Woodworking
To take your woodworking to the next level, get inspired with these projects across all levels.
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.
Build It | 3D Cube Cutting Board
Using hardwoods of strikingly different colors, This Old House contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’ Connor team up to create a cutting board with an eye-catching 3D effect. See how to make one yourself with the instructions below.
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.
How to Build a Flag Display Case
Ask This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert, shows the office he renovated during the quarantine and works on the finishing touch—a display case to store the U.S. flag that was presented to him at his grandfather’s funeral.
How to Add a Sanding Station to a Workbench
In part five of this series, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows how to build a downdraft sanding station for the Ultimate Mobile Workbench.
Build It | French Rolling Pin
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor, turn a French-style rolling pin with an ornate detail in the center using a lathe.
Build It | Cooler Bench
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build an outdoor bench that doubles as a cooler using cedar and copper.
Norm’s Tricks of the Trade: Wood Cuts for Flooring
Is it advisable to mix flatsawn and quartersawn pieces? Master carpenter, Norm Abram has answers.
Celebrating Craftsmanship: The Principles of Sanding Wood
Ask This Old House general contractor, Tom Silva, explains why he loves sanding and what goes into a good sanding job.
How to Make a Folding Laptop Table
Need a comfy place to work from your couch? DIY Expert & House One editor Jenn Largesse shows you how to build a custom laptop table that easily stores away when not in use.
Build It | Modern Platform Bench
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor use strips of hardwood decking to create a slatted bench inspired by an iconic mid-century furniture design. Get the full plans and instructions to build your own George Nelson-inspired modern slatted bench.
Build It | Adirondack Chair
Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor build a classic Adirondack chair. Tom demonstrates how to build an Adirondack chair by using a template and a project plan.
How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel
Ask This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner turn a reclaimed mantel into a fireplace mantel.
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.
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.
Best Gifts for a Carpenter (2023)
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.
How to Make Geometric Wood Wall Art
House One’s Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to easily create a beautiful and unique piece of wooden art for under $40.
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.
How to Upholster a Round Tufted Storage Ottoman (Part 2)
In part two of this project, House One’s Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to upholster a round tufted storage ottoman, without the need to sew.
Understanding the Different Types of Plywood
Are you unsure of what type of plywood to purchase for your next project? Read our guide to learn how to sort through plywood options.
How to Make Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw
Cutting a straight line through plywood with a circular saw seems easy enough, but it rarely comes out as straight as it feels while you’re making the cut. To get better results, here’s three easy ways to create a guide for your saw.
3 Ways to Finish Plywood Edges
Watch these three easy ways to conceal plywood edges for more professional-looking results.
3 Ways to Make Multiple Cuts with a Miter Saw
Watch House One editor Jenn Largesse demonstrate three easy ways to make multiple cuts using a miter saw.
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.
How to Make Decorative Roof Brackets
Decorative cedar brackets are often found under an overhang like a balcony or a roof. Some brackets may be structural, but in this case, these ornamental brackets are simply decorative and are part of the home’s original features. Watch as This Old House Host Kevin O’Connor meets with Builder Charlie Silva in his shop while he makes brackets himself.
How to Build an Outdoor Air Conditioner Cover
Air conditioning is nice to have, but the look of the clunky unit outdoors can be unsightly. Watch as Jenn Largesse, DIY Expert and House One Editor, creates a wooden cover for her air conditioning unit.
Which Wood Glue to Use When
Lots of DIY projects, both small- and large-scale, often call for the use of wood glue. But did you know that "wood glue" is an umbrella term, and there are multiple adherents to choose from?