Woodworking
To take your woodworking to the next level, get inspired with these projects across all levels.
All About Building a Workshop
The details of your workshop depend on the projects you prefer and the space you’ve got available.
Build It | Tool Storage Shelf
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a tool storage shelf out of leftover lumber from other Build It projects.
How to Tighten a Loose Newel Post
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert travels to a Sears kit house in Richmond, Virginia to tighten an old, loose stair railing.
Build It | Hand-carved Utensils
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor hand carve wooden serving utensils using leftover pine from a previous Build It project
How to Remove a Burn Mark from a Hardwood Floor
Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert travels to Portland, Oregon to repair an original wood floor that was burned by a face-down hot iron.
How to Update Stair Treads and Risers
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his mid-century modern home.
How and When to Use a Japanese Pull Saw
Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert explains when and how to use a Japanese pull saw
How to Choose and Use Air Compressors
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how air compressors work
How to Choose and Use Drill Bits
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the uses for different drill bits
The beauty of wood, without the maintenance.
For a classic look with superior performance, check out these innovative tongue-and-groove porch planks from Aeratis, as featured in the TOH 2018 Idea House!
Pro Restoration of Antique Wood Furniture
Pro painter Nick Slavik shows you how to spruce up an antique that is covered in thick shellac
Norm Abram’s Best Tricks of the Trade VII
You asked, Norm answered! Now, learn from the best
How to Patch a Chipped Wood Floor
Using only hand tools and a drill, Tom Silva makes minor floor damage disappear with a simple and effective dutchman repair technique
Best Gifts for Woodworkers (2023)
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.
Build It | Entryway Wall Shelf
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a wall shelf for an entryway using stock poplar from a home center
Easy Way to Extract a Stripped Screw
Too much torque can strip a fastener clean in seconds, but this fix is just as quick
How to Select and Use Hearing Protection
Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor discusses the importance of hearing protection when working around power tools
How to Fit Wood to Irregular Contours
Do-it-right tool tip from our 2018 Idea House
How to Turn a Wood Slab Into a Table
Rustic wood meets modern metal to create this striking—and timeless—piece of furniture. Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor show how to make a live-edge console table of your own
How to Safely Strip Paint from Woodwork
Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique travels to Sacramento to show a homeowner the safe way to strip paint
How to Pick Tung Oil Finishes
Some handy tips for identifying and using tung oil finishes plus a list of products.
Generation NEXT | How to Cut Wood Joints
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches apprentice Austin how to make a variety of different wood joints by building simple utility boxes.
Chest of Drawers | New Yankee Workshop
Norm constructs a chest of drawers from Ponderosa pine
How to Properly Notch Structural Beams
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and general contractor Tom Silva explain how to notch structural beams to host Kevin O’Connor.
How to Turn Scrap Wood into Kindling
Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook, landscape designer Jenn Nawada and host Kevin O’Connor try out a tool that easily splits kindling.
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.
How to Build a Shadow Box
We show you how to make a DIY shadow box using an old wooden door in 15 steps.
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.
How to Create a Dutch Door
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva converts a regular door into a Dutch door.
How to Build a Chippendale Railing
Kevin O’Connor and Jeff Sweenor demonstrate how to assemble and install a Chippendale railing for the Rhode Island Beach House
How to Make a Sliced Twig Table
Maker Jimmy DiResta and Kevin O’Connor built this side table on an episode of Ask This Old House
How to Patch a Chipped Wood Floor
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva fixes a chipped wood floor using a Dutchman and hand tools.