bond between two pieces of wood. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best wood glues on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various furniture stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
How to Install Crown Molding Around Corners
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor a tip for installing crown molding around awkward wall angles.
How to Draw an Ellipse with String
This Old House General Contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor an easy method for drawing accurate, smooth ellipses.
Build Your Own Baseball Bat Display Case
General contractor Tom Silva shows us how to turn a basic home-built box into a baseball bat display case worthy of any commemorative or championship bat.
Build It | How to Build a Milk Stool
General contractor Tom Silva shows how to take reclaimed lumber and turn it into a charming milk stool for children or decor.
Build It | How to Build a Beehive
In this Build It video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor craft a bee-friendly backyard feature from basic building materials.
How Nathan Gilbert Became a Carpenter
Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert takes us along his journey through the carpentry trade.
How to Build a Corner Bench
Do you have an awkward space near your staircase or entryway that could use some storage? Watch as House One editor and DIY expert Jenn Largesse builds a simple corner bench with storage near her stairs.
Build It | How to Build a Box Joint Jig
General contractor Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor build a basic serving tray as a means for illustrating the box joint—a commonly used method for joining corners for drawers, boxes, trays, and the like.
Build a DIY Wood Plank Wall Planter
For this House One project, editor and DIY expert Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to make a wall-hung planter using vinyl plank flooring and a piece of plywood. Watch the video and read the tutorial for the complete project details.
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.
How to Identify and Repair Rotting Wood
General contractor Tom Silva takes host Kevin O’Connor through the causes of wood rot, how to avoid it, and what to do when it occurs.
Build It | Christmas Ornaments
Host Kevin O’Connor meets general contractor Tom Silva in the workshop playing with his new favorite toy—the lathe. Tom demonstrates how he uses it to turn custom wooden holiday ornaments perfect for the tree or give as a festive gift.
How to Build a Workbench
General contractor Tom Silva teams up with an aspiring woodworker to build a workbench specifically designed for kids.
Build It | Birdhouse
General contractor Tom Silva helps a pair of woodworking siblings build a DIY birdhouse in their new workshop.
How to Install Floating Shelves and Mantel
Jeff Sweenor and Kevin O’Connor install floating white oak shelves and a floating mantle
How to Build a Firewood Storage Bench
House One editor and DIY expert Jenn Largesse shares how to build a sturdy cedar seat that keeps firewood close.
How to Use a Drill | Tool Lab
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains everything you need to know about drill drivers, from their history to their modern features.
How to Build a Backyard Ice Rink
In this video, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert help a homeowner build a backyard ice rink for her kids that they can use year after year.
How To Bend Wood
Whether it’s a woodworking project, trimwork for a remodel, instrument making, or boatbuilding, learning to bend wood can take a project from seemingly impossible to doable. You just need to know how.