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Basin size, sink style, configuration, material, gauge—with so many options to choose from, buying a new sink can be daunting. MR Direct carries an amazing array of sinks, in a variety of prices, styles, and materials, so we’ve compiled some of our favorites to help you get started. Stainless Steel Apron Sink Why We Love ItApron sinks are mounted either over or under the countertop, so that the front remains exposed and almost appears to be carved into the cabinetry....

This article appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of This Old House Magazine. Click here to learn how to subscribe. Reset Pathway Stones Sunken stones overrun by grass are not an inviting sight. To reset them, cut away the overgrown grass with a string trimmer to expose the edges of each stone. Use a knife or trowel to cut those edges free from the turf, then work the bent end of a pry bar under the edges of each stone and lift it out....

The tension-easing relief a sauna offers can do wonders. It’s a tradition historically linked to Finland, where pits dug in the sides of slopes were heated with fireplaces, hot stones, and steam. Luckily, it’s possible to build one of these cozy relaxation rooms at home without digging a hole in the side of a hill. Read on to learn the basics of building a home sauna plus factors to consider before you begin....

Steps for cleaning a clogged shower cartridge: Start by covering up the shower drain with a drop cloth to prevent any pieces from falling down the drain. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Remove the handles, escutcheons, and cover plate for the shower valve. a. This will vary, depending on the manufacturer. In general, look for small circles that could be concealing screws that are holding the handles in place. These can usually be removed with an Allen wrench....

Expert painter Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor how to bring an old paintbrush back to life. Kevin explains that a “friend” let their wet paintbrush sit too long, allowing it to harden and become unusable. Mauro explains the importance of cleaning a paintbrush after every use before showing Kevin some methods of removing the dried paint from the bristles with a chemical brush cleaner. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time After donning some safety gear, Mauro shows Kevin how to soak the brush in the chemical solution and explains how to tell when it’s ready....

Pungent, musty odors can make a basement unbearable to spend time in. If strong enough, these awful odors can even work their way up into the rest of the house. Instead of ignoring the problem, learn how to get rid of it. 1. Find the Source The first step to getting rid of musty smells in your basement is identifying where they’re coming from. Most of the time, the smell is simply a symptom of the actual issue, which is mold or mildew caused by moisture....

Steps for Planting a Cherry Tree: Start by identifying a good location for the tree, keeping in mind that it will grow and get larger. Trace the outside of the bucket using the shovel, then pull the tree out of the way to dig. Leave space on the outside of the bucket so that the hole ends up being about twice as wide as the tree. Dig the hole for the tree about as deep as the pot....

Steps: Before doing any digging, always call the local utility locating service to identify underground utilities. This will help you avoid hitting or damaging them while working on the project. Turn the irrigation system on. When the current irrigation heads come up, use the flags to mark their location. This will make them easier to find. Dig down near each of the flags to expose the irrigation heads. Unscrew the old heads and thread on the new smart heads....

Previous episode: S20 E37 | Next episode: S20 E39 In this episode: Host Kevin O’Connor meets mason Mark McCullough at the shop to discuss masonry finishes. After Mark explains when and the reasons why such a durable material needs sealing, he walks Kevin O’Connor through the process. He states it’s crucial to repair the masonry first, then he wets the walls and applies a detergent. Finally, he applies the sealer....

Previous episode: S21 E8 | Next episode: S21 E10 In this episode: We ask the crew of Ask This Old House what they’d be doing if they weren’t contractors, and some answers are surprising! While everyone loves what they do now, they all seem to have a hidden interest or talent they would’ve explored if contracting didn’t work out. Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop as paint expert Mauro Henrique shows him how to remove wallpaper the easy way....

A new Wolverine survey revealed that only nine percent of young people had any plans of entering the skilled trades, a reality that could slow the construction of America’s homes, roads, and buildings, and ultimately impact the country’s infrastructure for a growing population. With more than six million unfilled U.S. jobs and so few young people joining the trades, America is facing a “skills gap” where there are more skilled jobs available than qualified people to fill them....

Parched skin isn’t the only victim of dry winter air due to low humidity. The prized stamp collection you inherited from your uncle could be in danger too. Interior humidity can dip as low as Sahara Desert levels of 10 percent. Moisture-deprived air can harm wood furniture, musical instruments, and more. Dr. Ted Myatt, ScD, senior scientist with Environmental Health & Engineering and the University of Rhode Island, recommends keeping your home’s humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent....

Homeowners in Atlanta get to enjoy living in a popular Southern city known for good music. While it gets hot in the summers, Atlanta does experience four distinct seasons, with a range of temperatures. Taking care of Atlanta lawns year-round can be a big chore. For homeowners who don’t have the time to aerate and fertilize, or would prefer to simply relax, professional lawn care companies can be a good option....

Like many major cities, Washington, D.C. sees many different types of pest problems. With the DMV’s dense population and active tourism, rodents and bed bugs are common pests that infest D.C. homes. Having a pest control plan can prevent infestations and keep your home pest-free. There are so many options for pest control companies in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area that it might get difficult trying to figure out which is best for you and your home....

It’s a Wrap! On March 8, the cast and crew of This Old House—along with 8 lucky Insider members and their guests—celebrated the show’s latest finished project. It took eight months to take the Charleston Single House from run down to fully restored, so a party was definitely in order! In addition to partaking in the festivities, our Insiders got to watch the last bits of filming, hang out with the guys, take photos, and tour the finished house....

Sleep on It We’ve gathered color and design inspiration from our Color of the Month archives so that you can show your love for our home team every day! Which of these is YOUR favorite look? Tell us in a comment at the bottom of this page. Grays with medium intensity can work well in a bedroom. It’s a soothing hue come nightfall, but not too dark during the day....

In this video, Ask This Old House Carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows host Kevin O’Connor how to handle light abrasions, heavier wear, and even small gouges on hardwood surfaces. He explains how to blend these repairs in and even tells Kevin when it’s best to call a professional. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time How to Fix Light Wood Abrasions Light abrasions are often the result of materials rubbing on the finished surface of the wood....

Barbara and Phil Johnson, of Mobile, Alabama, faced the same problems other deck owners do. Over the years, the elements as well as their kids and pets took a toll on their backyard deck. The damage and the appearance were bad enough for the Johnsons to consider ripping the whole thing up and starting over. But before taking that drastic step, they spoke with Danny Lipford, owner and president of Lipford Construction in Mobile, for advice....

Steps for Venting a Clothes Dryer Measure and mark the correct location for the rigid pipe to vent to the outside. Drill a pilot hole through the marked location to determine where to drill from outside. When drilling through vinyl siding, set the drill into reverse and lightly score the hole based on the center of the pilot hole using the hole saw. Set the drill into the correct direction and drill the hole....

The rustic character of our Fairfield Farmhouse emerges with installation of its standing seam metal roof, board-and-batten siding on the bedroom wing, and natural cedar on the barn. But there’s still plenty of work to be done—inside and out—before this house is move-in ready. Water View Sited about 22 feet above the road, the house takes advantage of its unimpeded view of Long Island Sound with a balcony off the second floor and three triple 8-ft....