Painting a tile backsplash Remove any switch and outlet cover plates and any loose objects from the kitchen. Cover everything with plastic drop cloths and painter’s tape. Scrape any caulking on the tile. Clean the tile with a tub and tile spray and a scouring pad. Use extra care behind the stove to remove all grease. Spread a Calcium Rust cleaner on the tile surface with an abrasive pad to etch the surface and ensure good adhesion....
Not every home is blessed with a grand entryway. If your front door swings open directly into the living space, it can make for rather abrupt arrivals. A columned room divider creates an architectural feature that will gently redirect foot traffic while providing extra storage for books or even boots. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Follow along with This Old House contributor Christopher Beidel, owner of Pernt, a handmade-furniture company in Brooklyn, New York, as he shows you how to construct a partition that will look right at home in your place....
As energy cost rise, you’re probably wondering how to keep precious dollars from flying out all the leaks in your walls. The best solution is insulation. It will not only tighten things up come winter, but it will also keep your air-conditioning from going into overdrive when the weather’s still warm. But before you start tearing down drywall, you’ll want to thoroughly research your options. Chicago homeowners Jason and Jennifer LaFleur practically became experts last year after insulating the newly renovated kitchen in their 1919 Arts and Crafts bungalow....
Morphis Upholstered Platform Bed This upholstered take on the popular flip-top design features trendy tufting. About $477; Wayfair Zena Storage Platform Bed This gorgeous solid-wood platform will work in rustic and modern spaces alike. Features a warm Antique Oak finish. About $863; AllModern Hillsdale Charlie Captain’s Bed This white, twin-sized option is a solid choice for a cottage-style guest or kids’ room. Another option: This similar bed is in a daybed configuration and is packed with Princess-style details....
What is tung oil? Originating from China and South America, tung oil—an extract from tung-tree nuts—is a natural drying oil that coats your fine wood furnishings with a transparent, wet finish. It enhances the color of your wood, offers excellent protection and is eco-friendly. Pure tung oil vs linseed oil Among natural finishes, tung oil surpasses shellac and linseed oil in hardness, durability, and water resistance. It’s also food-safe, once cured....
Basil “Joe” Jagger was a physical-education teacher. His son Mick became one of the most athletic showmen in the world, running and strutting 8 to 12 miles during a typical Rolling Stones show. He works out five or six days a week. Louis “Louie” Abram was a builder. His son, Norm, became one of the most skilled carpenters in the world, cutting and joining wood for millions of TV viewers for more than 40 years....
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and you should approach buying a new mattress similarly to buying a new home. When choosing a bed, seek one that provides a comfortable and restorative rest to wake up ready to seize the day....
In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to water smartly with a lawn sprinkler. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps: Water lawn deeply and infrequently. Sandy soils dry out quickly; loamy soils and clay soils tend to hold water. As a general rule, hydrate your lawn 1 inch of water per week. Note, however, that it’s best to water twice per week, dispensing ½ inch of water each time....
How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity: Shut the hot and cold water lines off. Disconnect the sink from the P-trap and break the hose connections to the faucet. Use the utility knife to break the seal between the sink and the countertop. Then, carefully pry the sink away from the countertop with a hammer and a pry bar. Remove the screws holding the vanity to the wall and remove the vanity....
Polybutylene pipes were very popular in the mid-70s because they were easy to make and flexible for use. Over time, it was discovered that the pipe and connections began to fail. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Polybutylene failures can happen inside the wall or can cause more visible leaks. In this video, Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace her polybutylene pipes with PEX. What Can I Use to Replace Polybutylene Pipe?...
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to save money and stay warm by plugging up energy-wasting gaps, holes, and cracks. Learn how to seal windows and doors for winter in the steps below. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time How to Seal Windows for Winter For windows that you won’t open until spring, seal them shut with temporary caulking, which you can press into place, and easily peel off when winter is over....
Choose the Best Bathroom Vanity for Your Space When choosing a vanity, you’ll first need to consider the placement of the drain connection in your bathroom. You’ll also want to make sure you’re choosing upgrades that match building code. Familiarize yourself with the types of vanities. On the higher end, ornate furniture pieces can be retrofitted to include a granite top and china bowl. The lower price range includes pressboard cabinet vanities with marbled tops....
Previous episode: S41 E26 | Next episode: S42 E2 In this episode: We take a tour of kitchens—from fireplaces used for cooking in colonial times to marble counters of modern days. Follow the evolution of appliances from white to avocado to stainless as well as cabinet finishes from natural to painted. Original Air Date: Oct 4, 2020 Season 42; Ep.1 23:43 Products and Services from this Episode: Plumbing Fixtures:American StandardKohler...
Now that Jenn Nawada has become a familiar face to TOH viewers on Ask This Old House (where she has been on the team since 2015) and current renovation projects, including the Brookline mid-century-modern house, we wanted to find out a bit more about her work. We caught up with Jenn on a bitter winter day (temps in the 20s, wind chill near 10) when she was explaining the permeable pavers chosen for the Brookline project’s patio....
If you’re looking for the best gifts for a foodie this holiday season, these gifts are perfect for any grillmaster or amateur chef in your life. For Foodies: Best Grilling and Kitchen Gifts Our grilling gift guide has everything you need for those who can’t get enough of firing up meats and veggies in the summer. This guide has gifts for experts and amateur grillers and features items from trusted retailers, such as a charcoal starter, a deluxe grill set, and even an indoor electric grill....
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bath this year? We’ve rounded up 31 of our favorite products from the 2020 KBIS show. Top Kitchen & Bath Trends and Products 1. Timeless profile A handsome marriage of form and function, this top-of-the-line gooseneck faucet has deft details, a high-shine finish, a pull-down spray, plus a motion sensor for hands- free operation. Perrin & Rowe Georgian Era Touchless Pull-down Faucet in chrome, $1,358; House of Rohl...
Kevin O’Connor shows Jimmy Fallon the fun and ease of growing summer herbs and vegetables all winter long. …and hello to smart plumbing technology. TOH Plumbing and Heating expert Richard Trethewey shows Jimmy there’s no need to worry about frozen pipes during the winter when you use an automated water shutoff system. TOH Landscape Contractor Jenn Nawada shows Jimmy just how easy (and exciting) splitting logs can be when you use an electric log splitter....
A Philadelphia home insurance policy can help give you peace of mind for your home in the City of Brotherly Love. When unexpected incidents occur, from theft and vandalism to fire and hailstorms, you’ll want a homeowners insurance policy so you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket. In order to find the best home insurance in Philadelphia, you’ll have to do some research. There are many companies that provide coverage in the area, but they aren’t all equal in terms of coverage, reputation, and cost....
We love a good garden bench. A better garden bench is one that doubles as a compost bin. Inspired by benches at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in Brooklyn, New York, this one is open-bottomed so that the compost has ground contact. It’s made of rot-resistant cedar boards spaced wide to promote good air circulation. The seat opens for easy turning of the compost, and the back and arms make it a perfect perch for a break from gardening....
Traditionally, hammocks are hung outdoors, but more and more people are bringing them indoors as well. Listed below are a few gorgeous options that are relaxation-ready for your bedroom or porch. And if you’d rather not fuss with the installation, you can opt for a free-standing swing or a seat that hangs from the ceiling via a piece of hardware. Either way, make sure your securing indoor option to a sturdy framing, and using these tips for outdoor installation:...
