Woodworking

To take your woodworking to the next level, get inspired with these projects across all levels.

How to Properly Notch Structural Beams

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and general contractor Tom Silva explain how to properly notch structural beams.

How To Turn Scrap Wood Into Kindling With a DIY Kindling Splitter

Learn tips for DIY kindling splitting from landscape contractor Roger Cook, landscape designer Jenn Nawada, and host Kevin O’Connor.

How to Cut a Pass-Through in a Load Bearing Wall

In this guide, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to cut a pass-through in a load-bearing wall.

How To Build a Shadow Box

Use an old door or recycled wood to cheaply create your own DIY shadow box. This step-by-step guide shows you how.

Interior Wall Paneling: A Guide to Wood Clad Options

From shiplap to salvaged barn board wood, interior wall cladding is making a comeback in home decor. Here is a detailed list of design ideas.

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 cool metal 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.

How to Build a Holiday Toy Box that Will Delight any Child

Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a toy box step by step for Silva's grandson.

How to Make a Wall-Mounted Home Office

These space-saving shelves help you organize on a budget

Generation Next | Building a First Toolbox

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a young fan how to build her first toolbox to store her tools.

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.

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.

How to Identify Hardwoods and Softwoods

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva walks host Kevin O’Connor through the types of woods available and the best uses for each

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using a Jigsaw

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows the best uses for a jigsaw and how to choose the right one for the job.

What Is It? | Sliding Red Metal Tool

The guys from Ask This Old House take a look at a sliding, red metal tool and ask, "What is it?"

How to Match Historic Molding

Watch as Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor ways to match historic molding for new renovations.

Norm Abram's Tricks of the Trade V

A collection of the latest and greatest tips from the TOH master carpenter

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.